Hard lump in pubic area

[Worried_Male]

Today i have noticed a lump in my pubic area. It's hard and quite painful and tender to touch.

First thought was a lymph node, but once i got all the pubic hair out the way (sorry tmi), i could tell it was on the skin and not under it, my gf thinks so too. There is also a prominent red mark in the area.

From what i read it sounds a lot like a boil. I didn't read the causes as i know it would set me off. Are these common? Are they a sign of something serious? Should i go doctors or do they go on their own?

[sammie23]

Sounds like a hair follicle. Or could be an in growing hair. I had one in my pubic hair yuk! Lol. Just give it a squeeze. I did with mine and it popped. Mine was red and sore but after it popped it was better :-)

[Worried_Male]

It has got a bit more painful today. But i have read this is quite common with boils.

Tried squeezing it, but it's far to painful. I have read that you should continuously apply heat to the area to bring the puss to the surface. So i'm going to give that a try.

Anybody know how long these usually take to heal?