Ingrown hairs, sometimes called pseudofolliculitis, are unfortunate byproducts of shaving and waxing. Ingrown hairs occur when the tips of hairs cannot escape from the skin and grow inwards instead of freely outwards. This occurs most often with hairs that are curly and coarse, such as public hair. Untreated ingrown hairs can lead to a hair follicle infection called folliculitis; talk to your doctor about antibiotic treatment if your ingrown hairs do not heal within two to three days.
Step 1
Rinse your pubic area with a body wash containing glycolic acid. This will exfoliate the skin and make it easier for hairs to grow outward. (University of Utah)
Step 2
Apply an astringent with a cotton ball or round to prevent infection and remove any remaining dead cells. The astringent should contain salicylic acid, witch hazel or hydrogen peroxide. Do not use products that contain alcohol, as this chemical is too harsh for use near your genitals. (University of California Santa Barbara, Columbia University)
Step 3
Do not shave again until your ingrown hairs have healed. Frequent shaving is irritating to the skin and can worsen your ingrown hairs or lead to infection. (San Francisco State University)
Tips and Warnings
- Always ask your doctor about bumps appearing near your genital region. It is possible to mistake the symptoms of an infection or sexually transmitted disease for ingrown hairs.
- Never pick at ingrown hairs with your fingers or with sharp objects. This can introduce bacteria to the area and lead to infection.
Things You'll Need
- Body wash with glycolic acid
- Astringent
- Cotton balls or rounds
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