Q: I have a swelling in my right labia majora. The swelling has small pea like bumps. The doctor in India detected it as furunculosis. I got this checked by a gynaecologist in US, who said that it is an abscess. It has been over four days, but the swelling is still there. The doctor has given me cephalexin for seven days. What is the cause for this swelling?

A:There is really not much of a difference between a furuncle and an abscess. A furuncle is a small collection of pus, and usually gets all right on its own, perhaps with antibiotics. An abscess is a slightly larger collection of pus, and usually needs a small operation. If you are not getting better, you probably need a minor operation.