Many people in today’s world choose to groom their pubic hair, probably because they believe it is more hygienic. There are some who also feel that it looks cleaner and therefore, try measures such as trimming, waxing, shaving or using hair removal creams. There are some people who use such hair removal methods occasionally, like when they go swimming or need to wear a skimpy swimsuit; however, others may use them on a regular basis. However, before trying any such hair removal method for the first time, most people are advised to be careful, as incorrect grooming practices could lead to the problem of ingrown pubic hair.
Ingrown hair, also known as an in-growth, can be described as a reddish bump on the skin, which is quite painful. These in-growths occur mainly when the hair just breaks off, below the layer of the skin and begins to grow at a certain angle, to the side of the hair follicle. They usually appear in clusters, mainly in those areas that are shaved often. While shaving is probably the most common factor that leads to the appearance of bumps in pubic area, there could be other hair removal techniques that also lead to ingrown pubic hair. Ingrown pubic hair is seen more commonly in men and women who have coarse, curly and thick hair in the pubic area. Moreover, this problem can occur in people of all races and colors. Not only is ingrown hair a constant source of embarrassment for most people, it can also be a very painful problem. This is probably why most people consult skin specialists for options on how to get rid of ingrown pubic hairs. However, apart from ingrown hair bumps treatment, most people should also look for ways and means to prevent hair bumps in pubic area.
Men and women who believe in grooming of the hair in the pubic area are bound to get embarrassed by the appearance of pubic hair bumps. This is why they seek options on how to get rid of an ingrown pubic hair. While there are several resources, like online websites and books that advise people on how to get rid of hair bumps, it is important to consult a doctor, before using any of them. Fortunately, there are different ways to treat ingrown pubic hair bumps. Given below are the different ways that can be used for ingrown pubic hair treatment:
• Apply some heat on the area that has been affected. This can be done with the help of a hot flannel compress applied to the skin, around three times a day. Soaking in a hot tub or taking a sauna bath is probably just as effective. The heat is important for opening up the pores, since it softens the skin to a great extent, thereby allowing the ingrown pubic hair to be drawn out.
• One of the most effective ways to get rid of ingrown pubic hairs is by exfoliating it. Since the skin on the pubic area is so sensitive, the exfoliation process should be very gentle too. Therefore, it is best to use either a synthetic sponge or a loofah to apply an exfoliating agent, which includes salicylic acid.
• Some people use more basic techniques on how to get rid of ingrown hairs in the pubic area. They remove the ingrown pubic hair bump by stretching the skin gently with the forefinger and the thumb and then squeezing the exposed hair and the pus out. However, it is absolutely essential to ensure that any tools used, like tweezers that are used for removing the hair, have been sterilized with hydrogen peroxide. Unfortunately, if the right hygienic measures are not followed, it could further lead to infected ingrown pubic hair. Infections can be prevented though, by dabbing some Aloe Vera gel, or some hydrogen peroxide to the bump.
• Techniques like waxing and shaving should be strictly restricted till the skin irritation and inflammation subsides completely. To reduce the bumps, shaving pubic hair should be avoided completely. In fact, it is also advisable to use loose cotton underwear to minimize skin chaffing.
• There are many over the counter creams, ointments, lotions and topical medicines that can be applied to prevent further ingrown pubic hair symptoms.
While most of the options on how to get rid of ingrown pubic hair removal techniques mentioned above are fairly safe, it is absolutely essential to consult a doctor, before using any of them. Most people prefer to use preventative measures, instead of using options on how to get rid of hair bumps in pubic area. Given below are some of the most effective ways of preventing folliculitis in pubic area:
• Maintaining the skin, in the pubic area at all times, especially after hair removal. This is more important for those people who are prone to itchiness after waxing and shaving. The best way to relieve this itchiness is by applying witch hazel to the area. Aloe Vera, which has antiseptic properties, can also be used as a balm to relieve the itchiness, by moisturizing the skin.
• Some women use depilatory techniques, to reduce the need for shaving regularly, which in turn reduces ingrown pubic hair. In this process, the protein in the hair is dissolved, which in turn causes the hair to disintegrate, so that the hair can just be wiped away. It normally takes anywhere between 3 to 6 weeks for the hair to return and that too, with a finer texture.
• The skin tends to get dry because of using hot water, scented soaps and talcum powder, which in turn could lead to the breakage of hair and therefore, ingrown hair. Therefore, it is best to apply some unscented lotion topically, after taking a bath, to keep the skin moist and supple.
In case any of the hair removal processes used lead to severe problems, such as acne, boils, bleeding, lesions or any other such problem, it is imperative to seek emergency medical care.
Ingrown pubic hairs are basically hairs that curve back into the hair follicles and give rise to bumps. Having ingrown hair in the pubic area is quite a common occurrence. If one follows a hair removal procedure like waxing, applying depilatory creams, or shaving, one is bound to suffer from ingrown hairs. Body parts that have curly hair are prone to ingrown hairs. Do not shrug off ingrown hair as just bumps that look ugly and are embarrassing. Ingrown hairs are also likely to give one an infection, if left unattended, especially if problems like razor burns are exposed to bacteria.
It’s always a tricky job to get rid of pubic hair on the genitals, as the part is sensitive and likely to suffer from abrasions. One way to do away with ingrown pubic hair is using tweezers. This will open up the bump and get rid of the ingrown hair. Then, the opened bumps can be treated with witch hazel, aloe vera gel or any other antimicrobial agent.
An effective way to not only get rid of but also prevent ingrown pubic hair is exfoliation. Exfoliating the skin removes the dead skin cells and releases ingrown hairs that are trapped in the follicle. For exfoliating, you can use a loofah to scrub the pubic area. You can also make a scrub by mixing ¼ cup crushed walnuts in ¼ cup yogurt and gently scrubbing the desired areas with this mixture. To open the pores and get rid of ingrown hair, you can also take a sauna bath and let the steam release the ingrown hairs. If you exfoliate after the steam bath, it will give you better results as the pores will have opened. After the exfoliation, liberally apply a gentle and unscented moisturizer to you skin to keep it well moisturized. Another remedy that you can use to get rid of ingrown hair is lightly applying cornstarch around the hair. Cornstarch effectively absorbs sebum. Let the mixture stay on the skin for 20 minutes and then wash the area off with warm water.
When you use all these remedies, make sure that the applications do not touch the internal part of your genitals. And if you do opt for waxing or shaving the pubic area, you can apply a good amount of cocoa butter or shea butter to hydrate the skin after the hair removal. Also, make sure that you wear comfortable fitting pants and loose fitting undergarments. Tight undergarments and pants cause abrasion and chafing, resulting in turning the tiny hairs back in towards the hair follicle.