Ingrown Genital Hair
Ingrown hairs can occur in a number of areas around the body. One of the more common locations for ingrown hairs is the genital region. Both men and women can experience ingrown genital hairs at any point in time. These hairs should be properly treated and prevented in order to prevent future infections. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Causes
-
When a pubic hair breaks off beneath the skin, the hair remaining can attempt to grow through genital tissue rather than through the hair follicle. In other instances, according to Hair Removal Haven, the hair will begin growing back into the skin. This is known as an ingrown pubic hair. They can be the result of pubic hair accidentally being pulled and broken off or because of improper pubic hair shaving or waxing.
Symptoms
-
Ingrown pubic hairs manifest as small, reddish bumps in the genital area. Sometimes, these bumps can itch or burn and have irritation and sensitivity. This can be known as razor burn. Occasionally, ingrown hairs will develop into a small pimple-like bump, turning the bump from red to white with pus filling the bump.
-
Treatment
-
Ingrown hairs can be treated by a gentle exfoliation of the area, according to Women’s Health Queensland Wide. Hair Removal Haven suggests applying a warm compress to the area a few times a day, or soaking in a hot tub. From here, once the skin is softened, applying an exfoliating cream helps the hair dislodge, according to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation.
Prevention
-
Properly shaving your genital region should reduce the number of ingrown hairs. This means shaving in the direction that the hair is growing. Using a new razor with a sharp blade helps keep ingrown hairs from occurring as well. Shaving should be accompanied by use of shaving cream or conditioning lotion. After shaving, stick to loose-fitting clothing and underwear so that the region isn’t overly rubbed and irritated. Trimming pubic hair with scissors rather than shaving completely also cuts down on the amount of ingrown hairs. Another option could be to skip shaving altogether.
Untreated Ingrown Hairs
-
Some people choose to leave ingrown genital hairs alone, assuming they will go away on their own. Others may pick at the area to try and remove the inwardly growing hair. Both instances can lead to an infection of the hair follicle known as folliculitis, according to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Women’s Health Queensland Wide notes that untreated ingrown hairs can also lead to sebaceous cysts, which are hard painless lumps caused by a blocked oil gland. Infections in ingrown genital hairs may require medical treatment to get rid of.
-
