Ingrown hairs are known as Psuedofolliculitis Barbae (PFB), razor bumps, razor burn, hair bumps, shaving bumps, ingrowns.

Psuedofolliculitis Barbae refers to hair which has been cut or broken off below the skin level which then begins to grow through surrounding tissue rather than out of the follicle.

In other cases, it curls round and starts growing back into the skin causing irritation and inflammation.

If you shave the pubic area, you remove the tapered end, and as the it grows back without that tapered end, the sharpness will literally cut the skin surrounding the hair follicle.

Use these simple precautions to minimize the discomfort from ingrown pubic hairs:

#1

For ingrown pubic hairs along the bikini line, hold a hot compress against ingrown spots for ten minutes three times a day to soften the skin and help the hairs work their way out.

#2

Wear loose-fitting underwear and clothing until the bumps are gone to avoid friction.

#3

Some find it helpful to exfoliate the area before waxing. This removes some of the dead skin cells in the top layer of skin cells that often contribute to trapping the hairs.

Exfoliating options include creams, lotions, or body gels, a slightly abrasive washcloth or glove specifically designed for exfoliation. Check at the beauty counter at your local department store.

#4

Do not exfoliate the skin if you already have ingrown pubic hairs as further skin irritation may result.

#5

When waxing, be sure to pull the hair out by the roots. Do not allow the hair to break below the skin surface.

#6

Use a specially formulated treatment (see below). It prevents pubic ingrown hair and eliminates existing ingrown hair within days.

Additional note: For ingrown hairs which are deep, sterilize a pair of needle-nosed tweezers with rubbing alcohol and individually lift each ingrown hair out of its follicle. Wipe the area with alcohol afterwards and shave.

If needle-nosed tweezers are not available, wipe a pin or needle and the ingrown area with rubbing alcohol, then carefully release the hair in the direction that it grows using the tip of the needle only. After the hair is released, wipe the skin with alcohol again.m