Razor bumps in the pubic area are caused by ingrown hairs. When you shave or remove pubic hairs, the hair may grow out of the follicle and then curve back into the skin or it may begin to grow and then curve enough to grow through the hair follicle wall. When this happens, a bump that looks like a pimple occurs as a result of the body trying to fight the hair. Razor bumps are usually itchy and painful, but they can be treated.
Step 1
Wear loose clothing over the pubic area once you notice an ingrown hair. Tight clothing traps moisture in the area and can rub against the skin causing irritation, which will make the razor bumps worse.
Step 2
Lift the ingrown hair out of the skin if you can see the ingrown hair. Use a needle that has been sterilized with alcohol, recommends the Mayo Clinic. If you can’t see the hair that is ingrown, don’t try to pick at the bump to find it. The hair is considered embedded and trying to remove it may cause scarring or an infection.
Step 3
Soak your pubic area in a tub of warm water three times per day for 15 minutes per session. If this isn’t possible, you can apply moist heat compresses. Medline Plus states that moist heat encourages the bump to drain.
Step 4
Allow the hair to grow. Shaving while you have razor bumps will irritate the area and cause the bumps to get worse. Additionally, you may develop more ingrown hairs each time you shave.
Step 5
Apply hydrocortisone cream to the area to minimize itching. It is important not to scratch the razor bumps because you may break the skin and introduce infection to the area.
Step 6
Use antibiotic ointment to reduce the risk of infection. Apply the product according to the label directions.
Tips and Warnings
- If you get severe razor bumps or if you suffer from these bumps each time you shave, contact your doctor to find out if you need prescription treatments.
- If you get bumps in the pubic area and haven’t shaved or removed hair, contact your doctor immediately as the bumps may be caused by another condition, such as a sexually transmitted disease or infection.
Things You'll Need
- Loose clothing
- Alcohol
- Needle
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Antibiotic ointment
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