What to Do About Ingrown Pubic Hair

Are small itchy bumps redecorating your pubic region? Welcome to the world of ingrown pubic hair. But don’t worry. While they might be annoying, they’re usually not a cause for alarm.

In fact, they’re surprisingly common, especially among those who are into grooming their pubic hair.

Whether you want to get rid of a current case or are keen to avoid them entirely, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s all you need to know about female ingrown pubic hair.

In this article: 📝

What are the symptoms of an ingrown pubic hair?

Ingrown hairs happen when your hair is growing back after it’s been removed — so they’re super common if you’ve recently shaved or waxed.

Most hair shafts will grow straight back up, but some hair shafts — especially of the thicker, pubic hair variety — are rebels.

Their goal? To curl back into your skin.

And when this happens, your body treats these hairs like foreign objects, causing the uncomfortable symptoms you might be experiencing.

Look out for:

• Isolated small, smooth red bumps near your vagina
• Itching in the general area
• Mild pain or inflammation
• A thin line underneath the skin. (That’s the culprit hair.)

If this sounds like your story, don’t panic. There’s help on the horizon.

How do you get rid of ingrown public hair?

If your attention is constantly being drawn to the itchy bumps in your pelvic area, you’re probably wondering how to get rid of them.

The good news? They usually go away on their own, so our advice is drum roll:

To just leave them alone.

But that’s not always so easy if they’re making you feel uncomfortable — so here are some tips to ease the pain and bring down the bumps:

• Stop removing hair in the area until the ingrown hair goes away.
• Wash the area with warm water and soap.
• Apply a hot compress. This can help bring the hair to the surface and give you some immediate relief from itchiness and pain.
• Use over-the-counter creams. Opt for options with either benzoyl peroxide or hydrocortisone as an ingredient. Aloe vera, tea tree oil and witch hazel may also bring relief. Pro tip? Read the label to make sure whatever you use is sensitive enough for your genital area.

How to avoid ingrown pubic hair

When it comes to ingrown hairs, prevention is better than the cure.

The easiest way to stop ingrown hairs is to stop removing your pubic hair — but that may not be your preference.

If you want to continue to wax or shave, clean the area thoroughly with soapy warm water before you start removing hair.

Using a moisturizing shaving cream or gel can also help.

You can also buy razors that are specifically designed to prevent ingrown hairs.

Keeping your skin moisturized and exfoliated can help get rid of anything that might clog up the follicles.

And if you’re keen to explore other methods, hair-removal creams can be a good alternative.

Although it’s not right for everyone, laser hair removal is another option to consider.

Can you pop an ingrown hair?

Dermatologists recommend you try to stave off the urge to poke and tweeze as this can further irritate the area.

Popping an ingrown hair can increase a risk of infection and infected ingrown pubic hair is way worse than a regular ingrown hair.

Infections can be even more painful and lead to bumps filling with pus.

If you’re worried you might have an infection, see a doctor to get treatment.

They might give you an antibacterial wash or cream to get you back on track.

What STD looks like an ingrown hair?

Genital herpes can also cause red, itchy bumps down there, but there are a couple of differences to look out for.

Herpes often comes with:

• A cluster of bumps, rather than single, isolated bumps
• Irritation while urinating
• No evidence of hairs underneath the bumps
• Flu-like symptoms

If this sounds like where you’re at, speak to a doctor or visit a sexual health clinic. Herpes is a common and treatable STD.

And know that you don’t have to go through any of this alone.

Reach out to your Peanut community. Let’s have the conversation.

All the best with your bumps. ❤️

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