Boils on Inner Thigh

A boil is a localized skin infection that starts in a hair follicle or oil gland, deep in the skin. It is caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. This bacterium resides in many people, and is generally considered as harmless, until it infects the deeper tissues. Inner thigh, face, throat, armpits, groin and buttocks are some areas where these boils can occur. When a cluster of boils form together, the condition is known as 'Carbuncle'. They should be treated immediately. Common symptoms associated with carbuncle are fever and fatigue. Teenagers, young adults, and people with a weak immune system are more susceptible to getting them.

A boil is commonly known as skin abscess. It starts with a reddened, tender localized area, which after a while, starts to become hard and areas surrounding it tend to feel sore and painful. To fight off the infection, the body fills it with white blood cells and proteins, that get accumulated in the center of the boil, forming a head or mouth filled with pus. The abscess keeps getting larger and more painful until the head of the boil ruptures and drains on its own, or is surgically ruptured and drained.

Boils on Inner Thigh: Causes
The common cause for boils on inner thigh is the entry of the germ staphylococcal in the body through cuts and scrapes in the skin, or the germ can settle itself on the hair and seep into the skin through the follicle. Another cause could be an ingrown hair or a damaged hair follicle. Boils that occur in form of acne are caused by sweat glands that get plugged and become infected. Sometimes, entry of a foreign body in the skin can also cause a boil. Poor hygiene is another cause for the spread of infection. Sharing toiletries like razors, loofah, washcloths and bath towels can also cause boils. In some individuals, contact with harsh chemicals can also lead to the formation of skin boils. People who have a weak immune system, are suffering from diabetes, or have poor nutrition are more vulnerable to skin infections.

Boils on Inner Thigh: Treatment
Boils are not exactly what one would call a medical emergency, however, they can cause a lot of discomfort, as the infected thigh keeps rubbing itself against the other one, as one goes about performing daily activities. A severe abscess can cause a low-grade fever at times and causes the lymph nodes to swell. If the boil does not drain and there seems to be a possibility of another one developing around the same area, get it checked by a doctor. The treatment for boils on inner thighs depends upon the size and severity of the boil. If the boil is small and firm with no evident opening, then the doctor may just prescribe antibiotics and pain relievers to cure the infection from within. If a small pustule has developed, then it is treated by making a small incision in the tip and completely draining the pus in it. Some deep abscess are treated by numbing the area using a local anesthetic, opening it and draining all the pus from it. However, if the infection is deep in the tissue, it does not get drained easily. In such circumstances, the doctor covers the boil with sterile gauze so that pus can continue to drain. The gauze is usually removed in a couple of days. At times, large skin abscess need to be surgically opened and drained, and treated with intravenous antibiotics.

Home Remedies for Boils on Inner Thigh
Most boils can be treated at home. But how to get rid of boils on inner thigh? The home remedies for boils are simple, yet highly effective. Heat applications are very helpful for boils that are in their early stage. Hot packs increase circulation around the infected area which enables the antibodies and white blood cells to fight infection by forming the pustule. Keep the heat application on until the boil ruptures and the pus drains out completely. When the boil is drained out, clean the entire area with an antibacterial soap or liquid. Pat it dry, and apply a medicated ointment and a bandage. Continue to clean the area a couple of times in the day and use warm compresses until it heals.

Another good home remedy to treat boils is to apply a paste made out of turmeric powder, diluted with a bit of water. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric is helpful in healing the inflammation. Never puncture the boil with a metal object or even apply pressure with fingers. It will only aggravate the condition, and cause more boils to form.

Whether boils on inner thigh are treated at home or at a clinic, follow-up is essential to ensure no new boils develop. It is important to maintain hygiene around the infected area. If there are recurring boils on inner thigh, it is best to consult a doctor, as the problem may run deeper than it seems.