Razor bumps are ingrown hairs that develop when hair cannot freely emerge from the surface of the skin. The condition can occur if you shave or use other hair removal methods, including plucking, waxing or abrasion. Bumps that appear in the pubic area may bring added embarrassment because of the fear that they may be a sign of sexually transmitted disease. If there is any question about the cause of a bump in your pubic area, consult a physician.
Stop Your Hair Removal Routine
Pubic hairs pose a greater risk than other types of hairs for causing razor bumps because they are tightly curled hairs; this type and shape of hair gets caught more easily under the skin. Ultimately, no treatment will completely stop these bumps from forming if you have the type of hair that tends to lead to ingrown hairs -- unless you stop trying to remove the hairs. However, people who groom their pubic areas may be unwilling to stop their routines due to cultural expectations and personal appearance concerns. In these cases, those who groom can switch to a hair removal method that causes less irritation or increases the amount of time it takes for the hair to grow back -- such as laser hair removal for a permanent end to growth or a method that removes the root of the hair -- or stop grooming temporarily when the razor bumps are particularly bad or numerous.
Medications
A physician may prescribe a steroid ointment to treat inflammation of the skin. An antibiotic may be used to prevent infections due to scratching, as scratching provides bacteria with an opening into the skin. MayoClinic.com notes that retinoids -- creams that help exfoliate dead skin cells -- can help in cases in which the skin thickens or darkens. Such skin is common in some people who have ongoing problems with ingrown hairs.
Cleansing
By washing the area where bumps have formed or tend to form, you can improve the condition in a manner similar to use of retinoids. Washing helps to exfoliate the skin, removing a layer of the barrier that prevents the ingrown hair from escaping. Exfoliant products may be too harsh for the pubic area and are not recommended for use there due to the presence of mucous membranes, so you can mimic the effects of an exfoliating agent by using a rough washcloth to scrub the bump-prone area lightly each day. Additionally, the washing motion may be sufficient to free some trapped hairs.
Physical Intervention
You can use a clean, sterile needle to help free the tip of the hair from beneath the skin. MayoClinic.com suggests finding the loop of hair, catching the hair under the loop with the needle and gently lifting the hair free. If you choose this option, select a new needle and store it for personal use and only for this purpose.
Prevention
You may be able to prevent the development of some ingrown hairs by altering your shaving technique. Use an electric razor or a single-bladed razor rather than a multi-blade razor. The shave may not cut the hair as close to the skin, so the hair faces less resistance when emerging from the pore. Wash or soak the area in warm water before you begin shaving, then shave in one direction -- the direction of hair growth.
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