Boils on the inner thigh often result from Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria that infect the hair follicles. They typically require at-home care, like pain relievers and warm compresses.

What Do Boils on the Inner Thigh Look Like?

Boils on the inner thigh often begin as a small, tender bump beneath your skin. The area feels warm to the touch, appears red, and may swell.1

As the boil fills with more pus, composed of dead cells and fluid, the area will enlarge. You might also notice pain worsening. The center of the boil may appear yellow as pus begins to show through the skin.12

Other symptoms of an inner thigh boil include:12

• Feeling unwell
• Fever and fatigue
• Itching on and around the site
• Spreading of the boil to other areas near the first one

Although a boil on the inner thigh resembles a facial pimple, it develops deeper in the skin and is more painful.2 Most people have 1-2 boils that do not return. Others might have recurring boils.3

Why Do Boils Pop Up on Your Inner Thigh?

Boils develop when bacteria infect a hair follicle on your skin. The most common bacteria that cause boils are staph bacteria, which live on the skin and typically do not cause harm.

As the infection progresses, the hair follicle fills with debris from dead cells and other fluids.23 When a hair follicle becomes damaged, bacteria can enter the body and infect the deeper tissue.

Recurrent boils in the inner thighs, groin, underarms, and under breasts may be hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Also called acne inversa, this chronic skin condition causes boil-like lumps under the skin.4

Risk Factors

Boils are common on the thigh and can result from friction with clothing.1

If you have a weak immune system, are older, or have more adipose (fat) tissue in your thighs, you have a greater chance of boils.52

What Home Remedies Can Relieve Symptoms?

If your boil does not require medical treatment, you can try several home remedies. Avoid squeezing or popping the boil to prevent spreading the infection.6

Try these measures at home to treat a boil on your inner thigh:71

• Keep the area clean: Wear shorts or loose-fitting pants to avoid friction. Cover the boil with gauze or a bandage if it opens, and change the dressing frequently.
• Take pain relievers: Unless you have been told not to use Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen), they can help ease pain. Follow the package instructions for dosage, and always refer to a doctor for questions. 
• Use a warm compress: Soak a clean washcloth in warm water, then apply it to your skin. Make sure the water is not too hot, which may cause a burn. Hold the warm compress to the area for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times daily. 

When To See a Doctor

Boils on your thigh can potentially clear on their own. Seeking treatment can speed up healing, relieve pain, and prevent complications.2

Having some amount of pain and discomfort is normal when you have a boil on your thigh. However, intense pain or other severe symptoms may be a sign of a complication.

Get medical care if you have symptoms like:1

• Boils that last more than a week or return after treatment
• Fever
• A large collection of fluid in the area
• Red streaks coming out from the site
• Severe pain

You may need treatment from a dermatologist (who specializes in the skin, nails, and hair). Some people have recurrent boils and need more extensive treatment.  

Doctors can usually diagnose a boil on the inner thigh by examining it. Your symptom description also helps with diagnosis. They may swab the site of the boil to determine the kind of bacteria.82

What Are Your Medical Treatment Options?

If you have an especially large boil or a boil that comes back often, you will likely need medical treatment. These types of boils may require incision and drainage.6

During this procedure, a doctor makes a small cut that allows the pus to drain and the wound to heal. They may also clean the inside of the wound with antiseptics and place small strips of gauze inside to absorb and remove pus.6

If your boil becomes infected, you may also need antibiotics. Doctors typically only prescribe antibiotics when you are at a higher risk for complications. You can take antibiotics by mouth or through an IV in your arm.62

How Can You Prevent Boils on Your Inner Thigh?

Boils can be painful and bothersome. Try these methods to prevent their spread and recurrence on your inner thigh:13

• Cover and protect any boils.
• Do not share personal items like towels, razors, or linens used on skin with a boil present.
• Keep frequently touched surfaces clean. This includes countertops, door knobs, toilet seats, or any other surfaces that may come into contact with bare skin. 
• Use antibacterial soaps or antiseptic washes to kill germs. 
• Wash your hands with soap and water anytime you touch a boil or before and after you change a bandage covering the site.

If you have a boil on your inner thigh, the worst thing you could do is squeeze the area. Squeezing a boil increases your risk of spreading the infection, which creates more boils and possible complications.