From the Research
To treat ingrown hairs in the pubic area, applying a topical treatment such as benzoyl peroxide 5%/clindamycin 1% gel twice daily is recommended, as it has been shown to significantly reduce lesion counts in patients with pseudofolliculitis barbae, a condition characterized by ingrown hairs 1. When treating ingrown hairs in the pubic area, it's essential to consider the following steps:
- Gently exfoliate the affected area with a warm washcloth or a mild scrub to remove dead skin cells that may be trapping hairs
- Apply a warm compress to the area for 5-10 minutes several times daily to reduce inflammation and help release the trapped hair
- Use over-the-counter products containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide to help exfoliate the skin and reduce inflammation, applying them once or twice daily as directed on the packaging
- For painful or infected ingrown hairs, consider using topical antibiotics like clindamycin, which has been shown to be effective in reducing lesion counts in patients with pseudofolliculitis barbae 1 Some key considerations for preventing future ingrown hairs include:
- Changing hair removal methods, such as trimming hair with scissors or an electric trimmer rather than removing it completely
- Using a sharp, clean razor with shaving gel and shaving in the direction of hair growth when shaving
- Moisturizing after hair removal to reduce irritation
- Wearing loose-fitting clothing to reduce friction that can contribute to ingrown hairs It's crucial to note that while the study by 1 focused on pseudofolliculitis barbae in the face and neck area, the principles of treatment can be applied to ingrown hairs in the pubic area, prioritizing the reduction of morbidity, mortality, and improvement of quality of life.