What is the reason for swollen lymph nodes in groin both in Male and Female? Explore more on causes, treatments and effective home remedies have been also been discussed. Also pictures have been attached to aid understanding of the problem.
Swollen Lymph Nodes in Groin Causes
- Organ transplant
Organ transplant is a process of transferring cells, tissues, or organs from one site to another. Most often the organs involved are liver, skin, heart or even kidney. For this process of transplant to be successful the donor and recipient they have to immunologically compatible. If this does not happen the recipient body treats the donated organ as a foreign substance hence this may result to reactions that cause lymph nodes to swell.
- Common infection
Infections are the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes in groin because one of the functions of the lymph nodes is to fight off infections and thus they are exposed to pathogens more frequently than other parts of the body, thus they become swollen as more antibodies are produced to fight off infection resulting in swollen lymph node. The common infections that cause lymph node swelling include:
- Sexually transmitted infections [STIs].Sexually transmitted infections that cause swollen lymph node are mononucleosis (kissing disease), HIV-AIDS and syphilis. Syphilis for example affects the lymph nodes in the groin and sometimes makes them inflamed.
- Throat infections. Throat infections such as sore throat cause difficulty in swallowing, a lot of irritation and discomfort. Bacteria and viruses are a major cause of throat infections. Throat infections can cause swollen lymph nodes in any part of the body where lymph glands are located including the groin.
- Flu and Cold. Common cold and flu causes lymph nodes to swell in the groin. This is because the body is trying to fight off the illness sending the immune system into an overdrive causing swelling of the lymph node in the groin.
- Uncommon infections
Uncommon infections usually shake the entire body system and are usually accompanied by symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes in any part of the body. Some of these uncommon infections include:
- Toxoplasmosis– This is a parasitic infection that occur as a result of coming in contact with feces of an infected cat or generally eating undercooked meat. This infection causes lymph nodes in the groin and other places in body to swell.
- Cat scratch fever– These are a bacterial infection from a cat scratch or a cat bite that cause lymph node in groins to swell in the process of fighting the bacteria causing cat scratch fever.
- Cellulitis– this is a skin infection that cause lymph nodes to swell. The condition normally occurs when a broken skin encounters bacteria and then the bacteria enter the lymphatic system causing the lymph nodes to malfunction and swell.
- German Measle– this is a viral infection caused by rubella virus which results in reddish pink rashes on the skin. The rashes begin on the face and spread throughout as the infection spreads. This infection also results in swollen lymph glands in the groin.
- Complications
Some of the complications that can cause lymph nodes in the groin to swell include:
- Abscess formation. An abscess is a localized collection of pus caused by an infection, this Pus contain fluid, white blood cells, dead tissues and bacteria.
- Blood stream infection. This condition is also known as bacteremia. This complication arises as
- Blood stream. The infection is usually accompanied by mass swelling of lymph node within the body system.
- Immune system Disorders
Immune system disorders can to result to massive swelling of the lymph nodes within the body system and some of among other disorders include:
- Lupus-this is a chronic inflammatory disease that can target your joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs and blood cells.
- Rheumatoid arthritis-a chronic inflammatory disease which affects the joints lining tissues.
- Cancers and Tumors
There are certain type of cancers that have accompanying symptoms such as swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin and those in other parts of the body. Some of such cancers include:
- Leukamia– This is popularly known as cancer of the blood. It is cancer of your body’s blood-forming tissue, including the bone marrow and lymphatic system and it causes massive swelling of the lymph nodes in the body.
- Lymphoma – This type of cancer originates and affects the lymphatic system and sometimes it accompanied by symptoms such as swelling of the lymph glands.
- Pelvic malignancy this type of cancer spread from cancer of anus or vulva and may result in swollen lymph nodes.
- Melanoma is one of the types of skin cancer which may cause swelling of the lymph nodes around the affected area.
- Certain Medication and Vaccines
There are certain medications that can cause lymph nodes to swell they include anti-seizure medications like Dilantin. Also preventative medications such as anti-malaria drugs for example pyrimethamine and sulfa drugs.
Certain vaccinations such as MMR (measles, Mumps and Rubella) and typhoid vaccination may also cause generalized lymph node enlargement.
- Allergies
Common allergies which cause itching in the genitals also cause swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin. This is as a result of the immune system trying to fight off the allergens the body causing the symptoms. During this action of fighting off the pathogens the lymph nodes in groin get swollen.
- Hernias, Aneurysm, or Nodules
Hernias or aneurysms are bulging sections in a muscle or blood vessel. A nodule is usually a growth on a gland. Hernia, aneurysm or nodule may be felt under the skin but may not be visible. These type of lumps need more medical evaluation.
Swollen Lymph nodes in Groin Female
In female, groin is just above the top of the leg, between the lowest part of the tummy and the top of the thigh. The groins are also on either side, around the crease where the leg joins the rest of the body. Also there is a group of glands in the groin area, which normally cannot be felt. These glands contain the inguinal canal on each side. The inguinal canal is a passageway for structures such as ligaments to pass between the tummy and the genital area.
Lymph nodes are an important part of the immune system. The groin has a uniquely high concentration of lymph nodes and as part of the immune system; lymph nodes reflect abnormalities in the groin. In women, infections are generally the cause of lymph node enlargement such as urinary tract or serious infections such as sexually transmitted Diseases.
Consulting with the doctor is the best defense against figuring out the symptoms and treating the infections. Giving the doctor detailed information about the swollen lymph nodes in groin may be the first approach towards finding a solution.
Swollen Lymph Nodes in Groin Male
In Male the lymph nodes are near the penis are in the groin and inside the stomach or ‘abdomen’. In the groin, there are sets of lymph nodes on both the left and right sides. When swollen, the lymph nodes in the groin will feel like little lumps that usually have a rubbery texture. Swollen glands inside the abdomen can’t be felt by touch and can only be examined with the aid of a scanner.
If there is evidence of the cancer spreading to the glands in the groin, then the treatment often involves removal of the surrounding lymph nodes. This may involve removing the lymph nodes in the left or right of the groin, or on both. Occasionally, surgery is also performed to remove the lymph nodes within the abdomen. The procedure for removing the lymph nodes can be undertaken before, during or after the treatment of the primary cancer of the penis although it is usually undertaken afterwards.
Home Remedies for Swollen Lymph Nodes in Groin
Here are 12 home remedies that have proved to be effective over time, consider the following:
Warm Compress
When warm compress is used, the warm temperature helps to increase blood circulation, which in turn reduces swelling and pain as well.
- Soak the clean washcloth in hot water
- Wring to remove excess water
- Place this washcloth on your affected areas for about 10 minutes
- Repeat this treatment 3 times daily to get satisfactory result.
- You can also wash the affected areas with warm water several times a day to fasten healing.
Castor Oil
Castor oil contains ingredients that have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties which can help to a great extend in reducing swelling of the lymph nodes. Castor oil helps to boost the flow of lymph throughout the bloodstream and body tissues.
- Rub some cold-pressed castor oil on the affected areas gently for about 10 minutes.
- Soak a washcloth in hot water and wring out excess water.
- Place this warm washcloth to the swollen areas for about 20 minutes.
- Rinse it off with lukewarm water
- Repeat this process 2 times daily for 1 week in order to get satisfactory results.
Panax Ginseng
According to University of Maryland Medical School, panax Ginseng is effective in treating colds and its associated symptoms such as swollen Lymph nodes and fever.
Panax Ginseng is available in powdered form, capsules or a liquid extract. It is recommended taking 400mg of ginseng dose daily for 1 week to treat the cold, flue, and swollen lymph nodes.
Plantain and Raspberry
Plantain and Raspberry leaves have been used for a very long time to treat swollen glands and for other medicinal purposes.
- Crush a handful of plantain and raspberry leaves into a fine paste.
- Place the paste into a cup and add hot water to it.
- Allow it to steep for 10 minutes and then strain the solution.
- Drink the solution. You need to drink 2 cups of this solution per day for 1 week.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is very effective in its ability to treat many health problems such as headache, nausea, respiratory problem among others. Peppermint oil is rich in minerals and nutrients such as calcium, folate, magnesium and potassium. It is also a great source of vitamin A, Omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin C. When peppermint is applied to swollen lymph nodes, it soothes the lymph nodes and fight the bacteria causing pain in the glands. To use peppermint oil, you need to massage the affected swollen areas with few drops of peppermint oil.
Mullein Leave
When lymph glands are infected they can lead to other infections such a sore throat and pain. The ingredients found in mullein are antiviral and antibacterial in nature; this makes them effective in fighting bacteria and virus. Mullein has also been used for very days as an ingredient during manufacture of many acute ailment medicines. It is also very powerful when used to treat hoarseness, colds, fever, flu, whooping cough and sore throat.
- Take a handful of mullein leaves and put them in a jar.
- Add a cup of hot boiling water to this jar.
- Let it steep for a few minutes and then drink it.
- Drink three cups of this solution every day for 1 week to cure sore throat and swelling.
Lemon
Lemon contain components of rosmarinic acid, caffeic acids and chlorogenic acids, these components make lemon to have antibacterial and antiviral properties which hence forth makes lemon effective for medicinal purposes. Lemon juice can help to heal sore throat and thin mucus. It can also be effective to treat swollen lymph nodes.
To treat swollen lymph nodes with lemon:
- Add a teaspoon of honey, lemon juice into a glass of warm water.
- Drink it 3 times a day.
- Alternatively, you can cut a lemon in a half. Then add some Epsom salt and pepper over it, then lick the swollen glands using this remedy.
Turmeric
Turmeric has been used for medicinal purposes for a very long time. And as a therapeutic herb, it contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that make it very powerful in reducing the pain and swelling of the enlarged lymph nodes.
- Make a paste of turmeric by mixing 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder and some honey.
- Apply the paste over the swollen glands as you rub gently for 20 minutes.
- Rinse off, with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the process 2 times a day for 1 week.
- Alternatively, you can drink a glass of Turmeric mix with milk or take turmeric supplements, after consulting your doctor.
Echinacea
Echinacea has powerful anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory ingredients that help to strengthen the lymph system as well as fight infections by purifying blood and lymph nodes.
- Apply Echinacea cream or ointment topically 2 or 3 times a day to reduce swelling.
- You can also make a cup of Echinacea tea and drink it daily until the lymph node heals.
- Alternatively, take Echinacea supplements of 300mg 2 times daily for a week. Consult your doctor before taking this supplements
Cleavers
Cleavers is also known as goosegrass or stickyweed. It is a therapeutic herb that stimulates the function of the lymphatic system to reinforce proper functioning. This in turn helps to fight infections and reduce swelling.
- Take a handful of cleavers leaves and crush them into a paste-like.
- Place the paste in a cup and add hot water to it and cover it.
- Allow the solution to steep for 20 minutes and then strain it,
- Drink this tea 2 or 3 times per day until there is improvement.
- Alternatively, take 20 to 30 drops of cleavers tincture mixed with water daily.
Garlic
Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling in the lymph nodes. This antibacterial food also helps cleanse the system, ease symptoms and promote healing.
- Mash 2 garlic cloves into a paste and apply it over the swollen glands.
- Massage the swollen area with Garlic paste for 20 minutes.
- Repeat this process 2 times daily.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar helps to create an alkaline environment and maintain a healthy PH level in your body. It also has antibacterial properties that fight infections that may be causing the problem of lymph glands swelling.
- Mix equal parts or amounts of fresh-unfiltered apple cider vinegar and water.
- Soak a washcloth in this solution and then apply to the swollen glands.
- Massage the area gently for 20 minutes and then rinse the area with lukewarm water. And then pat dry.
- Repeat once or twice daily.
- Alternatively, you can mix 1 tablespoon of fresh apple cider vinegar and a little raw honey in a glass of water. Drink this mixture 2 times a day.
Swollen Lymph Nodes in Groin Treatment
Swollen lymph nodes in groin, when to see a doctor
Lymph nodes will always go back to normal when the causative agents such as infections have been dealt with. See your doctor if your swollen lymph nodes:
- Have been accompanied by persistent fever most occurring at night, excessive sweating or unexplained weight loss.
- Feel hard or rubbery or don’t move when touched.
- Continue to swell and get enlarged or have been present for more than three weeks.
- Have appeared for the reason that can’t be explained
Treatment
The type of treatment to be administered depends on what type of infection has invaded your lymph nodes. Once an infection has invaded the lymph nodes, it becomes easy for the infection to spread to other parts of the body, so it is important to find the cause of the infection and start treatment quickly. Some of the treatment may include:
- Surgery to drain the lymph node if it filled with pus
- Medicine to control pain and fever
- Antibiotics administered orally or through injection to fight an infection caused by bacteria
- Medicine to reduce swelling
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