Q&A for How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps in the Bikini Area

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  • Question
    What are the best products to get rid of razor bumps?
    R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH
    Board Certified Dermatologist
    Dr. R. Sonia Batra is a board certified Dermatologist and the Founder of Batra Dermatology based in Los Angeles, California. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Batra specializes in lasers, medical devices, patient and public medical education, and skin cancer research. She received her Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree in Public Health, and her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degrees from Harvard University. As a Rhodes Scholar, she earned a Master’s degree in Molecular Genetics at the University of Oxford. She completed her residency training in Dermatology at Stanford University. Dr. Batra has contributed and reviewed for the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, and JAMA Dermatology. She is also a co-host of CBS’ Emmy award-winning television show, The Doctors.
    Board Certified Dermatologist
    Expert Answer
    Exfoliate with a chemical exfoliant that contains alpha hydroxy acid or beta hydroxy acid. You'll find those ingredients in a glycolic lotion or glycolic wash, or salicylic lotion or salicylic wash.
  • Question
    Should I apply a chemical exfoliant like glycolic lotion before or after I shave?
    R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH
    Board Certified Dermatologist
    Dr. R. Sonia Batra is a board certified Dermatologist and the Founder of Batra Dermatology based in Los Angeles, California. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Batra specializes in lasers, medical devices, patient and public medical education, and skin cancer research. She received her Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree in Public Health, and her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degrees from Harvard University. As a Rhodes Scholar, she earned a Master’s degree in Molecular Genetics at the University of Oxford. She completed her residency training in Dermatology at Stanford University. Dr. Batra has contributed and reviewed for the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, and JAMA Dermatology. She is also a co-host of CBS’ Emmy award-winning television show, The Doctors.
    Board Certified Dermatologist
    Expert Answer
    It can sting quite a lot if you put it on right when you shave, or even right before you shave. I would say on days you're actually not shaving, that would be the best time to apply it.
  • Question
    How do I get rid of scars from ingrown hairs?
    R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH
    Board Certified Dermatologist
    Dr. R. Sonia Batra is a board certified Dermatologist and the Founder of Batra Dermatology based in Los Angeles, California. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Batra specializes in lasers, medical devices, patient and public medical education, and skin cancer research. She received her Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree in Public Health, and her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degrees from Harvard University. As a Rhodes Scholar, she earned a Master’s degree in Molecular Genetics at the University of Oxford. She completed her residency training in Dermatology at Stanford University. Dr. Batra has contributed and reviewed for the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, and JAMA Dermatology. She is also a co-host of CBS’ Emmy award-winning television show, The Doctors.
    Board Certified Dermatologist
    Expert Answer
    Try scar gels that have an active ingredient of silicone. They're over-the-counter products, which are supported by data, and they help to soften and flatten scars.
  • Question
    How do I not get razor bumps when I shave my bikini area?
    Community Answer
    This a good trick that I've use for a long time and haven't gotten bumps since. You first want to wash the area very well. Then you want to put your shaving cream or conditioner on the area, and then you shave downward instead of upward. Then you want to wash off with cold water.
  • Question
    Is it just an ingrown hair on my bikini line if it hurts to the touch?
    Community Answer
    You might want to see your gynecologist. There are a number of things it could be, but it could be as insignificant as a rash. It's always better to be cautious just in case. Apply aloe or Neosporin a few times and if you don't get good or any results, see a gynecologist.
  • Question
    What's the best way to shave the butt area? It's hard to see.
    Community Answer
    Squat down in the shower. You'll have much better reach and you can use your hands to feel where the hair is.
  • Question
    I used Nair, and still got hair bumps. What can I do differently?
    Community Answer
    Do not use Nair on your private areas! You risk chemical burns, which is an even bigger hassle than hair bumps. Try shaving using the guidelines in the article, or try one of the alternative methods the article suggests.
  • Question
    How do razor bumps occur?
    Community Answer
    When you shave, part of the hair can curl back toward the skin, which causes irritation.
  • Question
    How can I get rid of razor bumps in 3 - 4 days?
    Community Answer
    Put on aftershave cream, and gently apply lotion to area. Coconut oil and other oils help. Keep it very moisturized, and try not to touch it or wear tight pants.
  • Question
    Is it best to have two different razors - one for my legs and one for my bikini area?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it's good to have to separate ones because that way you're preventing the risk of any infections.
  • Question
    Can I still shave with hair bumps?
    Community Answer
    You can, but you shouldn't. Shaving with the bumps can cause cuts from the raised skin.
  • Question
    Is it safe to use a men's razor to shave?
    Community Answer
    A men's facial razor with multiple blades is made for sensitive skin on the face, so it's often the most highly recommended tool for shaving sensitive areas. Any razor could be dangerous, since a razor is a collection of blades on a stick, but more blades means evenly distributed pressure, which is safer and more comfortable.
  • Question
    How do I not feel self conscious about my vagina hair?
    Community Answer
    It's totally normal and natural! Remind yourself that it helps keep your body clean and protected.
  • Question
    Every single time I shave, I always get some type of rash - why, and how can I prevent it?
    Community Answer
    It could be razor burn. Use shaving gel for sensitive skin as it's better than cream. Rub deodorant on the area you shaved, and treat it with unscented lotion or aloe vera gel. You could also be having some sort of reaction to your current shaving cream, gel, conditioner, or whatever you're using. Make sure everything you put on your bikini area is unscented and doesn't make its way to your inner labia and other parts, as it might throw your pH balance off.
  • Question
    Is coconut oil good for bikini area to keep it smooth?
    Community Answer
    Yes. It prevents irritation and keeps the area smooth.
  • Question
    How can I get rid of razor burn quickly?
    Community Answer
    Apply a little bit of toothpaste to the burn, spreading it over the whole area. Let it sit for about 3 minutes and then dab it with a cool or warm washcloth.
  • Question
    Does the type of razor I use become a factor when trying to prevent razor bumps?
    Community Answer
    Yes! A men's razor tends to get a much closer shave, and obviously disposable razors and cheaper ones probably will not get as great as a shave as a slightly pricier one. The sharper the better!
  • Question
    Should I use aloe vera lotion or oil for razor bumps?
    Community Answer
    Aloe Vera lotion and oil both work well. It depends on your personal preference.
  • Question
    If I already had razor bumps and I shave again when a lot of hair grow back and the razor bumps are still there what should I do? Without using a cream?
    Community Answer
    Shave with the grain, it won't get a super close shave, but it's better than having open cuts on your genital area.
  • Question
    Why does my skin break out with acne when I shave my bikini line?
    Community Answer
    It's likely bikini bumps and/or ingrown hairs from shaving, not acne. If it's solely little red bumps that only show up when you shave but go away soon after, they are bumps and you can use various natural oils (rosehip oil is a good option) as well as creams, lotions, and serums specifically for bumps to treat them. If they are red bumps that are larger, feel slightly hot, and sting when you touch them, they may be ingrown hairs. If you squeeze this type of bump and notice clear or orange colored runny liquid (blood plasma) along with blood it is an ingrown hair. If you notice any pus coming out of the bump, it is an infected ingrown hair and requires medical attention to be extracted.
  • Question
    I use razorless shaving cream but still develop bumps. What else can I do?
    Community Answer
    There are a lot of chemicals in Razorless shaving cream. You shouldn't apply that to your pubic area. Try soaking the area, and rubbing conditioner on it to soften the hair, then rinse, put on shaving cream, and shave with the grain.
  • Question
    How can I get rid of bumps as quickly as possible?
    Community Answer
    Get a washcloth wet with as hot water. Then just hold it against the irritated skin for about one minute, with no rubbing the washcloth around. It steams the pores open and relieves some of the pressure, I think. The heat also soothes the irritated feeling very well. Afterward, the skin is not uncomfortable anymore. Sometimes I do it at night and the bumps are completely gone by morning.
  • Question
    Is body wash a good substitute for shaving cream?
    Community Answer
    It can be okay, just don't use an exfoliating body wash. Hair conditioner might be a bit better, as it is a product made primarily to soften (just like shaving cream), not to wash.
  • Question
    How do I treat a razor bump that has a hair growing in it?
    Community Answer
    To treat a razor bump that has hair growing in it you should first pluck the hair out and then proceed to treat the bump with aloe vera.
  • Question
    Can razor bumps be confused with STDs?
    Community Answer
    They can be whatever your mind or someone else's mind want them to be. If you're worried, go see a doctor ASAP.
  • Question
    Should I let my 12 year old daughter shave her bikini area?
    Community Answer
    Yes! She's growing up. If she has hair in her bikini area that she wants to shave, you should let her do it.
  • Question
    Why is my pubic hair curly and my head hair straight?
    Community Answer
    High humidity and sensitive areas may cause thicker hairs; just like the ones that grow on your armpits. If you'd prefer straight pubic hairs, consider grooming. The only other answer to your question would be related to genetics (hairs grow a certain way and length on certain areas of the body).
  • Question
    What if I scratched the razor burn and it's itching badly?
    Insanityismypassion
    Community Answer
    Try using hydrocortizone cream, or an anti-itch cream. This should help with the itching and irritation.
  • Question
    What creams can I use to reduce bumps and redness?
    Aaliyah Davis
    Community Answer
    Hydrocortisone Cream can definitely help with the inflammation. Aloe Vera can also be effective as well.
  • Question
    Is Johnson's Baby Oil good for preventing razor bumps?
    Catherine Jade
    Community Answer
    Yes. You should add a few drops on your skin, then apply shaving cream (or gel or other lubricant) and shave.
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