Dark, purple bumps on inner thighs.

[blb2644]

Hello, I am a 19 y/o female. I have had these "boils" on my inner thighs for a while now. They come and go, but usually in the same spot, with a matching bump on the opposite thigh. They are very painful, sometimes I feel like I have to waddle when I walk (considering I am overweight and my thighs rub together). I squeeze them sometimes when they get too painful, because I can't bear the feeling of it anymore -- usually it is a mixture of pus and blood that comes out. I don't mean pus, then blood (like a pimple), but pus and blood seemingly blended together. Other times, however, only blood comes out. The pus is not hard, like a sebaceous cyst, nor are the bumps occurring where I shave. I doubt it is folliculitis for this reason. While the bumps fade, they don't really go away.

I have scoured the internet for this information, and seen similar posting, but no one has posted any pictures for comparison. Here is a picture of one of the bumps on my right inner thigh.

Any help on to what this is, how I can fix it or prevent it from occurring again, would be greatly appreciated!

[Kawaii_sakura]

I get them too im young(14) no offence, my friends get them too and it hurts really badly, I mostly get them after sports days when my lwfs are sweating and rubbing together. I'm quite thin I guess and I get them usually nearing the menstrual cycle too. I'm also starting to get them on the ads. I want to know what they are and a cure.
Please help. Or even suggest ways of soothing the pain and getting rid of them faster.

Kind regards Jordan

[rbh616]

My wife has had these weird pus/blood-filled bumps on her inner thigh for years. She got diagnosed with hypothyroidism, and she decided to go an alternative diet to try and fix it. The diet didn't fix her thyroid, but serendipitously it made the bumps go away! She thinks it was white potatoes causing them, but not entirely sure. It was the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet.

[Katekat42]

I have the exact same problem for years now, I first seen a dermatologist who diagnosed  Hidradenitis suppurativa which I first had under my arms this gradually moved to between my legs and across my tummy I usually keep them dressed if they are really painful just before they burst and I use hibiwash from boots in the shower which helps the ones under my arms have cleared up but have left scars I now have these bumps on my inner thighs but although painful they dont usually burst just come and go turn purple etc etc interestingly I have had a bad infection in my thumb which has turned out to be herpes! I now think that this herpes infection is related to these bumps I've  just started a course if antiviral tablets today so I will wait to see if the spots clear up between my legs I will keep u posted I feel ur pain! Kate xx

[mercy2986]

Did the antiviral help

[Sachelois]

What you describe is exactly what I have/get. The large purple bumps fade and reappear. When they fade the skin where they form is soft and off color.I've come to believe it is from when my thighs rub together and I sweat. My job is nothing but running around so this happens often. The pain makes me want to waddle. I have found that washing the area with Dial in the shower and applying Monistat Complete Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel afterwards and again before I dress for works helps greatly. It's not a cure all, but when the bumps appear it helps with the pain and they seem to fade quicker. You can find the gel near the feminine washes and yeast infection products. It isn't greasy, it has a different texture to it that really helps with the rubbing. I have never tried to pop the bumps so I'm not sure if I would put the gel onto the open areas.

[HaloKalea]

What if you're not overweight? And you still get them on your inner thighs, underneath the arms, I even get them all over my back and stomach. There has to be a cure! I have had these symptoms, everything to a T, as long as I can remember. I have seen 3 Drs in the last 6months and neither of them can give me a treatment. I'm at a point where I don't know what else to do.

[InsanityManity]

I used to have something similar, I treated them by dabbing tea tree oil on them individually with a cotton bud as to prevent spreading infection. Maybe consider talking to you doctors about it? Mine have gone away now so I’m positive it worth a shot. Hope it works out for you

[xo_chloeleanne]

I get these! However, only when I have a period are they're unbearable. Like today, they are hurting but I'm not on my period. Do you have any idea what they could be? I've had them for years now :(  

[CantFindAnIDnotTaken]

Hopefully I can offer some insight on my condition. I am NOT a doctor. This is just what I have been diagnosed with. I have those same purple spots on my inner thighs, VERY painful just as you described. I also started to get them on my behind, and now a few years later, my arms as well. Mine do not pop, there is no head. I have been to two different doctors that diagnosed me with the same thing.. Staph Infection. They told me I will never get rid of it, it's a virus in my body that will be with me forever. They gave me an antibiotic soap to use when the spots pop up, and I have a very strong antibiotic I have to take orally when I feel I need it. In my case, I have it bad. My immune system is weak, so therefore the Staph has just taken over my body. It's very hard. I have had this for a few years now, and we are at the point now that I pretty much always have those spots on my thighs. I can't live on the antibiotic, so I use the soap everyday. I do not know if this is what any of you have, but it's worth bringing up to your doctor to see. If you have those spots, please ask your doctor if that is what it is and get treatment now. You do not want to have to live with this for the rest of your life. My wounds will not heal anymore, I catch every bug and virus that goes around. It has just completely attacked my immune system. I'm sure there is more that needs to be done in my case, but we do not have very good doctors in my area. I hope this helps someone!

[ariellepelletier1]

I think this helps me finally....Atleast someone else besides me seems to have the same issue....but mine does not go away really its almost as though they leave scars....I remember the time I got one on my rear end! mortifying, and seeing as though I've never had anything like this before it bothers me really badly. when I go to public places and am wearing shorts I even try my best to cover them up with foundation or concealer! :(

[ariellepelletier1]

I think this helps me finally....Atleast someone else besides me seems to have the same issue....but mine does not go away really its almost as though they leave scars....I remember the time I got one on my rear end! mortifying, and seeing as though I've never had anything like this before it bothers me really badly. when I go to public places and am wearing shorts I even try my best to cover them up with foundation or concealer! :(

[Brittanyham]

Dont feel bad i been having them since i wss 15 and after i had my first kid they gotton worse and plus i get them under my stomach and underarms and on my inner thighs and on my side cause of my bras to and i got them bad when i had my second kid to i am afraid to do it in the day light and with even lights on i hate my body because of these dumb *** boils on our bodys it ***** wish they have a cure for them but guess not

[Chellechelle926]

I have the same exact issue. I didn't start getting them until I got a staph infection, foliculitus, in my legs after getting in a hot tub.

[Babymomma604]

I have the same issue right now and I have been even getting them on other places like my stomachs where I have a ton of stretch marks, everytime i see my dr the spotsare gone or not noticabke to my dr and it drives me nuts and its very painful

[Ninastar719]

I am a 14 yr old female and sadly i have the same problem because of the friction in between my thighs but i have a "treatment" for these hidious painful boils. What i do when i first get them i leave it alone until a head of pus is on the surface of the boil, i then use a tool for popping pimples (you can buy it at a beauty supply store for about 1.50) and although it is extremely painful to pop it, you must do so. Mainly a mixture of blood and pus comes out but anyway after i pop it i clean it with a cotton ball that has rubbing alcohol on it and leave it be until i cures itself. Now for the ugly purple scars it leaves u constantly jeep it moisturized by putting body lotion to prevent friction because any friction irritates the skin causing it to come back. To fade the scar i use regular cocoa butter and scar gel from any pharmacy. I really hope this works for you ladies <3 :)

[hotpink505]

I myself began getting them once I got pregnant, I gained from 165-275 in 8&1/2 mo. Gradually I'm losing,  it the boils keep coming especially in the hot summer even worse. Being obese myself, find it embarrassing to wear shorts period. I've used Mexana medicated powder to keep dry, prescribed pills from the obgyn., antibacterial soaps,  nothing helps. If I get a huge one, I know I shouldn't do it, but heat a needle poke it, drain it. Hurts like hell...but than I stay with an ugly purple scar. There has to be a resolution, it would be nice if it was covered by our insurance to get liposuction, since it is a medical issue.

[skylerj]

You exactly described what i got about two days ago. Black pea sized ball under skin. I thought it could be a cancerous growth but since its by my butt (Perineum area) i don't want to get it checked out just yet. Hopefully it goes away. How long do they usually last with you? have you had any luck with further research on this?

[BrendaRenee]

I have same black hard bumps under skin of inner thighs - they are NOT boils which are closer to the surface.  They come and go - caused by sitting or sleeping for long periods in the same position in a hard chair, also from being overweight.  I've been searching the Internet for medical research and treatment. I'm very surprised that it is so uncommon and hard to find information about.  They seem to go away on their own, but if you sit behind a computer all day and/or drive in a car for long periods as I do - they keep coming back.  They do not open or pop - they do not have "heads" or pus - they are much farther under the skin - not painful but hard and discolored. It's not a bed sore or pressure sore either,  Cysts and Lipomas are pale - these are dark black.  One possibility - I read that they can be removed with liposuction, which implies it is related to fat cells.  
I've had some luck with just putting generic diaper rash ointment or calamine lotion on overnight - and try to keep the area free of clothing while
you sleep to give it air.    

[jess880]

i also have these was like a spot so i popped it and the lump under the skin has gone on the right thigh but has left a purple scar i also fort i was getting a spot on my under arm and asked my mum to pop n she said it wasnt ready so i go to doctors and i get told its a superficial skin infection from the hir follicle it does dissapear on my underarm but i have another one on my left thigh now and its bugging me now i seem to get it when i come back from my boyfriends

[girlkitty]

Hi, I have this exact problem!  I am going to the doctor this Monday.  Have you found a diagnosis/solution?  Have you discovered a way to help prevent this condition?  
I hope you reply as I would like to have a plan when I visit my MD!!  If I need the cyst cut out to prevent future issues, then I will not delay.

Your leg looks just like mine!  
Thank you for posting; it's good to know I'm not alone!  (My sister also gets these!)

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms are suggestive of boils or chafing cause friction bumps. Boils are caused by infection of the hair follicle by staph aureus. Bacterial skin infections can be spread by shared cosmetics or washcloths, close human contact, or by contact with pus from a boil or carbuncle. Apply warm compresses on the bumps and keep the area clean. Drainage of the bump is done only when it becomes soft and forms a head. Take some over the counter pain reliever and consult a doctor for examination and antibiotics prescription.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.