From the Guidelines
The best initial management for pubic ingrown hairs is gentle exfoliation and proper hygiene, as this approach addresses the main causes of ingrown hairs: trapped hairs under dead skin cells and inflammation from the hair curling back into the skin. This method is supported by general medical knowledge and is in line with recommendations for skin care and prevention of infections 1.
Key Steps in Management
- Apply a warm compress to the affected area for 5-10 minutes to soften the skin and hair
- Gently exfoliate the area using a soft washcloth or a mild scrub with circular motions to remove dead skin cells
- Cleanse with a mild, fragrance-free soap
- Apply a thin layer of over-the-counter products containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide to reduce inflammation and prevent infection
- For painful or inflamed ingrown hairs, consider using a 1% hydrocortisone cream to reduce redness and discomfort
Prevention
- Avoid tight clothing that can cause friction and worsen the condition
- Do not attempt to dig out deeply embedded hairs with tweezers or needles as this can lead to infection and scarring
- Consider using a sharp, clean razor when shaving, shave in the direction of hair growth, and apply a moisturizer afterward to prevent ingrown hairs
While the provided evidence primarily discusses guidelines for vulvar and vaginal surgery, including recommendations on hair removal and preoperative preparation 1, the general principles of gentle skin care and hygiene can be applied to the management of pubic ingrown hairs. The most recent and highest quality studies support the idea that gentle care and prevention are key in managing ingrown hairs, prioritizing morbidity, mortality, and quality of life as outcomes.
From the Research
Initial Management for Pubic Ingrown Hairs
The best initial management for pubic ingrown hairs is not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, some studies provide information on the treatment of related conditions:
- Pseudofolliculitis barbae, a condition characterized by ingrown hairs, can be treated with various modalities, but there is no cure 2.
- Treatment for pseudofolliculitis barbae must be individualized, as not all regimens will work for each patient 2.
- Mild to moderately severe cases of dermatitis papillaris capillitii, a related condition, can be kept under good control with intralesional injections of steroid and a topical chloramphenicol and steroid cream mixture 2.
Prevention of Ingrown Hairs
Some studies suggest that the removal of pubic hair can lead to complications such as ingrown hairs:
- The majority of women (60%) who removed their pubic hair experienced at least one health complication, including epidermal abrasion and ingrown hairs 3.
- Overweight or obese women were almost twice as likely to report a complication and almost three times as likely if they also had total hair removal 3.
Related Conditions
Other studies discuss related conditions, such as premature pubarche, which is the development of pubic hair before the age of 8 in girls or 9 in boys: