Can an ingrown hair become infected and cause severe pain?

Question

Hello doctor,

Initially, I thought I had an ingrown hair on my butt. Over the next few days, I tried to squeeze the area, and some pus came out. I applied antibiotic ointment and took a bath with Epsom salt. I also used some Ichthammol ointment on it, but none of these remedies worked.

Before this happened, I had worn a new pair of tight jeans, which led me to believe it was an ingrown hair. However, the area now feels hard, and because I squeezed it, it has grown. It looks like there may be two or more hard cyst areas, but I do not see any signs of an ingrown hair follicle.

The area is now approximately four inches long, red, hot, hard, and extremely painful.

Should I seek medical attention from a local doctor?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello ,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Based on your description, it seems like you may have a furuncle or carbuncle. Here are some recommendations:

Apply warm compresses locally to the affected area.
Use ointment Mupirocin.
I suggest you take Tab. Advil (Ibuprofen)400 mg or Tylenol (Acetaminophen) 325 mg to alleviate pain.
Avoid plucking or squeezing the lesion, as this can worsen the infection.
If you have multiple lesions, I suggest you take tablet Cefixime 200 mg twice daily for five to seven days.
Oral antibiotics are not necessary unless you have a fever or multiple lesions.
Maintain good hygiene by using an antiseptic or disinfectant, such as Chlorhexidine.
If the symptoms persist or worsen after two days, it is advisable to visit a doctor.

Hope this helps you.

Take care.