From the Guidelines
To remove ingrown pubic hairs, it is recommended to clip the hair instead of shaving, as clipping reduces the rate of surgical site infections, according to the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Society recommendations 1, 2. When dealing with ingrown pubic hairs, it's essential to prioritize methods that minimize the risk of infection and promote healthy skin and hair growth.
- Applying a warm compress to the area for 5-10 minutes can help soften the skin and hair, making it easier to manage ingrown hairs.
- Gently exfoliating the area with a mild scrub or a soft washcloth in circular motions can help remove dead skin cells that may be trapping the hair.
- Using sterilized tweezers to carefully lift the ingrown hair tip above the skin surface without plucking it completely can help prevent further irritation and infection.
- Applying an antiseptic like witch hazel or a product containing salicylic acid afterward can help prevent infection and promote healing.
- For persistent or painful ingrown hairs, considering using products containing glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide to reduce inflammation, or hydrocortisone cream for itching and redness can be beneficial. It's also important to note that the routine removal of pubic hair for vulvar surgery does not decrease infection rates, as stated in the guidelines for vulvar and vaginal surgery 1.
- Regularly exfoliating the pubic area, using a sharp, clean razor when shaving, shaving in the direction of hair growth, and considering hair removal methods like depilatory creams or professional waxing as alternatives can help prevent future ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs occur when hair curls back into the skin instead of growing outward, causing inflammation and sometimes infection, which is why proper hygiene and gentle extraction techniques are essential for safe removal, as supported by the guidelines for vulvar and vaginal surgery 2.
From the Research
Ingrown Hair Removal in the Pubic Area
- Ingrown hairs in the pubic area can be a nuisance and may lead to a condition known as pseudofolliculitis cutis (PFC) 3
- PFC is characterized by a chronic inflammatory response to ingrown hair and can be caused by a combination of factors including grooming practices, hair type, genetic predisposition, and medication history 3
- Curly hair and certain genetic factors may increase the risk of developing PFC, particularly in individuals of sub-Saharan African lineage 3
Treatment Options
- Modifying hair removal practices can help alleviate symptoms of PFC 3
- Managing symptoms with medication is also a viable treatment option 3
- Long-term hair removal with laser therapy is a safe and effective treatment for PFC, but requires careful matching of the laser system and parameters to the patient's skin type 3
- Pseudofolliculitis barbae, a condition similar to PFC, can be treated with a systematic approach that takes into account the causes of the condition 4