Hi there -
While what you're describing could be an inflamed parotid gland due to the recent bout of mono, it sounds much more like your description of a "deep zit", which in this case may well be a furnuncle or ingrown hair. This is a location where there are usually some sparse hairs, but they often are shaved any sometimes will become ingrown. Even without having shaved that low, these usually fine hairs can become ingrown and cause exactly what you've described. Often they will resolve on their own, but since your immune system has been compromised recently by mono, your body may be having a harder time fighting the inflammation and/or infection. If the thing stays for more than a week longer, or if it becomes more swollen, more red or more painful, you probably will need a doctor to check it and either drain it or, more likely, prescribe an
antibiotic or topical ointment for it. These are usually very simple and most often will go away on their own.
There's also that remote possibility, because of the earlier
pain and stiffness in that same location, that it is an inflamed parotid gland. Same thing applies. If it doesn't go away in a reasonable length of time (a week) or if it gets worse, have it looked at by a doctor. Usually the same care applies, although if it's a gland it's unlikely the doctor would want to drain it like an abcess.
Hope this is helpful to you. Best of luck to you.
