Sore, swollen lump on inner thigh by bikini line

[MitchGirl]

A few days ago I noticed a sore, reddish swollen lump on my left inner thigh, right along my bikini line. It has since gotten larger (about the size of a nickel, and more elongated now).

It only feels sore if I press on it or rub against it. It seems like a soft lump that moves around with the skin. Last night I applied a warm washcloth to it for about 30 minutes, which made it feel better.

Could this be a swollen lymph node, or maybe an ingrown hair? It is located in the area where I shave daily.

Any advice would be very appreciated!

[Em1964]

I'm sixteen years old and I think I have the same problem. I get this hard lump on my bikini line. Right where my knickers rub against. I normally leave it but it comes back again after about six months. This time it has been worse than ever. It's got to about the size of a two pence coin, but in a more oval-like shape. I can still walk and everything but it was so sore to move my leg and when I put a tight pair of knickers on it was excruciating. I took a really hot bath and held a very hot (as hot as I could stand) washcloth against it last night, and this morning it has burst on its own. Blood has been coming out but no pus. It is now a weird purple colour. Should I tell my mum or go to the doctor? What exactly is this thing called? I don't think it's serious because it always goes on its own, it's just super frustrating how it always comes back!

[KDR78]

Thanks to all for posting! This has truly helped me. I am 35 yrs old and have been suffering with this issue for 16 yrs. When I was 19 yrs old I discovered a cyst by my bikini area and it has come and gone without being diagnosed. Whenever I had a flareup and would seak relief I had always been given an oral antibiotic by dermatologists and gynecologists and it never seemed to clear up from that. A few years ago my gynecologist removed it and was concerned because of the tunnels she saw under my skin ( when I was in my mid twenties I popped it, but no longer do) . She sent it to the lab and nothing concerning came back. It didn't show itself for a few yrs and after becoming pregnant it came back, which was so disconcerting because I didn't want to develop an infection. I was told to use a warm compress 2xs a day and Neosporin. I wasn't crazy about treating this cysts with this particular method, but I did what my doctor told me to prevent an infection since I was pregnant. Now I'm a new mom, my son is 7 weeks old and healthy :) and I discovered 2 of these cycsts around my bikini area. I have been wearing stretch pants before I can fit into my prepregancy pants a lot and have been a little stressed taking care of my son. From what I have read about HP is sometimes it's aggravated by hormones, stress and tight clothing. I am currently researching dermatologists in NYC where I live and am looking for a valid diagnosis, but reading this post gives me hope and also make me sad because I do not have much time to tend to this issue. And yrs of having it come, sometimes with vengeance and go have left me feeling as though it may sadly be chronic.  I am surprised to see that there are really no support groups for this condition and it is something that can be debilitating and extremely painful. I wish you all the best of luck in this and am sending love to all of you because this is not an easy issue to deal with. If I find out anything that may be helpful, I will pass it along.

[daisydotty]

I have had these on and off for years! The last one was a few months ago. It became red, swollen and throbbing very quickly. I find a hot bath and then hot compresses help to draw the infection to the surface quicker. I never squeeze it as this can rupture the inner sack and cause further infection as it gets into your blood stream. When I notice the center has become spongy I will sit in a hot bath and rub it gently. I find this helps it rupture quicker. Once it has opened I always see the dr who takes swabs (which have always been clear) and prescribes an oral antibiotic. I continue with the hot baths a few times a day (if possible) for a week to keep it clean.

[Lilly5924]

I am only 13, and I shave my bikini line because I am a gymnast. I get the sore lumps frequently and I would really like to know how to get rid of them and keep them gone? Please help! Thanks :)

[justchecking26]

hey, sorry to bother you but i really hope you see this as i'm 14 now and have the exact same thing :s >< what happened in the end to yours? (i'm praying its nothing like cancer for the benefit of both of us ;)) again, sorry to bother you i'm jsut really scared :s

[jess4812]

so im currently in a predicament where i dont have insurance and wont be able to get it anytime soon. i was sitting barely bumped my inner thigh and it hurt really bad it was like the size of a pea the next day the size of a quarter. Large lump under the skin totally agonizing making my body ache day 3 it turned really dark purple almost black. yesterday it never popped but had a huge knarly scar and today i looked its still painful and swollen th same bbut there is a huge! gaping hole in it with what looks like white tissue with an even deeper hole. looks kinda black still..... i have no idea what to do please help!!!
Jess