Razor bumps are caused by ingrown hair, states Skin Sight. After you shave, your hair may start to grow abnormally into the skin or through the wall of the hair follicle. Once this happens, the affected area will become irritated and an acne-like bump will form. Itching and pain are also common. Reducing razor bumps near the genitals involves trying to prevent the bumps and treating them when they appear.
Step 1
Use warm water to soften skin before shaving and to encourage razor bumps to drain, according to Medline Plus, if you already have them. Soak in a tub of warm water or apply a warm wet towel to the area. Ideally, you should do this three times per day.
Step 2
Keep the area cool. Heat, sweat and tight clothing can cause skin irritation, which contributes to ingrown hairs and razor bumps. Wear underclothes and bottoms that are made of natural fibers or synthetic materials made to pull moisture away from the skin.
Step 3
Rinse your genital area with plain water after you sweat. Sweat and dead skin cells can combine to block pores and worsen ingrown hairs. You can also use an antibacterial soap if desired.
Step 4
Avoid shaving when razor bumps are present. Instead of shaving, you can trim the hair near your genitals using scissors or clippers. When doing this, leave at least 1mm of hair above the skin.
Step 5
Slide the ingrown end of hairs out of the skin by lifting up gently on the loop of hair that goes from the natural follicle to the ingrown end of the hair. Use a pair of sterilized tweezers. Alternatively, the MayoClinic.com recommends using a needle that has been sterilized in alcohol.
Step 6
Minimize the risk of infection by applying bactracin zinc or triple antibiotic ointment. Both of these products are available over-the-counter. Another way to reduce the risk of infection is to avoid scratching the razor bumps. If itching is a problem, you can use an over the counter hydrocortisone cream on the bumps.
Step 7
Experiment with alternative hair removal methods for your genital area. Chemical hair removers, electric razors, waxing, sugaring or electrolysis are alternative methods noted by Epigee. If you must continue to shave, use a razor with one blade or a special PFB razor and shaving gel to minimize the risk of razor bumps.
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