Ingrown pubic hairs are found when instead of breaking the surface, the hair either grows sideways into your skin or curls back inward. It is possible for anyone to get an ingrown hair. However, this problem is more likely to happen to those with coarse or very curly hair which is much likelier to bend back, re-entering the skin. And this is especially true after the hair has been cut or shaved. In addition, people who have higher levels of particular sex hormones may deal with excessive hair growth, making it likelier they will develop ingrown hairs.
Why Do You Have Ingrown Hair in Pubic Area?
An ingrown hair produces red and raised bump or a few group of bumps which look like pimples. It can sometimes form a boil-like painful sore.
Women are more likely to get ingrown hair in the pubic area. If you have a high level of sex hormones, you are more likely to have more hair on the pubic area, which makes it more likely for ingrown hairs to grow.
Symptoms of Ingrown Hair Infection
Some of the symptoms of an infection from ingrown pubic hair include:
- Itching
- Swelling
- Pain
- Blisters filled with pus
- Skin darkening
When these symptoms are ignored, this ingrown pubic hair can cause a great deal of discomfort and pain. In most cases an ingrown pubic hair will grow out after several days, but sometimes they can become infected which can be severe and mimic the symptoms of conditions such as pimples or a swollen gland. An infection can also resemble the sexually transmitted disease herpes, so you should visit your doctor to be certain.
How to Treat Ingrown Hair in Pubic Area
1. Clean and Remove
Physical removal is a common treatment of ingrown pubic hair.
- First place a warm cloth on the affect area, leaving it there for about 15 minutes in order to soften the skin, making the removal of your ingrown hair easier.
- Then sterilize a pair of tweezers with alcohol and use them to pull the hair from its follicle. You can also use a needle tip if you do not have tweezers.
This method has the advantage of being the least expensive of the treatment options for ingrown hair in the pubic area.
2. Use Chemical Depilatories
Another good option to help remove ingrown hair in the pubic area is to use chemical depilatories. These will weaken the hair, making it easier to remove. These depilatories also blunt the hair’s tip where it is embedded within the follicle, preventing the problem from becoming worse. Keep in mind that because of the presence of chemicals, you should not use depilatories more frequently than each few days.
3. Unclog with Tretinoin Cream
Tretinoin cream is a treatment for ingrown hairs in the pubic area that works best when used with other treatments. This cream will unclog the hair follicle by removing any dead skin cells, causing the hair to be less tightly bedded within it. This makes physical removal of the ingrown hairs much simpler but you should still remember to sterilize the tweezers or needle you use to remove them.
4. Use Antibiotics to Treat Infections
If the ingrown hair in a pubic area has caused a secondary infection, you should take antibiotics in combination with the other physical treatments. Some signs that you may have an infection include pustules or abscesses that form at the site of the hair. If you think you have an infection, visit a doctor so they can examine the area and prescribe you the best antibiotic treatment for your situation.
5. Consider Other Removal Methods
If you have problems with ingrown hairs in your pubic area, you can also try other hair removal methods, such as sugaring which minimizes hair breakage because it will follow the direction of hair growth when removing pubic hair.
Important Notes: Take Post-Care Measures
No matter which method of removing your hair you opt for, a crucial step in preventing ingrown hair in the pubic area is to follow the correct skin care tips in the area:
- Exfoliate properly. If you exfoliate, you will be regularly getting rid of dead skin cells which in turn can help keep your hairs pointing up. There are several items you can use such as specialty washcloths designed to exfoliate. Try one that is mold-resistant and made from natural fibers. Some can even be washed with your other laundry in the machine.
- Moisturize with the right products. Many things you use in your daily life, such as deodorant soaps and hot water in addition to cold weather can not only aggravate dry skin, but actually cause it as well. To keep your skin soft and pliable, be sure to find an unscented lotion (and never use it inside your body) after every shower. This will make it much harder for hair to break through the skin.
- Wear loose underwear. Choosing the right clothing can actually be just as important as the other steps. If you wear tight underwear (or pants or shorts), this will actually encourage your hair to grow back and enter your skin.
Helpful Video:How to Get Rid of & Treat Ingrown Hairs with Epsom salt
How to Prevent Ingrown Hair in Pubic Area
1. Shave Correctly
When you shave, it frequently creates a sharper edge that can make it easier for the hair to become ingrown. To help prevent ingrown hairs when shaving, be sure to choose a good shaving gel or cream as well as a good razor and trim before shaving. You should also try to take a warm bath or shower before shaving. Exfoliate before shaving and moisturize after.
2. Clean Before Waxing
It is also easy to create the same sharp edges when waxing because sometimes when the hair is removed, it is broken below or above the skin’s surface. Therefore make sure to cleanse the skin beforehand and carefully follow the instructions that come with the wax.