DD13 with "bump"--what would you do?

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-17-2005
DD13 with "bump"--what would you do?
5
Mon, 03-13-2006 - 3:20pm

Got your attention, huh? Sorry. Just not sure how I want to handle this one so I'd love your input.

DD13 mentioned last week that she "has a bump down there." We're fairly close but not terribly open and tend to be rather private about physical aspects of our bodies. I asked some general questions--does it move when you push on it? (no) Does it hurt when you push on it? (a little) Does it hurt all the time? (no, mostly when I cross my legs) Is it on the outside or the inside? (outside on the edge of the hairline) How big is it? Bigger than the the eraser on a pencil? (no, about the size of a pimple) I didn't want to embarrass either or both of us by looking so I told her if it changed, hurt more, or didn't go away to let me know and we'd take the next step.

I'm thinking it's either a pimple or an ingrown hair. When I asked about it last night she said it's gotten smaller and she doesn't notice it as much.

What would you do? I tend to believe in the body's ability to heal itself so I don't run to the doctor for every little thing and I want to instill that in her, as well. By the same token, I don't want to wait on something that maybe I'm not realizing could be serious...

Any thoughts?
TIA~
Dani

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-14-2000
Mon, 03-13-2006 - 3:28pm
I think you handled it fine.
Pam
Avatar for mjaye2002
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 03-13-2006 - 5:19pm
I agree with Pam. I think you handled it fine. You might suggest that she put a warm compress on it at night and see if that might help if it's still bothering her. It really does sound like an ingrown hair. Have her keep an eye on it and let you know if it gets worse.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-04-2003
Mon, 03-13-2006 - 5:45pm
FINALLY something I can give some insight on...
DD had same problem a few years ago. Maybe when she was about ten or eleven. Anyhow, like you I just told her to be careful about touching it, in case it may get infected etc... and to tough it out, she would..but it kept re-ocurring a few times, (2 or 3) so I finally took her to the doctor. I did at the time see it, dont think she would show me now... It was much like a pimple. but with nothing inside. According to her pediatrician it was just that! A form of pimple, caused by not airing her privates enough mixed with her body heat (sweat I guess), maybe always wearing jeans, etc. Prescribed a cream to apply after showering or as needed. and for her to wear cotton, not too tight underwear and to be "comfy" when possible, loose cotton shorts, sweats etc. Have to say haven't heard of any more discomfort lately... To my DD it did hurt, esp when wearing jeans, cause I guess they would kind of rub the surface....A few times, it popped and would be bloody. I know I know maybe TMI...sorry just want to give my full knowledge.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-06-2005
Mon, 03-13-2006 - 10:53pm
had a pimple in that general are once, very irritating. OP suggested warm compress, good idea. may I add one more, buy her a hand mirror. If it looks like a pimple it probably would make her feel better to take a look. it worried her enough to mention it. dont make a big deal just but it for her. and let her know its okay to look. k-
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-17-2005
Tue, 03-14-2006 - 8:59am

Thanks, everyone. It made me feel better just to have you validate my opinion. I will absolutely take your suggestions of a hand mirror and warm compresses. She wears jeans all the time and those cotton boy-short underwear but sleeps in big t-shirts or loose pajama pants so we'll just give it some time and see.

Have a great day!
Dani