Thigh acne is pimples or bumps that develop on the inner or outer part of the thighs. There are different reasons why they occur; however, common factors lead to their occurrence, like friction, sweating, or trauma to the skin.
Types of Thigh Bumps
There are three different types of thigh bumps. They include:
Acne Mechanica
Acne mechanica is quite similar to regular acne. The difference between the two is the cause. This type of acne occurs due to friction and pressure on the skin. It happens when skin is rubbed, squeezed, or stretched. Anyone whose skin is exposed to constant friction is at risk of developing it. However, it is likely to affect those who are usually active in working out or sports and those who stay in one position for a long time like those on bed rest.
Like regular acne, this form usually appears as whiteheads, blackheads, papules, and pustules. Papules and pustules are pink and red bumps that most people identify as pimples. Acne mechanica often develops due to wearing tight clothing or, in some cases, clothes that expose the thighs to friction. It can also be brought about by sitting for long periods.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis occurs when a hair follicle becomes inflamed or infected. They often look like acne and can be uncomfortable and itchy. Activities like shaving and engaging in sports/workouts are the common causes of folliculitis due to friction, sweating, and ingrown hairs.
However, other factors lead to the development of folliculitis. The factors often depend on the type you may be dealing with. Folliculitis usually targets places where hair is likely to grow, like the head, face, pubic area, and legs. There are several types; however, there are two that are likely to affect the thighs. They include:
Pseudomonas folliculitis
Which is also referred to as “hot tub folliculitis.” This occurs after spending time in a hot tub or swimming pool with water with the wrong PH or chlorine level. It leads to the development of scattered red bumps, which may also be itchy.
Bacterial folliculitis
This is usually the most common of all types. The skin usually has a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. This bacterium is usually prone to entering the skin and infecting the hair follicle, especially if you have a cut or scrape.
Heat Rash
Heat rash, also known as “Millennia,” is a common rash that develops due to excessive sweating. When the sweat glands get blocked, your sweat leaks into the surrounding tissues causing a rash. The rash appears as a cluster of small, raised spots that are itchy or prickly. You may also experience mild inflammation and redness.
Prevention Methods
In most cases, it is not always possible to prevent thigh bumps. However, there are a few preventive measures. Here are some of the methods you can use:
Avoid Tight Clothing
Tight clothes usually lead to friction and excessive sweating. The best way to ensure you don’t put pressure on the skin is to wear loose, lightweight clothes made of cotton. If you are used to engaging in sporting activities and must wear a sporting uniform, you should consider wearing a cotton t-shirt underneath.
Lubricant
Using lotion, creams, sunscreen, and powders can help you to prevent friction, especially if you prefer wearing dresses and skirts. When picking out sunscreen it is important to know what kind is suitable for your skin.
Shave with care
Ingrown hairs are one of the common causes of folliculitis. Ingrown hairs mainly affect people with curly hair though it can also occur due to specific hair removal methods like shaving or tweezing.
You can check out this article to find out How To Deal With Ingrown Hairs
Use clean hot tubs and pools
If you have a hot tub at home or a pool, then make sure you clean it regularly and use the correct amount of chlorine.
Maintain good hygiene
When the weather is hot, it is hard to maintain good hygiene since you end up sweating constantly. However, there are tips you can use to ensure that you maintain good hygiene, which will also help to prevent thigh acne.
7 Ways To Maintain Good Hygiene During The Hot Weather
Treatments
Home-based treatments for Thigh acne
A few remedies you can use are known to help with thigh acne. Here are a few:
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The gel helps to cool down inflammation caused by heat rash and folliculitis.
How to use
You can purchase the packaged aloe vera gel or use the extract directly from the plant. Wash the affected area, pat dry, and apply the aloe vera gel.
Essential oils
Essential oils have antibacterial and antifungal properties and are the best homemade remedy for folliculitis. There are a variety of essential oils you can choose from; some of them include rosehip oil, tea tree oil, lemon oil, cinnamon oil, eucalyptus oil, and chamomile oil.
How to use
Essential oils are usually powerful and can end up irritating your skin. The best way to use them is to add a few drops of the oil to your moisturizer.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties and is known to aid in balancing the skin’s PH levels, preventing breakouts. Health: 15 Proven Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar
Baking Soda
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is an excellent home remedy for heat rash and itchy skin.
How to use
- Add 1 to 2 cups baking soda to a lukewarm bath and soak for about 20 minutes.
- Rinse off, pat yourself dry and apply moisturizer
- You can also opt to make a paste with water and baking soda and apply it directly to the affected area.
Lifestyle: 22 Different Uses Of Baking Soda Around The House
Warm Compresses
Placing a warm compress on areas affected by folliculitis can help to soothe soreness, swelling, and pain.
Process
- Boil 2 to 3 cups of water.
- Allow the water to cool until it’s warm.
- Add a teaspoon of salt and stir.
- Use cotton wool or a clean washcloth to apply the warm compress.
Cool bath or shower
Heat rash usually goes away after the skin has cooled down. Showering or bathing with cool water can help to soothe the rash, and it also helps to unclog the pores. Once you are done, dry your skin thoroughly to avoid irritation.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
There are a few over-the-counter medications that you can also use to help deal with thigh issues. The critical thing to remember is always to find a product with an ingredient that helps to deal with the issue you are facing. You should also find suitable products for your skin to avoid dealing with side effects. Here is a list of ingredients that you should look for:
Benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is a well-known over-the-counter remedy for acne and folliculitis. It works by killing bacteria and helping the pores to shed dead skin cells and excess oil. Benzoyl peroxide is usually available as a cleanser, gel, or cream.
Vitamins
Topical vitamins such as nicotinamide and retinol are known to reduce inflammation, minimize skin oil, and promote new cell growth. Benefits Of Vitamin A And Retinol For Skin
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that helps unclog pores, reducing inflammation and removing dead cells. It works to reduce blemishes caused by acne, and it also reduces redness and irritation. Glycolic acid may have side effects, so it is essential to inquire or research a product with this ingredient before purchasing.
Hydrocortisone
Hydrocortisone helps to relieve the symptoms of heat rash. It is usually available over the counter as a cream. It is most effective in dealing with itching.
When should you seek medical attention?
In most cases, heat rash, folliculitis, and acne mechanica go away after a few days or weeks. However, they can be unappealing to look at, and they can also end up causing other skin-related issues like darker inner thighs. Home Remedies For Dark Inner Thighs
You should consider visiting the dermatologist if you experience any one of these conditions and you are not sure what you are dealing with. You can also seek medical advice if home remedies and over-the-counter treatments aren’t working.
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