--- source_url: "https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-can-people-treat-razor-bumps-in-the-genital-area?utm_source=openai" title: "How can people treat razor bumps in the genital area?" mirrored_at: 2026-08-12T01:03:33.649Z host: www.medicalnewstoday.com cited_in_42a: true mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-can-people-treat-razor-bumps-in-the-genital-area__q__utm_source_openai" --- > **Original source:** https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-can-people-treat-razor-bumps-in-the-genital-area?utm_source=openai Hair removal is a common and popular way for many people to groom their pubic area. However, certain techniques can irritate the skin, potentially causing razor bumps. Razor bumps, also known as shaving bumps or pseudofolliculitis, result from the inflammation of hair follicles due to ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs develop when hair grows into the skin instead of up and out. They occur more often after hair removal, as this can leave each hair with a sharp tip that can penetrate the skin and cause inflammation. They can occur on any part of the body that is subject to [hair removal techniques](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hair-removal/), such as shaving or waxing. However, they are more common in areas with coarse, abundant hair. [Razor bumps](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325471) can be uncomfortable, and it may take [up to 6 weeks](https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/pseudofolliculitis) for the [inflammation](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248423) to settle. Although nothing can make them go away instantly, the following methods may speed the healing process and provide relief. ### Gentle exfoliation People can try using a physical scrub to remove [dead skin cells](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327394/) that may be plugging pores and trapping hairs. [Exfoliate the skin](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/exfoliate-face-naturally/) with a brush or sponge, or apply a skin care scrub containing fine sugar or salt. Do not use harsh scrubs with sharp grains, such as crushed seeds or nuts. It is important to avoid scrubbing too hard, as this may further irritate the skin. ### Acid exfoliants Both acids can help exfoliate and remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface and hair follicles. This allows ingrown hairs to escape the pores, reducing bumps and giving the skin a smoother appearance. ### Topical corticosteroids ### Acne treatments People [can try](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6585396/) using [acne](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/107146) treatments, such as [benzoyl peroxide](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/benzoyl-peroxide-for-acne) and [tretinoin](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/tretinoin). These products may help reduce inflammation and remove dead skin cells, encouraging the trapped hair to emerge from the skin. ### Hair tweezing If a specific bump is caused by an ingrown hair and the trapped hair is visible above the skin, a person [may be able](https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/pseudofolliculitis) to use sterile tweezers or a needle to lift it out. Do not do this if there is no visible hair, and do not break the skin. This method is not feasible if there are many ingrown hairs. ### Antibiotics In [some cases](https://dermnetnz.org/topics/folliculitis-barbae), a short course of topical [antibiotics](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10278) may help treat infection and provide some anti-inflammatory effects. Simply stopping or reducing hair removal is the [best way](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12360796/) to prevent razor bumps. Shaving the pubic area is a personal choice, and no one should feel pressured to have their [pubic hair](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/why-do-we-have-pubic-hair/) look a certain way. However, avoiding hair removal entirely may not be preferable for some people. An alternative is changing to a different method of hair removal, such as: - hair removal creams - electric shaving, which does not shave as close to the skin and may cause less irritation - laser hair removal, although this [can cause](https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/pseudofolliculitis) [hyperpigmentation](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323808/) in darker skin tones If a person wants to continue shaving or [waxing](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326150), they can lower their risk of razor bumps with [the following](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/how-to-shave) tips: - cleanse and exfoliate the skin in the pubic area - remove the hair after having a bath or shower, or place a warm, wet towel on the pubic area first - use an appropriate shaving cream, shaving gel, or waxing product - avoid skin care products containing ingredients that may irritate the skin - use a fresh, sharp, and sterile razor - shave in the direction of hair growth - rinse the razor after every stroke Ingrown hairs commonly occur in areas of the body that are subject to the use of hair removal techniques. These areas [include](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ingrown-hairs/) the face, legs, and pubic area. The pubic region may be hairier than other parts of the body, with hair that is coarser and curlier. People may also not pay this area as much attention as they do their face or legs when shaving, or may have difficulty accessing it. All of these reasons can contribute to razor bumps in the pubic region. The pubic region is also prone to friction due to walking, tight clothing, and sexual contact. Therefore, it is advisable for people to wear breathable underwear and not have sex soon after shaving. As the pubic area will be sensitive, any irritation may cause discomfort and increase the risk of razor bumps. People may confuse razor bumps with [razor burn](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318235), as they can both occur after shaving. However, razor burn does not cause bumps from ingrown hairs. Instead, it can present as a rash, discoloration, or a burning sensation. [Folliculitis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318551) is similar to razor bumps, but the difference between the two is the cause of inflammation in the hair follicle. Folliculitis [occurs when](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547754/) the hair follicle, which is a small skin cavity from which the hair grows, becomes inflamed due to an infection. On the other hand, razor burn occurs due to inflammation caused by irritation and ingrown hairs after hair removal. For example, [genital herpes](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324838) may also present with bumps, but these will be open sores that may scab over. Additionally, [genital herpes](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323934/) will usually produce other symptoms, such as: - [fever](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/168266) - [headache](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320767) - [body aches](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319985) - [swollen glands](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324105) [Genital warts](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155236) also present with bumps, but these will be rough-edged warts that may have a cauliflower appearance. These warts may also be prone to bleeding. Anyone who thinks they may have an STI can speak with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis. Without treatment, some STIs can lead to complications, including systemic infections. Razor bumps form when hair removal techniques, such as shaving, cause ingrown hairs. They commonly occur in the pubic area, where the hair tends to be coarse and curly. People can treat razor bumps using gentle exfoliators, tweezers, or medication. They can attempt to prevent razor bumps by properly preparing the skin before hair removal or by trying a different hair removal technique.