Ingrown hairs on the bikini line are typically a result of hair removal, be it shaving or waxing. When hairs are left short along the bikini line, they can curl back and pierce the skin. This causes inflammation, which usually results in the formation of papules, also known as razor bumps. While prevention is the most effective form of treatment of ingrown hairs, there are things you can do to get rid of them once they develop along your bikini line.
Step 1
Stop removing the hair on your bikini line. If you allow the hair to grow, the buried tip will eventually extract itself, causing the papule to disappear. It may take anywhere from three weeks to a month to see an improvement.
Step 2
Draw out the buried tip of the ingrown hair with a needle or tweezers. Hook or grasp the arched portion of the ingrown hair and gently draw out the buried tip from the bikini line. Once the tip is no longer buried in the skin, the papule should disappear in a matter of days. However, due to the location of the razor bump, you may need assistance, or a magnifying mirror, to use this method of treatment.
Step 3
Scrape the papule with a soft-bristled toothbrush. The Mayo Clinic claims that this may also help to draw out the buried tip of the ingrown hair. A circular motion over the area of irritation is all that is needed. The papule should disappear in a day or two if you've drawn out the buried portion of the hair.
Step 4
Talk to your doctor about a medicated cream. Ingrown hairs along the bikini line should improve with the application of a topical medication containing a retinoid, cortisone, hydrocortisone, glycolic acid or antibiotic. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate cream for you. These creams provide dead skin removal, bacteria death and a decrease in inflammation.
Step 5
Apply a compress to the bikini line. A warm, moist compress can draw out accumulating fluid, according to the National Institutes of Health, which reduces inflammation and soothes irritated skin. Use several times a day as needed for approximately five minutes.
Step 6
Avoid wearing tightly fitted undergarments and swimsuits. While most ingrown hairs along the bikini line are a result of hair removal, it's possible to see them develop from tight-fitted clothing. This is largely due to friction that these items may cause, leading to irritation of the follicle and the curling back of the hair.
Things You'll Need
- Mirror
- Needle
- Tweezers
- Toothbrush
- Compress
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