Ingrown Hair on Vaginal Area

Sensitive regions about the body have a reputation for suffering the attack of common skin irritations – like razor bumps, razor burn, and ingrown hairs. In this day and age, the Brazilian bikini wax and other trends associated with fashionable body care are becoming more commonplace amongst women. However, many are not fully aware of the different factors that go into avoiding typical skin irritations of the vagina. It is this part of the body that is highly sensitive and if you don’t approach hair removal with the utmost of care – you run the risk of suffering ingrown hairs as a result.

Appearance

Since the vaginal region possesses a great deal of sensitive skin and serves as a magnet for sweat, grime, and bacteria – the chances of developing ingrown hairs are pretty high. The hair in the vaginal area is often coarse and curly, meaning hairs are more likely to curl back or travel sideways into the skin. When this happens, localized inflammation takes over, bringing with it a tingly sensation, itchiness, redness, rash, and small bumps.

Depending on the severity of the condition, an individual may face varying levels of pain – ranging from mildly annoying to unbearably severe. For some, the slightest touch of clothing could trigger a wince. In the worst cases, pus forms below the surface of the skin – a sign of infection [1].

Causes

a) Modifying Pubic Hair:

A great deal of irritation to the skin and hair follicles takes place when individuals opt for modifying the hairs in the vaginal region. Removing hair from ‘down there’ is a common practice that includes Brazilian waxing, the “Hollywood” (pubic hair completely removed) and the “landing strip,” where hair is sharply removed to reveal a long vertical rectangular patch of hair [2].

b) A Quick Job:

It takes time to shave the vaginal region without causing any irritation to the skin. Rush through the process and you may cause a nick or cut, which elevates your chances for skin reactions that include inflammation and infection.

c) Wearing Tight Undergarments:

When shopping for panties, make sure you choose the correct size, as undergarments that are too small can cause the kind of friction that leads to ingrown hairs.

d) Excessive Exfoliation:

Give the skin a break and limit the number of times you exfoliate the vaginal region. Too much of a good thing can cause excessively dry skin, which heightens your chances of suffering ingrown hairs by creating a more vulnerable shaving environment. This is especially true when it comes to the vaginal region because the skin is so sensitive in this area.

e) Improper Hair Removal:

There are certain rules to the game of shaving and if you don’t pay attention, you could wind up a real loser. Make sure to shave with the grain – meaning you shouldn’t run a razor blade against the direction of hair growth. A dry shave is a no-no if you want to avoid unnecessary irritation. Remember to soften the hairs and skin with warm water or lubricants created especially for shaving, like creams, foams, and gels.

Resources

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ingrown_hair

[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pubic_hair#Modification_of_pubic_hair