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Hello Doctors, I Was Curious What This Red Pimple/bump Could

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Posted on Wed, 5 Jun 2019
Question: Hello Doctors,

I was curious what this red pimple/bump could be on my scrotum. It%E2%80%99s been there for about two weeks and I have seen a physician who suggested that it might be an ingrown hair, but it doesn%E2%80%99t feel like it has shrunken at all since, as if it%E2%80%99s not healing. He did prescribe Bactrim but I did not fill it, to try to let it heal on its own. I asked the doctor if this appears as cancerous and he said no, to which he also performed a physical testicle exam, finding nothing. I attached a picture of the spot.

Is this something to be concerned of?
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (0 minute later)
Hello Doctors,

I was curious what this red pimple/bump could be on my scrotum. It%E2%80%99s been there for about two weeks and I have seen a physician who suggested that it might be an ingrown hair, but it doesn%E2%80%99t feel like it has shrunken at all since, as if it%E2%80%99s not healing. He did prescribe Bactrim but I did not fill it, to try to let it heal on its own. I asked the doctor if this appears as cancerous and he said no, to which he also performed a physical testicle exam, finding nothing. I attached a picture of the spot.

Is this something to be concerned of?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (43 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Possible ingrown hair or a skin cyst- not worrisome generally

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,

I carefully read your query and checked the uploaded image. I do not think this is something of concern.
It might be an ingrown hair as the doctor already said and in this case it should heal spontaneously in a week or so.
Another possible cause is a skin cyst that is quite common and not dangerous. It does not seem cancerous because it seems very regular and smooth and also it has been there for only a short time. We would consider cancer if lesion is present for more than 1-2 months and if it is irregual and rough in the surface.

I would advice you to just monitor it the next 2-3 weeks. If the lesion is still present in 1 month, or it grows further or you get symptoms with it, it might be advisable to see your doctor again.

I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Kind regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General and Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Possible ingrown hair or a skin cyst- not worrisome generally

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,

I carefully read your query and checked the uploaded image. I do not think this is something of concern.
It might be an ingrown hair as the doctor already said and in this case it should heal spontaneously in a week or so.
Another possible cause is a skin cyst that is quite common and not dangerous. It does not seem cancerous because it seems very regular and smooth and also it has been there for only a short time. We would consider cancer if lesion is present for more than 1-2 months and if it is irregual and rough in the surface.

I would advice you to just monitor it the next 2-3 weeks. If the lesion is still present in 1 month, or it grows further or you get symptoms with it, it might be advisable to see your doctor again.

I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Kind regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General and Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (25 minutes later)
Thank you doctor. If I may ask, is it normal for this to last for 2 weeks without really changing (shrinking just a little bit)? I'm worried that it's not going to heal because it's been 2 weeks and not much has changed.
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (0 minute later)
Thank you doctor. If I may ask, is it normal for this to last for 2 weeks without really changing (shrinking just a little bit)? I'm worried that it's not going to heal because it's been 2 weeks and not much has changed.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Detailed answer below

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,

I understand your concern with a lump that is not healing and the risk of cancer.
On the other hand, cancer does not grow so big in only two weeks and we suspect it if a lesion in there for much longer.
An ingrown hair generally should heal in two weeks but giving another few days is worthy. If it is not healing, very likely by the photo, it seems like a cyst. Cysts are generally benign and do not pose any risk. In the case it is not shrinking in another two weeks, even if it is likely to be a cyst, it would be best to check it again with your doctor, just to make sure.

To conclude:
- ingrown hair is in the limits when it should heal, it generally gets yellow and bursts the hair out to heal. If this doesn't happen in the next 4-5 days, it is less likely to be ingrown hair
- a skin cyst may last weeks to months, it is not dangerous, it is smooth and regular.
- it is advisable to examine it again if it is not smaller in 2-3 weeks or earlier if you notice any worsening. It may still be a cyst in this case but a check is advisable.

I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,

Dr. Antoneta Zotaj

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Detailed answer below

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,

I understand your concern with a lump that is not healing and the risk of cancer.
On the other hand, cancer does not grow so big in only two weeks and we suspect it if a lesion in there for much longer.
An ingrown hair generally should heal in two weeks but giving another few days is worthy. If it is not healing, very likely by the photo, it seems like a cyst. Cysts are generally benign and do not pose any risk. In the case it is not shrinking in another two weeks, even if it is likely to be a cyst, it would be best to check it again with your doctor, just to make sure.

To conclude:
- ingrown hair is in the limits when it should heal, it generally gets yellow and bursts the hair out to heal. If this doesn't happen in the next 4-5 days, it is less likely to be ingrown hair
- a skin cyst may last weeks to months, it is not dangerous, it is smooth and regular.
- it is advisable to examine it again if it is not smaller in 2-3 weeks or earlier if you notice any worsening. It may still be a cyst in this case but a check is advisable.

I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,

Dr. Antoneta Zotaj

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (17 hours later)
Thank you doctor. I appreciate your answers, as it does alleviate quite a bit of the anxiety. If I may, considering that this is new...today, particularly after my first meal, I've been nauseous (but more of a type where I feel it in my throat as opposed to my stomach). Between that, and having a pain that is radiating into my testicle(s) (particularly my right one), I'm a little concerned. When I got home just now, I did a small self-examination and the right testicle itself doesn't ache when palpated (it feels like the left one in terms of lack of direct pain), and I have a history of a repaired inguinal hernia that had a nasty flare-up back in December, so I'm trying to be optimistic and hope that it's just that one nerve being irritated and radiating into my groin.

Does all of this sound like a serious underlying condition or no? I don't have health insurance right now, as I too am in medical school.
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (0 minute later)
Thank you doctor. I appreciate your answers, as it does alleviate quite a bit of the anxiety. If I may, considering that this is new...today, particularly after my first meal, I've been nauseous (but more of a type where I feel it in my throat as opposed to my stomach). Between that, and having a pain that is radiating into my testicle(s) (particularly my right one), I'm a little concerned. When I got home just now, I did a small self-examination and the right testicle itself doesn't ache when palpated (it feels like the left one in terms of lack of direct pain), and I have a history of a repaired inguinal hernia that had a nasty flare-up back in December, so I'm trying to be optimistic and hope that it's just that one nerve being irritated and radiating into my groin.

Does all of this sound like a serious underlying condition or no? I don't have health insurance right now, as I too am in medical school.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Possible causes and further steps explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,

It is a pleasure to be able to help you.


It is good your testicle examination seems almost normal and you do not seem to feel any testicular lumps and the pain is not intense.

Do you have any lumps on the inguinal canal area? Any bulging there when you cough?
Have you had unprotected intercourse in the last 3 months?

If you notice no lumps or bulging then very likely the scrotal pain is not due to hernia but on the other hand, the best way to rule hernia is by ultrasound examination. This is why it is important that if the pain is not improving in the next few days or you notice any worsening you will need to see a doctor. I understand your difficulty to access medical care due to lack of health insurance but if the pain locally there worsens you will need to make sure it is not something important to rule out.

To conclude:
- because your symptoms have just started, it is best to watch how you will be doing in the next 2-3 days.
- meanwhile, try to avoid tight underpants and pants, avoid lifting weights and straining and use some ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours after food to help with the pain.
- if no improvement in the symptoms in a few days or you notice any worsening you will need to see a doctor to rule out a hernia or other testicular problems.
- if you have had unprotected intercourse in the last 3 months, there may be a risk for sexually transmitted infection and proper examination to rule these out is advisable

I hope this is helpful and answers to your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Possible causes and further steps explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,

It is a pleasure to be able to help you.


It is good your testicle examination seems almost normal and you do not seem to feel any testicular lumps and the pain is not intense.

Do you have any lumps on the inguinal canal area? Any bulging there when you cough?
Have you had unprotected intercourse in the last 3 months?

If you notice no lumps or bulging then very likely the scrotal pain is not due to hernia but on the other hand, the best way to rule hernia is by ultrasound examination. This is why it is important that if the pain is not improving in the next few days or you notice any worsening you will need to see a doctor. I understand your difficulty to access medical care due to lack of health insurance but if the pain locally there worsens you will need to make sure it is not something important to rule out.

To conclude:
- because your symptoms have just started, it is best to watch how you will be doing in the next 2-3 days.
- meanwhile, try to avoid tight underpants and pants, avoid lifting weights and straining and use some ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours after food to help with the pain.
- if no improvement in the symptoms in a few days or you notice any worsening you will need to see a doctor to rule out a hernia or other testicular problems.
- if you have had unprotected intercourse in the last 3 months, there may be a risk for sexually transmitted infection and proper examination to rule these out is advisable

I hope this is helpful and answers to your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (42 minutes later)
Exactly. The testicle itself doesn%E2%80%99t hurt, it%E2%80%99s more of a pain that radiates into the scrotum or down my right leg.

No, I do not have any lumps in the inguinal canal area, and I don%E2%80%99t believe theres a bulge when I cough (but I could just not be experienced enough to feel it). I received oral sex approximately two weeks ago, but not full intercourse. I just know that when I actually had a hernia in 2015, it was discovered when I began experiencing right testicular pain because that nerve was being pinched.
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (0 minute later)
Exactly. The testicle itself doesn%E2%80%99t hurt, it%E2%80%99s more of a pain that radiates into the scrotum or down my right leg.

No, I do not have any lumps in the inguinal canal area, and I don%E2%80%99t believe theres a bulge when I cough (but I could just not be experienced enough to feel it). I received oral sex approximately two weeks ago, but not full intercourse. I just know that when I actually had a hernia in 2015, it was discovered when I began experiencing right testicular pain because that nerve was being pinched.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
A watchful approach is recommended

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,

I would advise you to just watch your symptoms. If they persist or you feel any worse an ultrasound might be indicated.
Meanwhile, take something for pain if it is bothersome and try to avoid lifting weights or doing exercises so to prevent any possible muscular strain that might cause similar symptoms and be confusing.

I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
A watchful approach is recommended

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,

I would advise you to just watch your symptoms. If they persist or you feel any worse an ultrasound might be indicated.
Meanwhile, take something for pain if it is bothersome and try to avoid lifting weights or doing exercises so to prevent any possible muscular strain that might cause similar symptoms and be confusing.

I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (40 hours later)
Understood. Luckily, the symptoms have subsided, however, one symptom has sort of persisted over the past few days...it feels like the base of my penis is sore (on the right side of the base). But when I clasp my penis, it doesn%E2%80%99t hurt (so I don%E2%80%99t know if it%E2%80%99s the skin that%E2%80%99s bothered, possibly the infection from the bump on the scrotum, or if there%E2%80%99s something deeper going on). This was not occurring when I saw the doctor originally, and I don%E2%80%99t know what this could be. I%E2%80%99m urinating fine without any visible blood or discharge. I%E2%80%99m planning on getting the Bactrim medication in a few days, so maybe that will help.

Should I be concerned?
I know I%E2%80%99m asking a lot of questions.
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (0 minute later)
Understood. Luckily, the symptoms have subsided, however, one symptom has sort of persisted over the past few days...it feels like the base of my penis is sore (on the right side of the base). But when I clasp my penis, it doesn%E2%80%99t hurt (so I don%E2%80%99t know if it%E2%80%99s the skin that%E2%80%99s bothered, possibly the infection from the bump on the scrotum, or if there%E2%80%99s something deeper going on). This was not occurring when I saw the doctor originally, and I don%E2%80%99t know what this could be. I%E2%80%99m urinating fine without any visible blood or discharge. I%E2%80%99m planning on getting the Bactrim medication in a few days, so maybe that will help.

Should I be concerned?
I know I%E2%80%99m asking a lot of questions.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (10 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It does not sound worrisome- further explanations below

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,

I think the pain you are experiencing is not related to the skin or the lump, if this was the case, it would be worse on touch. Generally, if pain originates from the skin, it is worse on touch.

Very likely it is pain related to deep muscles in the area or rarely due to hernia but in my opinion, it is worth just relaxing and watch it in the next few days. Very likely it will fade as the rest of the symptoms did.

If it does not improve, it is best to seek medical advice again.

I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
It does not sound worrisome- further explanations below

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,

I think the pain you are experiencing is not related to the skin or the lump, if this was the case, it would be worse on touch. Generally, if pain originates from the skin, it is worse on touch.

Very likely it is pain related to deep muscles in the area or rarely due to hernia but in my opinion, it is worth just relaxing and watch it in the next few days. Very likely it will fade as the rest of the symptoms did.

If it does not improve, it is best to seek medical advice again.

I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (7 hours later)
It's weird, because it hurts quite a bit more when touched (almost as if it feels like a rash without looking like one at all). And I don't know if this is related, but I feel like I'm urinating more but I could just be focusing more on that due to this penile discomfort.
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (0 minute later)
It's weird, because it hurts quite a bit more when touched (almost as if it feels like a rash without looking like one at all). And I don't know if this is related, but I feel like I'm urinating more but I could just be focusing more on that due to this penile discomfort.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (12 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Pain killers are recommended

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back again,

I would advise you to take pain killers like Ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours after food for a few days. If you notice no improvement in the pain of you notice any worsening a visit is necessary. Also if you develop discomfort with urination or increased secretions, these are a reason for medical attention as well.

How is now the skin lesion? Is it the same or any better? Did you start the treatment for it already?

Let me know of the above and if you have any further questions.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Pain killers are recommended

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back again,

I would advise you to take pain killers like Ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours after food for a few days. If you notice no improvement in the pain of you notice any worsening a visit is necessary. Also if you develop discomfort with urination or increased secretions, these are a reason for medical attention as well.

How is now the skin lesion? Is it the same or any better? Did you start the treatment for it already?

Let me know of the above and if you have any further questions.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4435 Questions

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Hello Doctors, I Was Curious What This Red Pimple/bump Could

Hello Doctors, I was curious what this red pimple/bump could be on my scrotum. It%E2%80%99s been there for about two weeks and I have seen a physician who suggested that it might be an ingrown hair, but it doesn%E2%80%99t feel like it has shrunken at all since, as if it%E2%80%99s not healing. He did prescribe Bactrim but I did not fill it, to try to let it heal on its own. I asked the doctor if this appears as cancerous and he said no, to which he also performed a physical testicle exam, finding nothing. I attached a picture of the spot. Is this something to be concerned of?