Pimples usually form when excess sebum oil is produced, thereby clogging skin pores and providing a site where bacteria and dead skin cells build up. This can happen on any part of the skin. In case the pimples occur between your thighs, you may find it difficult to walk, swim or run. Read on to discover easy ways to regain comfort by getting rid of pimples between your thighs. But in case the problem worsens or goes on for too long, consult your doctor.
What Causes Pimples Between Thighs?
1. Sweating
Excessive sweating can lead to pimples in various parts of the body. Sweat is produced by sweat glands in the skin as one way to cool the body when it gets too hot. If you live in a very hot area, you may experience a lot of sweating. This can get even worse if you wear very tight clothes such as tight jeans. The excess sweat can clog skin pores and lead to heat rashes and pimples.
2. Folliculitis
Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles (roots), which is usually caused by bacteria. It presents with red pimples that may be itchy or painful and contains pus. Folliculitis can be treated with an antibiotic cream or ointment.
3. Malfunctioning Sebaceous Glands
In normal circumstances, sebaceous glands located close to the skin surface produce sebum, an oily substance that prevents the skin from drying. But when the sebaceous glands malfunction, they may produce excess sebum. This can cause clogging of the skin pores, giving bacteria and dead skin cells a place to collect. When this goes on for some time, more sebaceous glands are affected, leading to the formation of blackheads or pimples.
These pimples between thighs can be treated using 0.5-2 percent salicylic acid skin creams or 2.5-5 percent benzoyle peroxide cream. Retinol cream synthesized from vitamin A may also be used.
4. Skin Creams
Use of oil-based moisturizers on healthy skin can cause clogging of skin pores and eventually result in pimples. It is always advisable to use water-based moisturizers which are unlikely to clog skin pores.
5. Hormonal Changes
Pimples are most common during puberty as well as menstruation and pregnancy. Hormonal changes during those phases make oily glands hyperactive, which lead to clogging of the pores and formation of pimples.
6. Shaving
Poor shaving technique can cause many tiny itchy bumps. Some may grow into boils. When these occur on the more sensitive areas of the skin such as the crotch, it may hurt when you walk due to friction. The best way is to treat them as soon as they appear to prevent them from filling up with pus. You can also prevent pimples by applying moisturizing lotion or anti-inflammatory cream after shaving.
7. Friction Between Thighs
When thighs rub against one another, friction may cause skin irritation on the inner thighs. This can lead to heat rash and clogging of skin pores, causing pimples between thighs. This type of pimples may itch and produce a prickling feeling.
Keep the affected area clean by washing with an antibacterial soap and clean water. Shedding some body weight can also help because there will be less friction between your thighs. You should also avoid tight clothing. If the pimples are too itchy or painful, apply a warm compress.
8. STDs
Some STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) such as herpes and syphilis can present with pimples in the groin and thighs. Additional symptoms of these infections are fever, headaches, tiredness and blisters. STDs are treated by taking the recommended medications for the specific infection. The pimples will usually clear off after taking medication.
9. Jock Itch
Jock itch is a fungal infection that mainly affects males and presents with itchy pimples in the groin that may spread to inner thighs, the anus and the buttocks. To treat it, clean the affected area using soap and water, and then apply an anti-fungal cream. Make sure you apply the cream a little beyond the affected area to prevent spread of the infection. See a doctor if the infection does not clear after using the treatment for one week.
How to Get Rid of Pimples Between Thighs
1. Turmeric and Olive Oil
Turmeric is known to have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, and olive oil protects the skin. When the two are combined, the resultant compound can treat pimples between the thighs. Here is a recipe for the turmeric-olive oil preparation:
- Put 8 tbsp turmeric powder and 5 tbsp olive oil in a small container and mix them to form a paste.
Soak the pimpled area for about five minutes to wash away any sweat and dirt.- Apply the turmeric-olive oil paste to the affected area and leave it on through the night.
- Repeat for several nights to get rid of the pimples.
2. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice contains citric acid which has antiseptic properties; it can eliminate the pimple-causing bacteria.
- Put 1 ounce lemon juice into a small bowl.
- Make a small ball of cotton wool and soak it in the lemon juice.
- Use the ball of cotton wool to apply the lemon juice to the affected area in circular motions. The citric acid will kill the bacteria.
3. Diluted Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has powerful antimicrobial properties. It is an important ingredient in shampoos and other skin and hair products. It can also treat chronic pimples in the inner thighs.
- Make a 20 percent tea tree oil and water mixture by mixing 1 part of pure tea tree oil with 5 parts water.
- Pour some of this mixture into a ball of cotton wool and apply to the affected area in circular motions.
- Repeat the treatment as required to relieve the pain, swelling and get rid of the pimples.
4. Losing Weight
Losing weight reduces the excess friction and gets rid of sores and pimples between your thighs. You can reduce weight by burning fat in your thighs through exercises such as the following:
- Sumo squats and crossack squats
These help to cut weight around the thighs. They also tone the inner thighs and the butt.
- Lower stance squats
Squatting while holding a ball between your thighs strengthens and tones thigh muscles. It also increases the inner thigh gap so that there is minimal friction, therefore keeping you safe from pimples.
5. Bath After Exercise
Taking a bath soon after your workout will help to get rid of pimples and keep them away. Bathing with a gentle soap and water removes sweat from your skin, including thighs and groin. Make sure to dry your skin, especially the creased areas, before putting on undergarments. Airing your skin for a few minutes after toweling will blow off any remaining moisture that would otherwise provide fertile ground for bacteria and fungi to grow.