Blackheads are a very common skin condition that occurs when the pores of your skin become clogged with a combination of natural skin oils, dead skin cells and dirt. When the skin pores are open, the plug reacts with oxygen to turn black, resulting in blackheads. There are some people who are more prone to blackheads than others. There are also certain areas of the body that are more prone to blackheads, like the oily T-zone on the face and on the inner thigh.

Why Do I Have Those Blackheads on Inner Thigh?

1. Being Overweight

Most people with these blemishes on their inner thighs are overweight. The constant friction between the inner thighs as an overweight person walks creates irritation on the skin. The excessive sweating between the legs and the friction creates the perfect environment for clogged pores.

2. Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Another common condition that creates blackheads on the inner thigh is hidradenitis suppurativa. This condition is characterized by blackheads, inflamed bumps, large lumps or even tunnels where the lumps become connected under the skin. The latter type of wound takes a very long time to heal and can even become infected, causing oozing pus. Some other common areas where this skin condition occurs are the groin, armpits and anal area. These particular areas are packed with sweat and oil glands. When you add in some friction and skin irritation, you can get hidradenitis suppurativa. The risk factors are linked to many factors like hormonal, obesity, hereditary, smoking and an inappropriate immune response by the body.

How to Get Rid of Blackheads on Inner Thigh

1. Home Remedies

• If you suspect that your condition is due to being overweight, lose the extra weight.
• Keep the affected areas as clean and dry as possible. Exfoliate using a gentle cleanser but be careful not to further irritate the skin.
• Take warm baths. The steam will open clogged pores to allow for cleansing. If you are comfortable with doing this, gently remove the blackheads with a commercial blackhead remover after a warm bath.
• Use an aloe vera gel to clean the affected skin.
• Radish seeds, previously soaked and crushed into a paste can be applied to the affected areas. Dust a bit of sugar onto the paste and gently rub in a circular motion. This should successfully dislodge the blackheads on the inner thigh.
• Another option is to make a paste of equal parts of radish seeds, milk and honey. Apply the paste to the blackheads on the inner thigh, leave on for about 2 hours then wash off. This will ease the skin inflammation.

• Apple cider vinegar acts as a natural exfoliator. It also acts as an antimicrobial and antiseptic on the skin. Additionally, apple cider vinegar normalizes the pH of the skin. Make a solution of apple cider vinegar with water in the ratio of 1:3. Using a cotton ball, apply to the affected area. Leave the solution on the skin for about 20 minutes then wash off. This can be applied up to your thigh three times per day.

• Dried orange peel can be used to heal lesions as well because the peel is rich in vitamin C which heals blackheads on inner thighs.
• Make a smooth paste with yogurt and dried orange peel. Apply to the lesions, let it sit for about 30 minute and then wash off.

• Tomato is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that promote healing of skin. Blend a tomato and apply to the inner thighs. Leave on for 30 minutes then wash off.

2. Medications

The treatments available range from antibiotics, immuno-suppressants and retinoid derivatives to hormone therapy. Steroid therapy injected directly into an inflamed bump will reduce the swelling and associated pain. However, hormone therapy is still under clinical investigation to determine the value of the benefits against the adverse effects. Immune system suppressants are also being investigated. This type of treatment shows promise due to the body's abnormal immunological response but it has many potential adverse effects like cardiac problems and an increased risk to infections. Medicines that relieve pain can also be prescribed by your doctor.

3. Surgical Procedures

Depending upon the severity of the condition, there are some surgical options available. Incision and draining is used when the affected area is localized to a small area. Punch debridement involves only a single inflamed lesion. Tissue-sparing excision with electro-surgery is used in extreme cases. Be sure to discuss the available therapy with your doctor to choose the best option for you and your related health conditions. 

Other People's Experiences on Blackheads on Inner Thigh

"I have been getting acne on my inner thigh since puberty. Doctors have prescribed antibiotics but those have not helped. It is beginning to bother me. I am getting depressed and ashamed. I don't want people to see these scars on my inner thighs."

"I have suffered from blackheads on my inner thighs for a very long time. I am now 26 years old. I tried a TCA peel on my face initially to freshen up my complexion but decided to apply it to my thighs. The result was amazing. The skin has improved and scars have disappeared. I have to use the TCA peel every few months to keep the condition under control."

"A few months ago, I developed these blackheads on my inner thigh. It coincided with my rapid weight gain after I had my son. It has left me feeling awful and very self-conscious."