Ingrown pubic hairs are a common annoyance, especially for anyone who shaves, waxes, or plucks hair in the bikini area. These stubborn little bumps show up when a hair that’s supposed to grow out of your skin curls back in or gets stuck underneath. That can lead to redness, irritation, swelling, and sometimes even an infection. If you’ve ever noticed a sore, itchy, or oddly colored bump after grooming, you’re not alone.
So, why is pubic hair so prone to becoming ingrown? It all comes down to texture. Pubic hair is usually thicker, curlier, and coarser than the hair on other parts of your body. When it’s removed—especially by shaving or waxing—the sharp tip of the regrowing hair can curve right back into the skin.
Add in some friction from tight underwear or shaving against the grain, and you’ve got the perfect setup for ingrown hairs.
It’s typically quite obvious to see an ingrown hair. You’ll probably notice a red, dark brown, or purplish raised bump, depending on your complexion. At times, you can even observe the hair itself hiding under the skin. The bumps could itch, be sore, or simply be annoying. If it gets worse, the bump may swell, fill with pus, or become even more painful—signs that an infection may be beginning.
Ingrown hairs usually resolve by themselves, but there are certainly things that can hasten the process and make the discomfort more manageable. Warm washcloths are the ticket here—simply apply a warm, moist wash cloth to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes, several times a day.
This will soften the skin and may push the embedded hair through. You can also gently exfoliate the region by using a washcloth or soft brush to remove dead skin cells that are perhaps clogging the hair.
If you can spot the tip of the hair, you may be able to coax it out with clean tweezers. Be careful, though—don’t scratch at the skin or attempt to pop the bump, as that can lead to infection or scarring. It’s also a good idea to give up shaving or waxing for a while until it all clears up.
Occasionally, an ingrown hair may develop into a cyst—a fluid-filled bump that is small and hard or big and soft. Cysts become irritated or infected, and your skin will be red, itchy, and sore. If you see an extremely painful cyst, has fluid leaking out or is accompanied by a fever, you need to visit the doctor. You ought to consult a doctor as well if you have a compromised immune system or believe there could be something lodged within the bump.
If, on the other hand, an ingrown hair or cyst does become infected, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics, either topical or oral, depending on how severe it is. In the odd situation, a simple procedure may be required to drain a cyst or pluck a really recalcitrant hair.
There are also prescription creams, such as steroids or retinoids, that will quiet inflammation and accelerate healing, but those should only be used on a doctor’s orders.
When it comes to avoiding ingrown hairs, a few precautions can go a long way. First, wash the area with a mild cleanser and apply a shaving gel designed for sensitive skin. Shave in the direction of hair growth, and don’t shave the same spot more than once. Make sure to change your razor blade regularly—dull blades can increase the chance of irritation and ingrown hairs. If you’re prone to them, consider using a single-blade razor or looking into alternative hair removal methods like depilatory creams, laser hair removal, or electrolysis. These can reduce the chance of hair curling back into the skin.
Gentle regular exfoliation also works—try products with ingredients such as glycolic or salicylic acid to keep the hair follicles open. Just avoid the strong scrubs if you already have an ingrown hair. Moisturizing after depilatory hair removal can calm the skin and reduce irritation as well.
If you’re experiencing recurring painful or ingrown hairs, or if you see any kind of sign of infection that doesn’t improve with home care, don’t delay contacting a healthcare provider. Recurring ingrown nails can sometimes be a sign of an underlying issue or may simply require more focused treatment.
Taking a little extra time with your grooming routine and tuning in to what your skin needs can go a long way in keeping ingrown hairs away. And if one does show up, you’ll be ready to handle it.
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