Ingrown hairs along the bikini area are typically a result of shorn hairs curling back and growing into the skin. They may be a result of shaving or waxing, but small red bumps often form when the hairs start growing into the skin. The body recognizes these hairs as foreign bodies, triggering an inflammatory response along the skin. However, there are things you can do to treat ingrown hairs that develop.
Step 1
Apply a moist washcloth over the ingrown hairs. The National Institutes of Health advises you hold a warm, wet washcloth over the ingrown hairs. If the follicles are infected, the heat and moisture can drain the pustules, helping to promote healing.
Step 2
Allow the hair to grow. Because the ingrown hairs are most likely a result of shaving or waxing, the papules or pustules can improve by allowing the hair to grow, according to the Mayo Clinic. Hair grows at an average rate of 1.25cm per month, so it may take this long to get rid of the bumps.
Step 3
Remove the tip of the hair from the skin. The Mayo Clinic and the American Academy of Dermatology suggest using a needle or tweezers to lift the tip of the hair that is growing into the skin. Once freed, the papules or pustules should diminish.
Step 4
Apply a medicated cream directly onto the ingrown hair. Creams containing retinoids, cortisone or antibiotics can help to improve razor bumps, notes the Mayo Clinic. Use each day on the bikini area for best results.
Step 5
Slough the bikini area with loofah or brush. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you can sometimes lift the embedded tip of the hair from the skin by gently sloughing the area with a brush, loofah or exfoliating washcloth.
Tips and Warnings
- In chronic cases of ingrown hairs, consider using some form of permanent hair removal, such as laser hair removal or electrolysis.
- Creams containing retinoids should be used by women who are pregnant. Instead, stick with other creams that may help to improve ingrown hairs. Discuss these options with your doctor or dermatologist.
Things You'll Need
- Washcloth
- Tweezers
- Needle
- Medicated cream
- Soft-bristled brush
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