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Outer Labia - Cyst or Chancre
Hi,
I had sex with a friend of mine from New Zealand a few months ago. We used a condom, but as we were a bit drunk he inserted without first putting it on (very irresponsible, stupid, stupid thing to do). About three weeks later I woke up and my left outer labia was quite swollen. There was a pea-sized lump under the skin, it was a bit red and sore to touch and I could move it around like a swollen lymph node. I did a bit of research and was under the impression that it was a sebaceous cyst. I tried to pop it on the first day, but just aggravated it. After two or three days and a few hot compresses, I popped it. There was a lot of pus and a little bit of blood. I am not sure if there was a hair or not. I shave regularly and it was in an area with hair follicles. After I popped it it felt like a deflated pea, scabbed over and healed after a few days. In total, I think I had the lump/scab for about a week.
A few weeks ago I went to get my three-year cervical smear and also requested to be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea, which came up clear. I didn't even think to ask about the lump because I was sure that it was a cyst.
However, over the past two days I have suddenly become terrified that it may have been a chancre. I have had no other noticeable symptoms that I am aware of apart from a winter flu, which I hope/assume was related to winter weather and the fact that I have always gotten sinus infections really easily.
Does this sound like it could be syphilis? I am mostly concerned because of the timing. I got the lump about three weeks after sexual contact.
Thank you!
I had sex with a friend of mine from New Zealand a few months ago. We used a condom, but as we were a bit drunk he inserted without first putting it on (very irresponsible, stupid, stupid thing to do). About three weeks later I woke up and my left outer labia was quite swollen. There was a pea-sized lump under the skin, it was a bit red and sore to touch and I could move it around like a swollen lymph node. I did a bit of research and was under the impression that it was a sebaceous cyst. I tried to pop it on the first day, but just aggravated it. After two or three days and a few hot compresses, I popped it. There was a lot of pus and a little bit of blood. I am not sure if there was a hair or not. I shave regularly and it was in an area with hair follicles. After I popped it it felt like a deflated pea, scabbed over and healed after a few days. In total, I think I had the lump/scab for about a week.
A few weeks ago I went to get my three-year cervical smear and also requested to be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea, which came up clear. I didn't even think to ask about the lump because I was sure that it was a cyst.
However, over the past two days I have suddenly become terrified that it may have been a chancre. I have had no other noticeable symptoms that I am aware of apart from a winter flu, which I hope/assume was related to winter weather and the fact that I have always gotten sinus infections really easily.
Does this sound like it could be syphilis? I am mostly concerned because of the timing. I got the lump about three weeks after sexual contact.
Thank you!
Thank you, Dr. Kaur. I had a full STD screening and blood tests, and everything is negative. The doctor assured me that it has been long enough that both syphilis and HIV would have shown up in the tests if I had contracted either.
It must have been and ingrown hair or a boil. I had popped it already and it had healed, so I couldn't show the doctor specifically. Thanks again.
It must have been and ingrown hair or a boil. I had popped it already and it had healed, so I couldn't show the doctor specifically. Thanks again.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
It can be a boil or a cyst. Boils are caused by infection of the hair follicle by staph aureus. . Hair follicles that are blocked by greasy creams, petroleum jelly, or similar products are more vulnerable to infection. Bacterial skin infections can be spread by shared cosmetics or washcloths, close human contact, or by contact with pus from a boil or carbuncle. Treatment includes antibiotics and incision and drainage and do not touch or pick them up.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.
It can be a boil or a cyst. Boils are caused by infection of the hair follicle by staph aureus. . Hair follicles that are blocked by greasy creams, petroleum jelly, or similar products are more vulnerable to infection. Bacterial skin infections can be spread by shared cosmetics or washcloths, close human contact, or by contact with pus from a boil or carbuncle. Treatment includes antibiotics and incision and drainage and do not touch or pick them up.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.
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