Razor bumps that develop along your bikini line are actually the result of ingrown hairs. When your remove pubic hair, especially with a razor, the tips of the hair are left sharpened and can curl back. This makes it much easier for the tips of the hair to penetrate the epidermis and start growing into your skin. Almost instantly, this triggers an inflammatory response that manifests as a small papule. To remove razor bumps, you must first treat the ingrown hair.
Step 1
Stop shaving your pubic region. Continuing to remove pubic hair can exacerbate the razor bumps and cause more papules to form, so cease hair removal until the inflamed lesions have cleared. You can expect to see an improvement in three to four weeks.
Step 2
Apply cortisone directly onto the razor bumps, suggests the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. This topical corticosteroid lessens the inflammation and can improve the appearance of the papules.
Step 3
Ease inflammation with a topical antibiotic. According to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, a topical antibiotic can reduce mild swelling associated with razor bumps. Antibiotics have the added bonus of preventing infection of the ingrown hair.
Step 4
Rub a toothbrush over the papule. Both MayoClinic.com and the American Academy of Dermatology recommend rubbing the bristles of a toothbrush onto the razor bump to free the tip of the hair from your skin. You can also create the same amount of friction with a washcloth.
Step 5
Pull the embedded tip of the ingrown hair out of the skin. Using a sterile needle or tweezers, you can hook the ingrown hair and pull the tip out of the skin. Take care not to yank the hair out entirely.
Tips and Warnings
- Consider taking an oral antibiotic for moderate to severe inflammation associated with razor bumps. Higher dosages are used when antibiotics are taken orally to lessen swelling and prevent skin infections. A topical retinoid can also be used as part of your treatment for razor bumps. This topical prescription helps maintain the texture and hue of your skin and can also improve any scarring caused by the papules. However, this medication is known to irritate the skin. If razor bumps are a common problem, change your hair removal technique. Depilatories, waxing and even laser hair removal can provide a hair-free bikini line with less chances of ingrown hair growth and subsequent razor bumps.
Things You'll Need
- Tweezers
- Needle
- Toothbrush
- Washcloth
- Cortisone
- Topical antibiotic
- Oral antibiotic (optional)
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