Periclitoral Abscess Associated With Pubic Hair Grooming and Exercise

Periclitoral abscesses are uncommon occurrences that can develop spontaneously. In the United States, infrared-enhanced exercise equipment, when used with high-intensity aerobic workouts, is promoted for effective calorie burning and improved fitness. Among females, pubic grooming is widespread and can cause friction on the vulvar skin. A 17-year-old female patient initially presented with vulvar swelling and pain. After a 10-day course of oral cephalexin failed, she presented to the ED and was found to have a 2.6-cm periclitoral abscess. She had a history of participating in infrared-heated sauna workout classes and routinely shaving her genital hair. She was admitted to the hospital; however, after two days of IV antibiotics and pain control, her symptoms had not resolved. The abscess became fluctuant, and incision and drainage were performed. At four-day follow-up, the wound was healing and the edema was resolving. Preventing the initial abscess is important. A few cases have been reported in the literature, but no case has identified a risk associated with the combination of pubic grooming and high-intensity exercise using infrared-integrated equipment and sauna rooms. While temporal correlation does not imply causation, more information on periclitoral abscess formation is useful.