Shaving your bikini area may remove stray hairs, but it may also leave behind red, irritating bumps. These bumps are ingrown hairs, which may occur after shaving coarse hair on the body, says the Mayo Clinic. After shaving, the tip of the hair becomes sharp, and can pierce the skin. As the hair begins to grow, it coils underneath the skin, causing a red, painful bump on the bikini area. Use home remedies to eliminate ingrown hairs, or consult a doctor for further care.
Step 1
Wash the bikini area with 10 percent benzoyl peroxide soap twice a day, says Houston dermatologist, Esta Kronberg, M.D. Benzoyl peroxide encourages skin exfoliation, which allows ingrown hairs to emerge from the skin. You can purchase benzoyl peroxide soap at the drugstore.
Step 2
Rub the bikini area in a circular motion for one minute with a warm washcloth before shaving and before bed, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Rubbing the area will help exfoliate the skin on the bikini area and allow hair to grow straight out of the skin.
Step 3
Change your razor frequently, says an online article in "Cosmopolitan." Using a sharp, clean razor each time you shave will allow hair to be shaved more evenly without irritating the surrounding skin.
Step 4
Rub a prescription retinoid cream on your skin if you have severely ingrown hairs, says the Mayo Clinic. A retinoid cream, which is derived from vitamin A, will help the skin exfoliate quickly and reduce thickening of the skin that may occur due to frequent ingrown hairs.
Step 5
Apply a corticosteroid ointment to the cream if your doctor recommends it. Corticosteroid creams reduce swelling, which will allow the hair to grow straight out of the skin. Use corticosteroid cream exactly as directed by your doctor.
Tips and Warnings
- Shave the direction your hair grows in to help reduce ingrown hairs.
- Consult a doctor if your ingrown hair is infected or severely painful.
Things You'll Need
- Benzoyl peroxide soap
- Warm washcloth
- Razor
- Retinoid cream
- Corticosteroid ointment
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