Pigmentation on the inner thighs is a common problem amongst most women, and even men. It results from the excess production of melanin, the pigment that imparts dark color to skin and hair. What is the reason for pigmentation in this particular area? Is there a way to prevent or treat it? Read further to know the answers to these questions and to find out what causes dark inner thighs.
Causes of Dark Inner Thighs?
1. Chafing: The most common cause is chafing. Chafing occurs when the skin on both thighs rub against each other repeatedly. This happens during walking or exercising. It results in thinning of the skin, bruising, and ultimately, pigmentation on the inner thighs. Chafing may also occur from extremely tight or uncomfortable clothing.
2. Hormonal Imbalance and Disease: Certain periods like lactation and pregnancy makes the skin on the inner thighs more susceptible to darkening. Menstruation is also a time when hormonal imbalance occurs, and hence causes pigmentation. Women who suffer from PCOD face this problem often. Additionally, some medications for combating hormonal imbalance have side effects that result in darkening of thighs. Diseases such as diabetes also cause in this issue.
2. External Factors: Excessive sun exposure can rapidly darken skin on the inner thighs, especially when one goes into the water or doesn’t apply/reapply sunscreen everywhere. Another reason might be that a body moisturizer is not applied in that region often.
3. Use of harsh soaps: Harsh soaps can cause excessive dryness and lead to darkening of the skin. Use soap-free shower gels and body washes so that your skin is not ripped off moisture.
Treatment and Prevention of Dark Inner Thighs:
The affected area can be treated with natural masks or extracts like potato juice, aloe vera, or a simple sugar scrub. The first step should be to exfoliate skin thoroughly using a good body scrub or a homemade body scrub like this one – Rice and Milk Scrub for Polished Skin. After this, apply freshly-squeezed potato juice and apply it on the affected area regularly. Chafing can be avoided by wearing loose, comfortable clothing. Regular and gentle exfoliation will prevent buildup of pigmentation. SPF all over the body is essential in preventing this problem from getting worse. Also, chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid and salicylic acid based ointments would also help to slough off the dead and dry top layer of skin. Additionally, there are some over-the-counter products like niacinamide, alpha arbutin, azelaic acid that can help in lightening the skin. Retinoids can also be applied after consulting with a doctor. Laser treatment is also an option for those with severe pigmentation.
