Infection by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus in the hair follicles beneath the skin causes inflammation, which leads to boils on the inner thighs. These boils are also known as furuncles, and they may itch and release pus. In this post, we will go through the causes of boils on the inner thighs, some natural treatments for them, and simple strategies to prevent them. Keep reading!
Click here to view an enlarged version of this infographic.
What Causes Boils On The Inner Thighs?
Human beings generally carry the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus on their skin surface. When there is a cut or scrape on the skin, these bacteria gain access to the hair follicles. They settle down and start multiplying in the hair follicles, causing infection. This gives rise to skin conditions such as boils in areas like your inner thigh. A boil may develop into an abscess filled with pus. Sometimes, weakened immune systems and conditions like diabetes make people susceptible to developing boils (1).Another condition that may cause boils to appear on the inner thighs is Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Andy, who writes a blog called Real Stories Of Fat Prejudice in Health Care, recounted her struggle with frequent heat rashes or boils on her inner thighs. She writes, “If anyone out there has HS and has been told it’s because you’re overweight, you were told wrong. Skinny people get HS. There are a lot of us fatties with it, but it’s not caused by being overweight. It’s also common to be told that HS is caused by poor hygiene (i).” It is important to recognize the symptoms of a boil on the inner thigh to treat it promptly. Scroll down to learn about them.
Symptoms Of Boils On The Inner Thighs
Boils on the inner thighs may have the following symptoms:
Redness Inflammation Pain and tenderness Itchiness Discomfort Pus
12 Effective Natural Remedies For Boils On The Inner Thighs
1. Tea Tree Oil
The antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil can combat the bacteria that causes an infection in the hair follicle. This essential oil also aids in reducing the scar that the boils leave behind (2).
1-3 drops of tea tree oil 1 tablespoon of coconut oil Cotton swab
Reapply a few times during the day, using a fresh cotton swab every time.
2. Turmeric
According to a study, the curcumin in turmeric showed a high potential to act as an antibiotic against various bacterial strains (3). Ginger possesses anti-inflammatory properties which in combination with turmeric can help heal the boil and reduce pain and redness (4).
1 tablespoon turmeric powder 1/2 tablespoon crushed ginger root Water
Do this 2-3 times a day for quick treatment of the boil.
3. Epsom Salt
Warm water is relaxing and great for sore thighs. It also aids blood circulation and helps boils erupt (5). Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) exhibits osmotic action and inhibits the growth of bacteria responsible for boils (6).
2 tablespoons Epsom salt A bowl of hot water Soft cloth
Repeat this several times during the day.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a well-known antimicrobial agent. It can help kill the bacteria that cause infection in the hair follicles and restores the pH level of the skin (7).
Apple cider vinegar Cotton pad
Repeat this a couple of times during the day. Use a fresh cotton pad every time.
5. Garlic
Garlic juice possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of sulfur-rich compounds (8). This makes it suitable to manage the symptoms of inner thigh boils. 2-3 garlic cloves Apply this 2 times a day.
6. Onion
Like garlic, onion contains sulfur-rich compounds with antimicrobial properties (9). It also contains flavonoids and antioxidants that heal and protect the skin (10).
Onion slices Surgical tape
Replace the slice with a fresh one every few hours.
7. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an effective home remedy for boils as it can provide relief from pain and speed up the healing process. It also possesses antiseptic properties that can combat any infection in the affected area (11). Aloe vera gel Repeat this 2-3 times a day.
8. Vinegar
Vinegar works as an antimicrobial agent (12). Lemon juice and honey possess antimicrobial properties (13), (14). Honey also acts as an emollient and soothes the skin.
1 teaspoon white vinegar 1/2 teaspoon honey 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Apply this paste 2 times a day.
9. Black Seed Oil
Black seed oil is derived from the Nigella sativa plant and has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties (15). Thus, black seed oil can be useful in treating inner thigh boils. You Will Need
1/2 teaspoon black seed oil A cup of hot or cold beverage
Add the oil to the beverage and drink it. Fruit juices or green tea are the best options for the beverage. Drink this 2 times a day.
10. Echinacea
Echinacea is known for its immunity-boosting properties, which enhance the body’s response to different infections (16). It also possesses antimicrobial properties that can help fight the infection that leads to boils by eliminating harmful bacteria from the body.
1-2 tablespoons echinacea herb A cup of hot water
Drink 2-3 cups a day.
11. Neem
Neem has antimicrobial properties and anti-inflammatory properties (17). These can help reduce swelling and associated pain around the boil.
A handful of fresh neem leaves Water Gauze or bandage
Do this until the boil heals.
12. Potatoes
Potatoes possess antibacterial properties. Scientists have identified several compounds in potato tubers that act as antibiotics and antimicrobial agents (18). These properties may make potato a suitable remedy for inner thigh boils.
1 small raw potato Cotton ball
Repeat this 3-4 times a day. If the boil becomes more painful or keeps returning even after using these home remedies, it is important to seek medical help. The same needs to be done if you develop a fever alongside it. In these cases, your doctor may suggest other treatment options. Scroll down to know more.
Other Treatments For Boils On The Inner Thigh
There are a few prevention tips to prevent the occurrence of inner thigh boils as it is important to practice good hygiene. Know them from the next section.
Prevention Tips
Do not share personal items, such as razors and other such items that may have come in contact with others. Wash your hands thoroughly several times a day. Items and belongings, such as towels, compresses, and any clothing that is likely to come in contact with the affected area, must be washed properly. Use soap, hot water, and a hot dryer while washing or rinsing your personal items of clothing. Keep the wound of a drained boil covered with a dry bandage until it heals. You could also use a wide bandage to prevent irritation from chafing. Keep the boil clean and dry by changing the bandages frequently.
Can a boil heal without draining? According to Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, a double board-certified dermatologist, “Boils normally need to open and drain in order to heal. This usually occurs within two weeks.” How do you know when a boil is ready to drain? Dr. Chacon says, “It will squish down. Then a huge pimple appears on the skin just above the boil. The boil has reached its “peak” and is now ready to be drained.” Can boils be caused by poor hygiene? Yes, poor hygiene may cause boils, especially if you have cuts and scrapes, a weakened immune system or high blood sugar. How do you bring a boil to a head overnight? It is generally not possible to bring a boil to a head overnight, but the quickest way to bring a boil to a head is to apply heat compress for 10-15 minutes multiple times a day. What STD causes boils on the inner thigh? Boils are a result of a bacterial infection and not an STD. However, you may get boils from a sexual partner who has a leaky boil. Genital herpes is an STD that may cause itchy and painful blisters on the inner thighs. How long do boils last? Boils generally take up to two weeks to heal. What is the hard stuff inside a boil? The hard stuff inside a boil is its core that is filled with accumulated pus and sometimes damaged tissue. It gets softer as it matures.
Illustration: Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Boils On The Inner Thighs
Boils on the inner thighs can be caused by bacteria, friction, or sweat, and they can be extremely uncomfortable. Watch this video for expert treatment and prevention tips.
