While shaving the underarms and legs are a common practice, pubic hair shaving has also become a norm. In fact, Palo Alto Medical Foundation reports that the shaving of pubic hair dates back to the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, where shaving of the pubic area was a matter of hygienics. If you shave your pubic hair, you may notice the appearance of tiny red bumps afterward. Also known as folliculitis barbae traumatica, razor bumps or barber's rash, these bumps occur in areas where the skin is especially sensitive. Getting rid of the bumps requires the use of topical treatments that calm and heal the pubic area.
Step 1
Avoid shaving for three to four weeks or while the bumps are present. Shaving over the bumps can make the condition worse and interfere with the healing process.
Step 2
Soak in a warm bath several times per week if bumps appear in the shaved area. Soaking in a warm bath can soften and soothe the skin, expediting the healing process.
Step 3
Apply a hydrocortisone cream to the shaved area to calm the itch and expedite healing. Squeeze a dime-size amount of hydrocortisone cream onto your fingertips and massage the cream over the bumps.
Step 4
Wear loose clothing during the healing process. Tight elastics and heavy fabrics rubbing against the razor bumps can increase irritation and prolong healing.
Tips and Warnings
- Using a lubricating shaving cream and shaving in the direction that your pubic hair grows can help reduce the likelihood of developing razor bumps.
- If you notice signs of infection, contact your doctor immediately. Infected razor bumps are often painfully red and swollen and may ooze. The infected bumps may require an oral or topical antibiotic to heal.
Things You'll Need
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Loose clothing
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