Don't be afraid of a needle, since I think the correct tool for the job is a spearpoint razor, which opens a sizable enough path for fluids and cellular solids (i.e. "cheese") to escape entrapment.


I've probably saved myself 20 doctor's visits over the years doing my own surgeries, though seldom in that area. Last time an ER doc cleaned up my road rash he left a small, brick-shaped rock under the skin near my elbow, which I (with the help of some Gallo Cabernet) took out five years later in about 45 long minutes using a couple of Exacto-type spearpoints (both of which ended up dull).


The inflated-looking one I had down there 20 years ago had considerable length/size to it and was recurrent. It turned out to be an ingrown hair that I eventually extracted with, I think, a sewing needle, sans any pain killers. If you take enough time your pain threshold will tend to increase as your patience wears thin, but you have to target the correct small area and must maintain an antibiotic lotion on the perforated skin for a day or two after.


Clogged pores that don't surface or evacuate will become hard, round and white and may eventually surface just under the skin. They are harmless at this point and may slough off on their own, but are easily dug out if they happen to be visible on ones face for example.


An ingrown hair may result from hairs getting pulled out from saddle friction or other mechanical action, and I believe are one thing that chamois creams are designed to prevent.