Do I have folliculitis?

Resolved question:

about a year ago I shaved my bikini line. I didn't think anything of the ingrown hairs because they mostly grew back within a few days. There are a few spots that are red and not the same color of the rest of my skin and some of them, when I squeeze them, they burst out with puss and sometimes blood. Is it something like an infected ingrown hair? And if so what about the little pockets of skin that are red and not going away? Please help!

Submitted: 4 Days
Category: Community

Expert:  Dr. John Monheit replied 4 Days.

Hello, The spots that you have described are probably suggestive of a condition known as Folliculitis that is the inflammation of the hair follicles. It is commonly seen over the face, scalp, thigh and groin following friction between the clothing, excessive perspiration, and dermatitis. It is mainly caused by bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus Aureus, although fungal infection also can lead to this condition. Folliculitis generally presents as a pimple with a hair follicle in the groin area associated with or without itching, redness and usually contains pus, blood or both.

I would suggest you to get a set of investigations done like complete blood test   and use an antibiotic like Augmentin 625 mg twice a day after food for 5 days and a painkiller like ibuprofen twice a day after food for 5 days. You can also prevent further infection by taking regular showers using antibacterial soaps, use loose clothing, Avoid shaving the area for sometime and popping the spots. If the condition gets worsened, then you can consult the dermatologist for further treatment. Thank you.

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