You might not think that you could develop a cyst on the inner thigh, but it happens.
An inner thigh cyst can be uncomfortable because of the related pain, sheer size (they can grow quite large), and the close-to-the-groin location.
Unlike acne, an inner thigh boil can take weeks to heal; often, they don’t go away for good but lie dormant and then reappear.
Apart from the pain that can occur with this condition, it can also be unsightly and embarrassing.
If inner thigh bumps appear and tend to reappear, it’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible to begin treatment; boils between the thighs can grow further into the skin and become even more painful.
What Causes Bumps or Cyst on Inner Thigh?
There are a number of reasons for boils on the inner thigh. The first is hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) (1), which is a disease that starts as pimple-like bumps on the skin that form where pimples typically don’t appear: the underarms and groin.
A cyst on the inner thigh filled with blood is typical of HS, and should be looked at by a doctor. In the meantime, be sure to keep it clean so it doesn’t get infected.
Use peroxide, witch hazel, or rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad to clean the area three times a day.
Hair follicles can become blocked and cysts and boils can develop as a result.
Cysts on the inner thigh near the groin in females happen most often because of shaving and waxing.
When hair is pulled or cut at the root, it sometimes curls into itself when it regrows, which means that it’s stuck under the skin and skin cells form layers on top of it.
This ingrown hair irritates the area and can form boils or cysts. Some people are more susceptible to this condition than others.
Boils occur as a result of an infection around a hair follicle. They are common and are most often caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, the most common bacteria found on the skin.
A staph infection on the inner thigh can cause a boil to appear, and become red, irritated, and painful. A doctor will need to look at it to determine if a prescription is required or if home care will suffice.
If the boil is red, painful, contains pus, and the skin surrounding it is warm and painful to the touch, please see a doctor to determine if there is an infection.
Other Possible Causes for a Cyst on the Inner Thigh or Near the Groin
Aside from the above, there are a few more reasons why there might be a bump on the inner thigh:
Jock itch:
This is a fungal infection that occurs mostly in men around the groin, but can spread to the thighs if not treated. It usually looks like a rash with small red bumps that are very itchy.
If you’re a male with a cyst on the inner thigh, it’s probably not jock itch, so you can likely rule that out.
Tumor:
In rare cases, a bump on the inner thigh can be a tumor. These bumps grow under the skin and do not present on the surface.
If you notice them spreading quickly, it could mean that the tumor has metastasized, so see a doctor as soon as possible.
Folliculitis:
Much like HS, this condition involves hair follicles which become inflamed as a result of bacteria. It typically presents with itching, painful boils on the inner thigh.
Cysts on the inner thigh of females are common with folliculitis because of ingrown hairs on the inner thigh.
Abscesses:
An abscess on the inner thigh can be caused by the S. aureus bacteria. It can result in pain, swelling, warmth in the area, redness, and cysts.
Warts:
Dry, red bumps that feel scaly could be warts. See a doctor for treatment, which may include freezing the warts to remove them permanently.
The Difference between a Cyst and Boil
A cyst and a boil (also called a furuncle) look and feel very much the same, except a boil can grow larger and become extremely painful.
A boil is usually caused by a staph infection which can result in a fever, whereas a cyst can also be caused by an infection but also by ingrown hairs.
The pus in a boil can accumulate massively, so if this happens the fluid will need to be removed by a healthcare practitioner.
It’s best not to pop boils on your own, especially if they are extremely large—a serious infection can ensue if it isn’t done correctly or in very sterile conditions.
How to Get Rid of a Cyst or Boil on Inner Thigh
The following are some natural ways to get rid of cysts and boils on the inner thigh at home.
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an excellent antibacterial.
Tea tree oil is an excellent antibacterial. It might sting and has a strong scent, but it will shrink boils, cysts, and pimples, and will help prevent infection.
Take a cotton pad or a makeup pad and add a few drops of tea tree oil to it, then dab on the bumps three times a day.
Be sure to wash your hands after using the oil so you don’t accidentally transfer any from your fingers to your eyes, because this stuff burns.
If you have a cyst on the inner thigh crease, make sure to not get any tea tree oil on or near the genitals, again, because it stings.
If this happens, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and attempt the process again with more care.
2. Turmeric Paste
Turmeric has antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
Turmeric has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, so it’s perfect for boils, cysts, and pimples. Because it’s a powder, you will need to make a paste by adding water to it.
Once the paste is made, apply it directly to the affected areas and leave it on for as long as is reasonable, then wipe it off with a warm cloth.
Be aware that it might leave a yellow stain on the skin, but this will fade after a few days.
3. Epsom Salts
Epsom salts are great at healing boils by getting them to drain faster.
Epsom salts are great at healing boils by getting them to drain faster. You will need to soak in a warm tub of water with about a half cup of salts dissolved into it. Do this twice a day if possible; otherwise, once a day is good.
Managing Boil on Inner Thigh
If you’re sure that you simply have a pimple on the inner thigh, then treatment will be similar to what you would do for your face.
Over-the-counter acne creams will work well here, as would a paste of baking soda and apple cider vinegar to dry out the pimples and reduce the chances of getting an infection. Keep the area clean and dry.
If the thigh acne does not go away from self-treatment, see a doctor to discuss other possible treatments, such as medications and creams that help prevent acne from developing in the first place.
But also consider things such as the laundry detergent or soap you use, and materials worn against your skin. All of these can be irritants and could potentially cause pimples.
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