12 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Boils On The Inner Thighs

You probably want to get rid of the boils on your inner thighs as soon as you can because of how strange they look and how they trigger your desire to pick at them. But wait! Don’t pick or puncture them as that can worsen things!

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).”

Quick Tip

Boils on inner thighs are not contagious. However, the pus contains bacteria that may spread through contact (sharing clothes and towels) and infect others.

12 Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Boils On the Inner Thighs

1. Tea Tree Oil
2. Turmeric
3. Epsom Salt
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
5. Garlic
6. Onion
7. Aloe Vera
8. Vinegar
9. Black Seed Oil
10. Echinacea
11. Neem
12. Potatoes

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).

You Will Need

• 1-3 drops of tea tree oil
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• Cotton swab

What You Have To Do

1. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a tablespoon of coconut oil and mix well.
2. Dip the cotton swab in the mixture and apply it to the boil.
3. Make sure the used cotton swab doesn’t touch any uninfected part of the body and dispose of it.

How Often You Should Do This

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).

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 tablespoon crushed ginger root
• Water

What You Have To Do

1. Mix the turmeric powder and crushed ginger with water to form a paste. You can also use coconut oil instead of water to make the paste.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly and apply this paste with your fingers on the infected area. Let it dry.
3. Wash the area after about 15 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

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).

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons Epsom salt
• A bowl of hot water
• Soft cloth

What You Have To Do

1. Add Epsom salt to the hot water and mix it well.
2. Soak the cloth in this water. Wring out excess water and place the cloth on the affected area.
3. Leave it on until the cloth comes down to room temperature.
4. Alternatively, you can fill a bathtub with warm water and mix a cup of Epsom salt in it. Soak in it for a relaxing experience.

How Often You Should Do This

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).

You Will Need

• Apple cider vinegar
• Cotton pad

What You Have To Do

1. Soak a cotton pad in the ACV, squeeze out the excess, and place it on the boil.
2. Leave it on for about 10 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

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.

You Will Need

2-3 garlic cloves

What You Have To Do

1. Crush the garlic and squeeze it to extract the juice.
2. Apply this on the boil on your inner thigh and let it dry.
3. Do not rinse it off. Let the garlic juice work on the boil.

How Often You Should Do This

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).

You Will Need

• Onion slices
• Surgical tape

What You Have To Do

1. Place the onion slice on the affected area and secure it in place with surgical tape.
2. Leave it on for a few hours.

How Often You Should Do This

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).

You Will Need

Aloe vera gel

What You Have To Do

1. Snap a leaf in half and collect the sap.
2. Apply aloe gel on those painful bumps and leave it on.
3. Alternatively, you can also use aloe gel bought at a drugstore on the boils.

How Often You Should Do This

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.

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

What You Have To Do

1. Mix the ingredients and apply the mixture on the boils.
2. Wait 30-40 minutes after application and wash with warm water.

How Often You Should Do This

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

What You Have To Do

Add the oil to the beverage and drink it. Fruit juices or green tea are the best options for the beverage.

How Often You Should Do This

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.

You Will Need

• 1-2 tablespoons echinacea herb
• A cup of hot water

What You Have To Do

1. Add the echinacea to the cup of water and let the herb steep for a few minutes.
2. Strain and drink this herbal tea.

How Often You Should Do This

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.

You Will Need

• A handful of fresh neem leaves
• Water
• Gauze or bandage

What You Have To Do

1. Crush and grind the neem leaves with water to get a smooth paste.
2. Apply a layer of this on the boil and cover with gauze.
3. Change the dressing after a couple of hours using a fresh piece of gauze.

How Often You Should Do This

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.

You Will Need

• 1 small raw potato
• Cotton ball

What You Have To Do

1. Peel and grate the potato. Squeeze out its juice.
2. Soak a cotton ball in the potato juice and apply it liberally to the boil. Let the boil be covered in the potato juice for a few minutes.
3. Rinse with clean water for easy drainage of the pus.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this 3-4 times a day.

One may need to consider treatment options if the boil is painful or unmanageable with home remedies. Scroll down to know more.

Other Treatments For Boils On The Inner Thigh

1. Incision and Drainage (I&D): A healthcare provider may perform an I&D procedure to handle a painful boil. They make a small incision to drain pus, relieve pressure, and expedite healing.
2. Antibiotics: In case of systemic symptoms or recurrent boils, doctors may prescribe antibiotics to target the underlying bacterial infection causing the boils.
3. Pain Medication: Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers may alleviate the discomfort associated with boils.
4. Wound Care: Maintaining proper wound care is crucial. Clean the affected area with an antiseptic solution, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a sterile bandage to prevent aggravating the infection and promote healing.
5. Warm Compresses: Apply a warm, moist compress post-drainage to help ease pain and assist in the healing process.

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.

Quick Tip

Ensure to exfoliate the groin area and other body parts with a loofah. This removes dead skin cells and may prevent boils.

Infographic: Other Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Boils On Inner Thighs

Boils on your inner thighs can be painful. Factors like diabetes and a weakened immune system can increase the risk of developing these boils. But worry not – we have got you covered. We have created a comprehensive list of the other ingredients you can use to soothe those pesky boils on your thighs. Check out the infographic below to know more.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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.

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Millie LytleND, MPH

     

Dr. Millie Lytle has 8 years of experience in naturopathic medicine, is a member of the New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians (NYANP), and sits on the Medical Advisory Board for the School of Applied Functional Medicine.

Read full bio of Dr. Millie Lytle

• 
  Dr. Anna ChaconMD, FAAD Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, is a double board-certified dermatologist with over 7 years of experience. She has authored many peer-reviewed articles and managed clinical research studies during her fellowship. She completed her medical school in the PLME (Program of Liberal Medical Education) at Brown University.
  
  Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, is a double board-certified dermatologist with over 7 years of experience. She has authored many peer-reviewed articles and managed clinical research studies during her fellowship. She completed her medical school in the PLME (Program of Liberal Medical Education) at Brown University.

Kushneet KukrejaHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Kushneet holds a postgraduate degree in biotechnology from Kingston University, London, and is an ISSA Certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition with 2 years of experience. Her scientific background, coupled with her passion for writing, propelled her towards content writing.

Read full bio of Kushneet Kukreja

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

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