If you're preparing for a day at the beach, the last thing you want to see is a red, inflamed rash on your bikini line. This red, inflamed rash is known as razor bumps, or ingrown hairs. Razor bumps occur after shaving incorrectly, says dermatologist Evelyn Placek, in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." The red, inflamed bumps occur when curly hairs grow back underneath the skin. The more you shave, the worse the area can become. If your doctor approves, you can use home remedies to eliminate the problem.
Step 1
Shave after taking a bath or shower, says Dr. Placek. Skin is most hydrated after bathing, so the razor is less likely to irritate the razor bumps that are already in your bikini area.
Step 2
Wet the stubble with a warm washcloth before shaving, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Rub the skin with the washcloth in circles for two minutes to shed away dead skin cells and allow ingrown hairs to emerge from the skin.
Step 3
Pull out ingrown hairs with a sterilized needle before shaving. Sterilize a sewing needle with rubbing alcohol, then slide the needle very carefully underneath the ingrown hair. Lift the needle to pull the hair out of the skin.
Step 4
Shave with a new razor and only in the direction of your hair's growth, says Health Services of Columbia. Shaving against your hair's natural growth may irritate the bikini area, causing hairs to regress back into the skin.
Step 5
Consult a dermatologist for prescription treatment if you can't cure razor bumps on your own. Your dermatologist may prescribe retinoid medications to increase skin exfoliation or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
Tips and Warnings
- Razor bumps may also be caused by waxing or tweezing.
- Consult a doctor if your bikini area is infected or severely inflamed.
Things You'll Need
- Razor
- Washcloth
- Sewing needle
- Rubbing alcohol
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