If you notice red, swollen bumps after shaving your bikini line, you have ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs can occur on any skin you shave, but happen most often in areas where hair is curly or coarse, like at the bikini line, notes the Mayo Clinic. If ingrown hairs are infected, consult a doctor. Otherwise, you can treat ingrown hairs on the bikini line at home.
Prep the Skin
Prepare the skin for shaving by softening the hairs on your bikini line and getting them to stand straight up for a close, even shave, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Wetting a washcloth with warm water, then carefully rubbing the bikini area in a circular motion for several minutes will help ingrown hairs emerge from the skin. If you don't have a washcloth handy, use a new toothbrush to rough up the area. Rub as gently as possible to prevent skin irritation, which can cause swelling and make ingrown hairs worse.
Use a New Razor
Using a new razor every time you shave may help reduce the number of ingrown hairs you get. Additionally, shaving swollen, infected areas of the skin with the same razor each day can make the infection worse and cause more ingrown hairs. Instead, use a brand-new razor every time to prevent the spread of bacteria, says Mary Stone, M.D., associate professor of dermatology at the University of Iowa in Iowa City in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." A single-blade razor is less likely to cause ingrown hairs than multiple blades, says the Mayo Clinic.
Try Corticosteroid Medication
If your bikini line is excessively red, swollen, or has pimples that contain pus, your skin may be infected. If your skin is infected, your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid medication to take until the infection subsides, says the Mayo Clinic. Corticosteroid medication is a cream or gel that reduces swelling, redness and irritation. When the swelling is minimized, more hairs will emerge from the skin rather than growing back underneath and creating a bump. Use corticosteroid medication as directed by your doctor.
Member Comments