Ingrown Hair

[lolo0111]

I am a 20 year old female and for many years I have been suffering with ingrown hairs in the pubic region. It obviously gets worse when I shave (i.e. many small and large painful bumps in the WEEKS after shaving just once), but I also go months at a time without shaving and during this time I only trim pubic hair. However, even when I don't attempt to remove I still get very painful and frequent ingrown hairs. I have been told that I am more prone to ingrown hairs as I my hair is very curly (I'm black). Is there anything I can do to stop this from happening?


Thanks

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to razor bumps. After shaving, apply cold compresses(ice cubes wrapped in a towel) on the rash and take some antihistaminic like Benadryl or claritin. You can also apply calamine lotion on the rash. It will help in soothing the skin. A mild corticosteroid cream like dermacort will also help.

Also you can go in for laser hair removal which causes permanent reduction of hair and does not cause folliculitis also. Please consult a good cosmetologist/dermatologist for that.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Angebelle]

While I don't have it as severe, I was given a product called Tend Skin by my aesthetician, which helps to exfoliate the skin around the hair follicles and is used on a daily basis.  However, make sure not to get this product near the vaginal lips or anal area.  A washcloth when you bath can also help to exfoliate and keep hairs from growing in the wrong direction.  Good luck!