One of the most irritating and uncomfortable pains you can experience in your pubic area is ingrown hair. Ingrown hairs crop up after removing hair either by shaving, waxing, or plucking and even if you know how to treat razor burn on pubic area, you can still end up with ingrown hairs. If you're tired of dealing with this cumbersome pain and want to know more about it so you can do whatever you can to fight it, read on.
What Are Ingrown Hairs?
After you remove hair in your pubic area – no matter which method you choose – an ingrown hair (or hairs) can occur. Once the hair is removed, the follicle can grow back into the skin or become trapped by dead skin, which causes inflammation. When hair is ingrown, it can feel like a small, swollen bump that is itchy and painful.
The Cause of Ingrown Hairs
Any type of hair removal can cause ingrown hairs. When shaving with too much pressure, it can cause the hair to grow back at an improper angle. Tweezing can leave room for error if the hair isn't pulled out all the way because tugging at the hair can cause it to curl. Even waxing isn't a guaranteed way to prevent ingrown hairs as the process can cause an imbalance in the follicle causing it to grow differently.
Some personal habits or traits can increase the chance of getting ingrown hair. People with curly, coarse, or thick pubic hair are often more susceptible to getting ingrown hair. Wearing tight clothes or clothing that isn't breathable can mess with how the hair grows causing ingrown hairs. Even using a thick moisturizer that blocks pores can cause the hair to grow incorrectly.
What to do When you Get an Ingrown Hair
The best thing to do when you get ingrown hair is to leave it alone. The hair will eventually grow out correctly but it does take some time. You will need to avoid any hair removal practices when you have ingrown hair as this could further irritate it. You can treat the pain by taking a pain reliever or by using a warm compress on the area. A warm compress can also help open the pores to allow the hair to grow outward but don't leave it on for too long, 10–15 minutes is best.
It is not recommended that you try to treat ingrown hair at home. Attempting to do so could result in scarring or infection.
How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs
Luckily, you don't have to deal with ingrown hairs as there are steps you can take to prevent them. When shaving, you have to be very mindful of your movements. Make sure the skin is wet and use a shaving cream or gel and try to use a new razor with a sharp blade. Use as few strokes as possible and shave in the direction the hair is growing. Avoid shaving too close as this can cause bacteria to penetrate the skin. After every stroke, rinse off the razor as a clogged razor can cause razor burn.
After hair removal, you can reduce irritation by holding a cool, wet cloth to your pubic area. You can also release any trapped hair by gently exfoliating the area, which is a practice best done the day after hair removal to prevent ingrown hair. You can also choose to exfoliate before shaving as a precaution as well. Moisturize your skin after shaving and exfoliating to keep the pubic skin smooth and hydrated.
Can Ingrown Hairs Lead to Something More Serious?
Most ingrown hairs will go away within 1–2 weeks, but in some cases, an infection can develop. Puss, discoloration, and increased pain can all be signs of an infection. If the ingrown hair doesn't go away or the bump grows larger and redder after two weeks, contact your primary care doctor, gynecologist, or dermatologist to have it looked at. You may need to have the ingrown hair surgically removed.
If you are prone to getting ingrown hair, your doctor may prescribe topical medication that can reduce the risk. If you are looking for a permanent solution, laser hair removal is the best method to stop this irritation.
Conclusion
Dealing with ingrown hairs and razor burn is not a fun experience, especially considering the sensitive part of the body such as the pubic area. Now that you know more about this type of irritation, you can utilize best practices to prevent and treat them.