Cysts are becoming very common these days. While we mostly hear about cysts inside the body. It’s understandable how one on the skin may get us worried.
The fear of it being a medical emergency, along with it being unsightly, can be traumatizing.
So, to clear your confusion, do you wish to know all about cyst on inner thigh?
To do that, you firstly need to know about the causes and symptoms of skin cysts. This is in order to identify which cyst you have. Then, you’ll need to know their treatments.
To cure your cyst, home remedies may be sufficient. But, depending on the condition medical help may also be needed. Lastly, it’s important to find out if what you have is actually a cyst or just a look-alike.
All these details surely can’t be explained in a single paragraph. So, hop on to this article to know all about cysts!
Table of Content
What are Cysts?
Cysts are sac-like structures that are usually filled with fluid, air, or semi-solid substances.
They can be present in various parts of the body including under the skin, breasts, organs (ovaries, kidneys), etc.
They also come in multiple sizes, from being very small to noticeably large.
Many people tend to think all cysts are cancerous tumors. Well, this is incorrect information because cysts are almost never cancerous!
There can be many reasons for the formation of cysts. It depends on the kind of cyst.
So, before we jump into the kind of cyst on your inner thigh. Don’t hesitate to enlighten yourself with knowledge on various types of cysts and their causes.
Cysts on the Inner Thigh
Since you have already read about the various places where cysts can be found. It’s important to know that cysts that grow in organs barely have any visibility from outside. Thus, the cysts that can be seen on your inner thigh, are skin cysts.
These are cysts that form under the skin and are called sebaceous cysts.
It’s good to keep in mind that this term is not fully correct. That’s because these ‘skin-cysts’ don’t originate from sebaceous glands. Regardless, many doctors may still use the term.
There are two types of skin cysts :
- Epidermoid Cysts
- Pilar Cysts
Let’s look at both of them briefly.
Epidermoid Cysts
- Epidermoid cysts are small-sized, slow-growing lumps under your skin.
- These lumps can be skin-colored or yellowish, with fluid inside.
- In most cases, they’re painless.
However, they can get painful, red, or swollen if infected
- Epidermoid cysts mostly form on the back, head, face, or genitals. But hold on, this doesn’t mean they can’t form on the inner thigh.
- They are most common in middle-aged and young adults.
- They are usually not hereditary.
Now, let’s look at how they form :
There are cells in the upper layer of our skin that form the protein keratin. This protein is used to make nails, skin, hair, etc. It provides flexibility and strength.
Sometimes, these keratin cells may move inside the skin, to a deeper layer.
There they multiply and form a sac-like structure. Then these cells secrete keratin in the middle of the sac. This causes the area to bulge out, forming what we call a cyst.
The keratin may form a yellow paste that can leak out from the cyst. Anybody can develop epidermoid cysts, but the chances are higher in the following cases:
- Just past puberty
- History of acne
- Injury to the skin
- Rare genetic disorder
Epidermoid cysts mostly don’t require any treatment or cause any problems. But, you should see a doctor if:
- The cyst is growing rapidly (Immediately see a doctor)
- It is swollen, painful, or has bad-smelling pus leaking out: This means it is infected and needs medical attention.
- It is in a spot that causes difficulties to perform regular life activities
- It is bothering your appearance
Now, that’s all on Epidermoid cysts. Now let’s take a look at Pilar cysts.
Pilar Cysts
- These are also skin-colored bumps under the skin.
- They are also mostly painless unless infected.
- Pilar cysts mostly form at the bottom of hair follicles.
Pilar cysts slowly form in the cell lining of hair follicles. This lining also contains the protein keratin.
Over time, the protein continues to build up in the hair follicle and creates the lump that’s a pilar cyst. Pilar Cysts are common in middle-aged women. They can be hereditary.
Since these mostly form around hair linings, there are high chances that what you have are not Pilar Cysts.
Well, that’s all about cysts that can form under the skin. So, Epidermoid Cysts are most likely the cyst on inner thigh that you have. Now that we’ve figured this out, without further ado, let’s proceed to their treatment.
Treatment
Most of the time cysts don’t require any treatment. But, their presence is not very pleasant. So, here are some home remedies you can try along with proper medical treatments.
5 Best Tips and Home Remedies:
Here are some simple home remedies you can try that are really helpful in dealing with cysts:
1. Use a Warm Towel
Putting a wet, warm towel on them 3 / 4 times a day may help.
This should be done every 20 minutes. This will increase blood circulation in the lump and speed up the healing process.
2. Keep The Area Clean
Make sure to keep the area of the cyst clean by washing it with soap. This is to prevent any infections that may complicate the problem further.
3. Bandage The Area
If the lump drains out pus, try putting a bandage around it to prevent the pus from spreading. Remember to regularly change the bandage.
4. Try Castor Oil
Put a few drops of castor oil in the affected area. Then put a clean cloth, soaked in warm water, on the cyst. Leave it for 10 minutes or so. Apply this twice a day.
Castor Oil has anti-inflammatory properties so it’s good for the lump.
5. Try Apple Cider Vinegar
Dilute apple cider vinegar with water. Then soak a cloth or cotton ball in it. After that, apply the cotton ball to the cyst. Leave it for a few hours. Then wash the area with water.
Apple Cider Vinegar has antimicrobial properties so it will rid the cyst of any infection.
Let’s look at some medical treatments now,
Medical Treatments:
If you’re looking for some quick ways to get rid of cyst on inner thigh, seeking medical treatment is what you need. Here are some treatments a doctor can perform to help remove the cyst.
Cut or Pierce
Your doctor may drain out the contents of the cyst by slightly cutting or piercing it. However, cysts may still return after this.
Injections
Medicines may be injected into the cyst to reduce the swelling and inflammation. These include corticosteroid Injections.
Surgery
Performing surgery to take out the entire cyst. This is an effective treatment that can remove the cyst. This process is usually done if the cyst keeps on returning even after draining, so this surgery prevents it from coming back.
Since this is surgery, you may have to visit the doctor a few times for a checkup and remove the stitches.
Laser Treatment
Lastly, Laser surgery may be used to remove the cyst. After the removal of cysts, doctors may recommend an antibiotic ointment to prevent any infection. Or scar removal creams may also be suggested.
So, in short, this is every possible treatment and cause of skin cysts.
Now, what if the lump in your thigh doesn’t look like anything mentioned above? Well, then there’s a chance that what you have is not a cyst. Sometimes we may confuse lumps to be cysts while they might be many other things.
What if Your Symptoms Don’t Match?
Well, after everything covered so far, what if your symptoms still don’t match? Are you confused if it’s even a cyst on inner thigh?
If so, then let’s look at some other conditions that may look like cysts.
Lipoma
- Lipoma is the growth of fatty tissue between the skin and muscle layer.
- Lipomas from soft, movable lumps under the skin.
- They usually occur in arms, thighs, abdomens, neck, or back.
- They are usually small, about a few inches in diameter. But, they can grow.
- Lipomas are also skin-colored.
The exact cause of lipomas is still not certain, but they can be genetic. They usually occur after the 40s.
These are mostly painless unless they affect a nerve around them.
Lipomas are mostly uncommon and don’t require any treatment. But, if they are getting painful or growing your doctor may consider removing them.
Also, lipomas may be cured by exercise too!
Infections
Various types of infections can also cause cyst-like formations in your upper thigh. Different types of infection:
Fungal Infections
There are many types of painless fungal skin infections that may cause lumps. Along with lumps, they may be red, itchy, or rash-like.
Fungal infections may occur in various places, including skin infection under armpits.
Viral Infections
These infections can also cause skin-colored, painless lumps. They are caused by viruses and may need medical treatment to heal.
Boils
Boils are caused by bacterial infections of skin hair follicles. They develop as small red bumps. In a few days, they swell up and fill with pus. After that, they form a white tip which if broken, drains the pus out.
Boils are painful most of the time. Inner Thighs are a common area for boils to develop. Cysts can also develop into boils if infected.
You should go and see a doctor if a boil gets too painful. The doctor may recommend oral antibiotics to remove the infection. After everything, if the boil still doesn’t go, or grows too large. Doctors may have to cut into it to remove the pus.
Enlargement of Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes in your groin may enlarge, forming a lump. This can occur due to infection, injury, or sexually transmitted disease.
Enlarged lymph nodes can be painful and reddish. Their diagnosis includes various tests like physical exams, urinalysis, etc.
The treatment to this solely depends on the cause of inflammation of the lymph node. Treatments can range from prescription antibiotics to surgery.
Warts
Warts are another type of skin infection. These are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Warts can be skin-colored rough bumps on the skin. They are most common on feet, face, knees, and genitals. They are very contagious. They can spread through contact from person to person. Or through objects used by an infected person.
They can be treated by the use of Over-The-Counter Medications. These can come in gel, patch, or liquid consistency. Application of these medications for several months may help remove the wart completely.
Other than this, doctor-recommended medication or laser treatment may be required.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)
This is an uncommon medical condition where an overactive immune system causes inflammations under the skin.
- They start as a bump that looks like a cyst but slowly gets bigger.
- They can stay for months and get painful.
- They may go away and reappear in the same spot again.
- Several of these cyst-like lumps occur near each other and leave a scar when they leave.
- This is most common on inner thighs, underarms, buttocks, and groin areas.
- HS is diagnosed by examining the lesions by eye or by collecting samples from them.
- Dermatologists may suggest a skincare plan, or medications to treat HS.
Despite the above-mentioned suggestions, you may still want to know more about lumps under skin, so don’t hesitate to keep learning more!
Now, you’ve seen there can be many reasons for cyst-like lumps to develop. So, it’s best to let a doctor confirm what you may have.
FAQs
How to tell if a lump is a cyst or tumor?
Cysts are usually movable while tumors stay firm. Cysts might also produce white discharge, but tumors won’t.
What can happen if a cyst is left untreated?
Most skin cysts heal on their own. So, nothing will happen if they’re left untreated. But, it’s best to seek a doctor’s advice to be sure if the lump is a cyst or something more harmful.
When should I be worried about a cyst?
When the lump is larger than 2 inches and growing larger. Or if it is getting painful. In these cases, it is best to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Take Away
Well, that must’ve been a lot of information for a simple cyst. But, when it’s concerning your health, it’s best to leave no stones unturned!
In this article, you have had the chance to read as many solutions as possible to cyst on inner thigh. Starting from what type of cyst you might have and its treatments, to other possible cyst-like conditions you might have.
Now, you must know there’s no reason for you to be worried at all! Following a doctor’s checkup and some home remedies and you’ll forget you ever had this cyst.
I hope the article has helped you. Thank you for reading!
