Lump on inner upper thigh

Hi, I have just noticed a lump on the upper inner part of my thigh, right next to my scrotum but on the thigh. It's under the skin but sore to the touch. i normally shave my crotch and thought it to be an ingrown hair but it seems too large for that. I also noticed a similar but smaller lump at the top of my crack which is much smaller (about 3cm) but also sore to the touch. Any thoughts as too what they can be?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be a hernia or a swollen lymph node. It can also be a boil or a carbuncle. Boils are caused by infection of the hair follicle by staph aureus and are very painful unless they drain spontaneously or an incision is given by a doctor. Apply warm compresses and Neosporin ointment and avoid messing with it. You can give your father in law anti-inflammatory pain killers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

However he may require oral antibiotics and incision and drainage also.

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.