A cyst or lump in the pubic area can be an uncomfortable and recurring issue for many people. A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops beneath the skin, often containing pus, air, or other material. While many pubic lumps are relatively harmless and resolve on their own, recurring or persistent cysts signal a need for professional medical evaluation. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step toward effective management and long-term prevention.
Common Causes of Recurring Cysts
The most frequent reasons for recurring bumps in the pubic area are related to the hair follicle and surrounding skin glands. Ingrown hairs are a common trigger, especially following hair removal methods like shaving or waxing. When coarse pubic hair is cut or pulled out, it can curl back and re-enter the skin, causing the body to treat the hair as a foreign object. This reaction leads to inflammation, which can progress into a cyst around the trapped hair.
Folliculitis is the inflammation or infection of the hair follicles, often due to bacteria or fungi. This condition often presents as small, red, pimple-like bumps that can become pus-filled. Epidermoid cysts, sometimes called sebaceous cysts, form when surface skin cells or the protein keratin become trapped beneath the skin, leading to a slow-growing, firm lump.
Specific Conditions Requiring Medical Diagnosis
When cysts recur frequently, are persistent, or appear in clusters, a healthcare provider may diagnose a more complex or chronic condition. Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by deep, painful nodules and abscesses that repeatedly form in areas where skin rubs together, such as the groin and inner thighs. HS lesions develop from blocked hair follicles and often lead to the formation of tunnels, called sinus tracts, beneath the skin.
For those with vulvas, a Bartholin’s cyst occurs when the duct leading from one of the Bartholin’s glands becomes blocked. These glands, located near the vaginal opening, produce fluid for lubrication. The fluid builds up, forming a cyst that can range in size from a pea to a golf ball. If this cyst becomes infected, it quickly turns into a painful abscess.
Abscesses
Any type of cyst or blocked follicle can result in an abscess, which is a localized, painful collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection. Abscesses require prompt medical treatment, as they need incision and drainage to heal properly.
Immediate Steps and When to See a Healthcare Provider
For a newly formed, non-infected cyst, home care involves applying a warm compress to the area several times a day. Heat helps to soothe the inflammation and may encourage the cyst to drain naturally. It is important to resist the urge to squeeze, pop, or cut the cyst, as this increases the risk of introducing bacteria and causing a severe infection or scarring.
Professional medical attention is necessary if the cyst is rapidly growing, becoming extremely painful, or interfering with daily activities like walking or sitting. Red flags that indicate a likely infection include spreading redness (cellulitis), warmth around the lump, a fever, or the presence of yellow or foul-smelling pus drainage. A doctor can safely drain an abscess, and may prescribe oral antibiotics or a steroid injection to reduce inflammation. For conditions like Hidradenitis Suppurativa, specialized management is necessary, which may involve long-term medications to control the underlying inflammation.
Reducing the Likelihood of Recurrence
Adopting specific hygiene and clothing practices reduces the conditions that lead to recurring pubic cysts. Maintaining consistent hygiene, using mild soap, and keeping the area clean and dry minimizes bacterial buildup. Clothing choices also play a role, as wearing loose-fitting bottoms and breathable cotton underwear helps reduce friction and moisture retention, which can irritate hair follicles.
If hair removal is a factor in cyst recurrence, adjusting techniques can be beneficial. Shaving in the direction of hair growth with a sharp, clean razor minimizes the chance of the hair curling back into the skin. Gentle, regular exfoliation can help keep hair follicles clear of dead skin cells and debris. For individuals with frequent ingrown hairs, considering alternative methods like laser hair removal can be the most effective long-term solution.