Have you developed a lump in your groin and don’t know what could be the cause? This is quite commonalthough its causes can vary. Thus, depending on the characteristics of the lump (color, shape…), the cause will be one or another.
In this article we will talk about 5 possible causes of a lump in the groin. In addition, we will mention some natural remedies, we will mention some natural remedies to soften the lump or alleviate its symptoms in case it is a cyst.
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Possible Causes of a Groin Lump
It has happened to many people to notice a small lump in the groin almost by chance (or because of a painful sensation). When we locate one of these lumps, we tend to worry. However, not not all of them are cause for concernDepending on the cause, this lump need not be serious.
But what can cause a lump in the groin? In fact, there are there are several causes. To find out the answer, we should look at some characteristics of the lump: is it red, yellow or whitish in color, does it hurt when squeezed, does it move when pressed? The answers to these questions will give us the first clues as to the cause of this lump in the groin.
In this article we will discuss 5 possible causes of this.
1. Ingrown hair
A lump in the groin may actually be caused by ingrown hair. This cause is quite frequent among adults. This type of bumps usually appear with some redness around them. They appear as a consequence of hair removal, so we should avoid waxing that area again, at least temporarily. The appearance of the bump in this case is reddish, and it usually hurts when touched.
When this happens, there is no need to worry, as it is nothing serious. it is nothing serious. A tip is to exfoliate the area. We can also go to the pharmacy to get a product that can relieve the small inflammation, for example antibacterial creams, steroid creams, etc..
These types of products can prevent the lump from becoming over-infected; we can also use gauze to cover the lump and avoid contact with clothing. However, we should always consult the pharmacist or a specialist. If the lump does not disappear and becomes larger or more painful, a doctor should be consulted.
2. Cyst
A lump in the groin may also appear as a result of a cyst. Cysts are small, round, whitish-white lumps.. Occasionally they can also be yellow. These lumps, unlike the previous ones, do not hurt (unless they are infected), and can move under the skin when pressed. They are actually small balls of fat.
Generally they are not serious, although if they become complicated (if they hurt a lot, if they become infected…) we should go to a specialist to have them removed. That is why we must be attentive to if they change color or size as the days go by.
Home remedies for cysts
In the event that our lump in the groin is actually a cyst or small accumulation of fat, there are some home or natural remedies to treat them. Before, but let’s remember that always go to a specialist to confirm the diagnosis. specialist to confirm the diagnosis.
Some of these remedies are: use aloe vera; aloe vera is a natural ingredient very beneficial for the skin. It can help fight the bacteria that are infecting the cyst, and relieve symptoms such as pain. We can also use tea tree oil, another natural ingredient with anti-inflammatory properties, which can help cure the infection.
Another natural remedy is to applying moist heat to the lump and the reddened area. We can choose to use a warm, slightly damp cloth, or an electric blanket if we have one. These techniques can help heal the lump.
Finally, another tip or natural remedy is to follow a healthy lifestyle. This involves following a balanced, varied and healthy diet, and practicing physical exercise daily (or two or three times a week), even if it is only walking half an hour a day.
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Malignant tumor 3.
A lump in the groin may also be caused by a malignant tumor; in this case the lump is hard to the touch, and cannot be displaced under the skin when pressed (unlike the previous case). That is, it remains “anchored”.
On the other hand, it does not usually hurt, not even when we make a physical effort.. Its causes can be: lymphoma, vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, penile cancer, rectal cancer, testicular cancer, etc. To treat it, we must go to a doctor, who will prescribe the appropriate treatment (surgery, chemotherapy …).
4. Inguinal hernia
Another possible cause of a lump in the groin is an inguinal hernia. This can be innate (i.e., from birth) or congenital, and appear when older. But what are inguinal hernias? They are small lumps that occur because a part of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity or the intestine, protrudes through a weak orifice located in the abdomen..
Inguinal hernias are more common in men than in women. The bulge that is produced usually hurts when pressed, and also when we carry heavy weights or when we cough. It is usually treated surgically (surgery).
On the other hand, the symptoms caused by an inguinal hernia are usually, in addition to those mentioned above: a stinging sensation in the area of the bulge and its surroundings, as well as a feeling of discomfort.as well as a feeling of discomfort and pressure in the groin. The cause of inguinal hernias are usually unknown, although there are three causes: a great effort when defecating, suffering from a chronic cough or being pregnant, in the case of women.
5. Inguinal ganglion
A swollen groin lymph node may also explain the lump in your groin that has appeared. These types of lumps are actually lymph nodes located in the groin area.
These are the body’s defenses, which are responsible for filtering the lymph (a fluid that comes from the blood and circulates between the lymphatic vessels and veins) to protect the body from any malignant microorganisms. In other words, it prevents these substances from entering the body.
A lump in the groin in children
Although throughout the article we have talked about a lump in the groin in the case of adults, these can also appear in children. Their causes are usually inguinal hernias.and they usually appear during the first year of life.
That is why they are usually easily detected, especially by pediatricians during routine check-ups. In these cases, the corresponding professional should be consulted.
Bibliographical references:
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Arlette Adauy E., Hugo Salinas P., Benjamín Naranjo D., Beatriz Retamales Mª (2006). Vaginal cysts. Revista Chilena Obstetricia y ginecología, 71(4): 252-258.
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Llanos, O. (2004). History of inguinal hernia surgery. Revista Chilena de Cirugía, 56(4): 404-409.
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SEMG Spanish Society of General and Family Physicians. (2010). Manual of General and Family Medicine. Editorial Médica Panamericana.