Small lump under the skin near the groin: what to know

A surface bump in a hair-bearing area may follow shaving, friction, an ingrown hair, or a boil; see [Boils](/conditions/boils/). A deeper, tender lump can be a lymph node responding to infection in the leg, skin, or genital area. A swelling that becomes more obvious while standing, coughing, or straining may need assessment for a hernia. [Skin Lumps](/symptoms/skin-lumps/) describes the symptom, not one single cause. A groin lump does not by itself indicate [Basal Cell Carcinoma](/conditions/basal-cell-carcinoma/).

Notice whether the lump is on the skin or deeper, whether it changes with position, and whether there is redness, drainage, fever, genital discomfort, or a recent infection. Avoid squeezing it and wear clothing that reduces rubbing. Arrange a medical review if you cannot tell whether it is a skin lesion, lymph node, or bulge. A clinician may examine the groin while standing and lying down and may request imaging. A [Steroid Injection Into The Skin](/treatments/injectables/intralesional-steroid-injection/) is considered only for selected diagnosed skin lesions, not for a suspected hernia or untreated infection.

Seek urgent care for sudden severe groin pain, vomiting, a firm bulge that cannot be gently reduced, or skin over a swelling that becomes dark or very tender. Prompt review is also needed for fever, spreading redness, pus, a rapidly growing lump, or a lump associated with testicular pain. A persistent or unexplained lump deserves an appointment even when it is painless.

Is the lump in the skin, a lymph node, or the abdominal wall? Does it behave like a hernia? Could an infection or recent shaving explain it? Do I need an examination of nearby genital skin or imaging?