Clogged Thigh Pores: Causes, Prevention and Treatment

While many people focus on clogged pores on the face, our pores can get clogged anywhere on your body, including the inner thighs. Clogged thigh pores are actually pretty common as the area is prone to daily friction as we walk or run. Learn more about the causes of clogged pores on the thighs, how to prevent them, and how to best treat them.

What Are Clogged Pores?

Clogged pores occur when debris (most often dead skin cells) mixes with your skin’s natural oils and gets trapped inside pores. Clogged pores may also contain bacteria, which leads to infection. Clogged pores on the thighs are common, as clogging can occur anywhere on the body where a pore is present.

What Do Clogged Thigh Pores Look Like?

Clogged thigh pores may look like small, hard bumps. They may be the same color as your skin, or reddish. They may feel like patches of rough skin. Clogged pores on the thighs can also lead to acne.

• Blackheads form when clogged pores remain open. The debris and oil inside oxidize when exposed to the air and turns black.

• Whiteheads form when clogged pores are closed and debris trapped inside leads to an inflammatory reaction.

• Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a skin condition that appears as blackheads, but is typically painful. This condition commonly appears on the inner thighs, buttocks, armpits and other areas where skin may rub against skin. If your clogged pores are causing you pain, see your doctor.

What Causes Clogged Pores Along the Inner Thigh?

Some people are more vulnerable to clogged pores than others. Pore size, skin type or skin conditions, the environment and how well you take care of your skin are all contributing factors.

• Genetics: Those with larger pores or oily skin may be more at risk for clogged pores. In general, researchers still don’t know what makes some people more susceptible to acne than others, although they do know it runs in the family.

• Skin Type: Oily skin grabs ahold of debris and may keep it trapped against the thighs. Some skin types also have a harder time naturally exfoliating dead skin cells.

• Hormones: The presence of certain hormones makes pores more likely to get clogged. This is why breakouts tend to occur with puberty, pregnancy and menstruation.

• Sweating: Those who sweat a lot, live in humid climates or participate in sweat-inducing activities are at risk for clogged thigh pores. Especially if sweat gets trapped against the skin for long periods of time.

• Friction: When skin rubs against skin or chafes against tight or non-breathable clothing it creates friction. This leads to irritation and inflammation which contributes to clogged pores.

How To Prevent Clogged Thigh Pores

You cannot change your genetics, but there are some things you can do to make clogged thigh pores less likely:

• Choose the Right Products: Avoid cleansing products that clog pores. This includes oil-based cleansers, those with harsh ingredients, and anything with added color or fragrance. Look for non-comedogenic, oil-free products.

• Exfoliate Carefully: Exfoliating is important, but don’t overdo it. Scrubbing too harshly or using products that chafe too much can break skin, making infection more likely. Exfoliating too often can also increase oil production by drying out your skin.

• Wear Loose, Breathable Clothing: Choose loose, breathable, natural fibers that won’t keep sweat trapped against your skin. This includes your sleepwear. Avoid clothing that’s too tight, too scratchy, or otherwise causes friction.

• Stay Clean: After your workouts, immediately remove sweaty clothing and take a shower as soon as you can.

• Hands Off: Never pick, squeeze or attempt to extract clogged thigh pores at home. This leaves skin vulnerable to infection and can make blockages and inflammation worse.

Skin Care for Getting Rid of Clogged Thigh Pores

To get rid of clogged thigh pores, follow a skin care regimen for your body that closely resembles how you would care for your face.

• Cleanse Deeply: Wash your inner thighs daily and after each sweat session. Use a gentle cleanser that won’t clog pores. Keeping thighs clean helps remove dirt and debris that could clog pores.

• Use Antibacterial Soap: When a regular, gentle cleanser just won’t do it, try using antibacterial soap. This eliminates the bacteria that mixes with skin’s oils, causing breakouts.

• Moisturize: Immediately after cleansing, apply a non-comedogenic water-based moisturizer. Well moisturized skin produces less oil. Pat off excess moisture before getting dressed.

• Exfoliate Weekly: No more than twice weekly, exfoliate using a gently textured cloth or a chemical exfoliant. Alpha and beta hydroxy acids can help shed dead skin cells. If your skin starts getting too dry, exfoliate less often.

Professional Treatments for Clogged Thigh Pores

If the above home remedies aren’t helping, or if your clogged thigh pores are causing you pain, it may be time to seek professional treatment by visiting a dermatologist. The following in-office treatments can help clear and prevent clogged inner thigh pores.

• Chemical peels offer a deeper level of exfoliation that cannot be achieved at home. By shedding the top layers of skin, chemical peels clear away dead skin cells and other debris to unclog pores and make future clogged pores less likely.

• Laser treatments can stimulate collagen production to strengthen the walls of pores. This potentially reduces pore size, making them less likely to get clogged. Laser treatment can also help minimize oil production.

• Microneedling is a skin resurfacing treatment that uses thousands of tiny needle pricks to stimulate collagen and new skin cell growth. This exfoliating treatment helps shed dead skin cells, increases cell turnover and strengthens the integrity of pores.

• Dermabrasion is an exfoliating treatment that works similarly to microneedling. The technique uses a small, handheld device to ‘sandblast’ the skin’s surface with tiny crystals. Skin is left smoother, newer and less prone to breakouts.

Dr. Sandoval is Board Certified by the American Board of Dermatology and is a member of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), the American Academy of Dermatology, the Dermatology Foundation, the Texas Medical Association, and the Travis County Medical Society. Dr. Sandoval’s interests include adult and pediatric medical dermatology, skin cancer management, and cosmetic dermatology.