The bartholin's gland is just inside the vagina. When infected, it's a vaginal swelling, usually very dramatic and painful. Sounds like your lump is outside of the vagina. It's a good idea to have it checked by an ob/gyn. In the meantime, if it's an infected hair follicle, warm compresses several times a day should help it open and drain. I've read that frequent exfoliation, and washing with anti-bacterial soap helps prevent folliculitis. I'm going to try it when the weather warms up and I'm wearing bike shorts again.