Could be white Piedra (fungal infection of the hair follicle) or bacterial Folliculitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Either way it needs to be lanced by a doctor as popping it himself could led to a massive systemic bacterial infection and possible brain damage and or paralysis is it infects the spinal cord/ fluid. Also his lymph nodes will be swollen as his immune system is busy producing t and b lymphocytes. Unless its neither of the infections then it could be one that secretes immuno- suppressants and could be the reason will it is so severe.
