How to Avoid Getting Bumps While Shaving Your Bikini Area?

So often you see bumps or rashes over the groin area after shaving it.  Why do these occur? There are reasons why some of us get them and others don’t.

These lesions are commonly called razor bumps. They are red. May itch or burn.

Let’s know why they happen and every precaution that can be taken to prevent them.

Shaving May Give You Bumps

If not properly done, shaving the pubic area may give you one of the following problems-

  • Razor bumps
  • Rashes
  • Ingrown hair

Razor Bumps

It is quite common that you get bumps after shaving. These are called razor bumps. This happens when your razor isn’t very sharp, or may be the skin you are about to shave is not properly stretched.

When shaving is a bit painful and you actually feel some friction while you move the razor, get prepared that you’ll get bumps this time.

For a bump free shaving, your razor should move smooth, without any pain or discomfort.

How to Prevent Bumps on Genital Area When You Shave?

  • First of all, you need to prepare the skin to be shaved. It should be soft, ready.
  • If the hair are long, first trim them with a scissor to make them short.
  • Next, wash the area with warm water. This would soften it.
  • Dab dry. Next, use a shaving cream, preferably non-alcoholic. Spread it over the area to be shaved. This softens the hair and makes shaving easier.
  • Now your skin is ready to be shaved.
  • Take a new (disposable) sharp razor for the purpose. No blunt blades to be used here. They would give you razor bumps.
  • Stretch the skin properly while shaving. Shaving should be painless. Any pain indicates that there is some fault in the way it is being done.
  • Shave in the direction of hair growth, not opposite to it. This would mean that your razor moves in downward direction.
  • Shaving in the counter direction is more likely to irritate your skin and give bumps or rashes.
  • After you shave, a cool water wash of the area is suggested.
  • Put some non- alcoholic moisturizing cream on the area after shaving. You may use a soothing one, like those containing aloe vera, or any of your choice. After shave lotions may also be used.

Rashes

Occurrence of a rash anywhere over the skin area indicates local irritation at that site. It could either be a razor rash or an allergic rash.

Razor Rash

You get a razor rash if-

  • A dull razor blade is used.
  • Skin not adequately stretched.
  • When you shave opposite to the direction of hair growth.
  • If you press too much while you shave, you may get rashes. Avoid a close shave.

Allergic rash

Allergy to some product being used during shaving, like the shaving foam or gel, may give you a burning sensation there. You may see tiny red rashes over the affected area.

Ingrown Hair

If a hair coming out of a hair follicle curls around to go inside the skin, instead of appearing out from the skin surface, it is called an ingrown hair.

They present as firm to hard bumps over the skin surface. The curled hair may or may not be seen inside.

How Does Shaving Cause an Ingrown Hair?

When you shave an area, the tiny hair left may curl and grow inside the skin. This may give rise to ingrown hair.

Actually, as we move the razor over our skin, we press upon the hair, bringing them close to the skin and sort of bending them downwards, towards the skin. The better we stretch our skin during the procedure, lesser are the chances of getting it.

Management

Razor bumps may be left as such. Do not try to pop or press them. This will only infect them.

These bumps gradually regress to disappear on their own. You may apply an emollient to soothe the affected skin area. Avoid shaving till the area is absolutely alright.

For allergic rashes, immediately stop using the product causing reaction. You may need an anti allergic ointment, if the reaction is very severe.

Ingrown Hair

They are managed by softening the skin out there and taking out the hair with the help of a sterile tweezer.

For this, soak a wash cloth in warm water and keep it over the lesion for 2 minutes. You will notice that the skin softens. Now, tweeze out the hair gently.

Do not forcibly take out the hair. If the hair is deep or is not coming out easily, it’s better to leave it at that moment.

Too much of tweezing may infect the hair follicle and complicate the situation.

Medical Advice (Q&As) on “How to Shave Your Pubic Area Without Getting Bumps?

  1. Samantha Jay

    I have one bump in the vaginal area, not inside but outside near the groin area. It is intact yet raised.

    I don’t know what it is and how to treat it.

    I’m thinking that it could be an infected razor bump or hair follicle. I’m not sure really and it is bothering me. please help me..

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      It may an an infected razor bump. Read more on this topic above. Avoid any friction over the bump. This may traumatize it and further complicate the situation. So, you need to wear loose and soft cotton garments for some days. Let the fabric be soft, not eroding kinds.

      Keep the area clean and dry. Good hygiene is important to protect it from any further infection.
      Apply a topical antibiotic cream, like mupirocin (bactroban) over it three times a day. Let one of the applications be at night times, so that the medication is not rubbed off and gets a chance to stay there for longer time.

      Do not squeeze or try to pop the lesion with your hands. This would only infect it more.

      Reply
      1. Samantha Jay

        Thanks so much. It’s healing now. I did hot compression and antibiotic ointment but I used neosporin plus A & D cream twice a day.

        It’s almost resolved. I greatly appreciate your help! 🙂

        Reply
        1. Believe Richard

          Hello, my name is Believe, pls I have a hard burn around my pubic area it almost a year now it is growing big it started as a small razor burns now it has grown up and considering cutting it off, pls advice me if there’s any thing I can do apart from cutting it. Thanks

          Reply
  2. April

    OK 3 months ago I shaved right before my cycle and ended up cutting open the bump that I usually get during my cycle.

    Now every time my cycle starts they becomes painful. Plus it’s along the panty line; it’s diagonal from the perineum area. It doesn’t burn or itch. It only hurts and shows its face during my cycle but it did leave a scar.

    I had an STD and job done along with my pap and all I had was a staph infection. What can I do to get this go away?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      This is now a localized skin infection. You need to treat this lesion completely.

      Apply a topical antibiotic (like mupirocin) over it twice a day for a week.

      Prevent the lesion from any friction (rubbing).

      Wear dresses that do not rub over it, like loose cotton bloomers. This would prevent any further irritation over it.

      Scars usually take time to go. It may take around 12 to 15 days to go.

      Reply
  3. April

    You say to use mupirocin, is there something over the counter that I can use?

    Because of the location of the lesions my underwear do rub against them. My job requires me to wear fire resistant clothing. Should I apply some sort of bandage?

    Like I said I only have this issue during my cycle,the rest of the month it doesn’t bother me. Could it be hormones?

    Could I actually have HPV even though the test was negative? Why is the outbreak only during my cycle?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Mupirocin or Bactroban should be available over the counter. If not, any skin antibiotic for topical use can be used.

      It’s a good idea to use a cotton bandage with clean gauge pad over the lesion during your working hours. When you are at home, you may keep it open.

      Most of the boils and pimples have a tendency to flare up during periods. This is normal. The hormonal surges during menses are responsible for such a response.

      Reply
  4. Claudia

    I am 21yrs old from Kenya Africa and have read all your recommendation. My problem is that my genital area is getting black every time I shave, this is making me loose self confidence in my sex life, help me.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      You may be getting ingrown hair in the area after shaving. This is likely to give a feeling that the area is getting black.

      People with dark and coarse hair are prone to get ingrown hair. All you need to do is to shave the area properly.

      Shaving tips:

    2. Trim the hair of the genital area with a scissor first. Make them very small and easy to shave. Smaller the hair, easier will be the shave.
    3. Then apply any bland shaving cream over the area. You need to do a patch test first to see if you are not allergic to the cream.
    4. Select a single sharp razor for shaving. Multiple razors shave too close to the skin and are likely to give more ingrown hair.
    5. Stretch your skin there. Begin shaving with 2 or more small strokes in the direction of hair growth. Shaving should not be painful or irritating.
    6. Shave not more than once a week to prevent ingrown hair. Always shave in the same manner (strokes) to train your hair to grow in the same way each time.
    7. Apply an emollient (like aloe vera balm) liberally over the area after shave.
    8. Reply
  5. Jimmy

    If one will apply baby oil on the area to be shaved before bathing, use a new razor and shaving cream and after drying, apply a thin layer of clear underarm deodorant to the area, this will prevent bumps from appearing. I have been doing this for years and never have red bumps showing up. Don’t know what it is in the underarm deodorant that works, but it does.

    Reply
  6. Jhjjgjigg

    My vagina well itches and the doctor said to keep it long and that I am sensitive to hair removal cream. I am very sensitive, I am 14. What shall I do? How do I stop the itches? Why do I feel painful when it pops?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Alright. Firstly, avoid using the hair removing cream and any other product in the area. The mucosa out there is very sensitive and delicate. Clean your genitals with plain water only.

      Itching is likely to be due to dryness. The vagina is vulnerable to dryness in cold weather days. Try applying KY jelly or bland coconut oil all over the area, including both labia, after each cleaning session.

      Read more on vaginal dryness.

      Reply
  7. Matchstick

    Hi, I have several bumps, scars and pimples all over my vagina, I always have, ever since I can remember. It constantly itches, burns, and pains me, and shaving hurts. I stretch the skin so it shouldn’t be painful, but there are so many bumps that I can’t avoid shaving without hitting a bump. I’m a fifteen year old virgin, and I have the idea that this is not at all normal, seeing as this has been this way all my life. My parents both got around, per say, so do you think I could have been born with an STD? The bumps appear everywhere, from the front, all the way back to my anus. I can’t exactly get to a doctor without telling the people that they adopted me, and they may get angry. Please help me, it would be very much appreciated.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Pimples all over may be an allergic reaction to the fabric you are wearing or some soap or gel being used there.

      Consider wearing loose cotton underwear only. Wash the vaginal region with plain water only. Read more.

      This is unlikely to be an STD.

      Reply
  8. Kaya

    I am a 16 year old girl. I was sexually active, about a year ago, 3-4 times. No penetration, but oral sex occurred. Recently, about a month ago, I am having itchiness and odor in vaginal area. I noticed really small bumps in inner folds of labia minora. I also use a razor for shaving. I can’t figure out the exact cause of this but I wouldn’t be surprised if it were for poor hygiene. I am trying to improve on it. I kind of hesitating to visit the gyne in case the sexual experience becomes known at home. I am seeking help online.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      It is difficult to make an exact diagnosis of those bumps without actual examination. The possibility of any STD needs to be ruled out. STD lesions, usually, tend to ulcerate or multiply in number. The lesions may become painful or get filled with pus. You need to be watchful for any such suspicious sign.

      If they are razor bumps, they would improve on their own with time. You just need to keep the area clean and dry, that is, free of moisture. Wear loose cotton underwear only. Cotton fabric is hypoallergen and helps in quicker healing.

      These may, otherwise, be allergic rashes, in response to some soap, gel or beauty product used down there. You may try applying some anti allergic ointment (betamethasone) over the affected area for 2 to 3 days. If it’s an allergy, the ointment would respond.

      Reply
  9. Unknown

    I have several spots on my vaginal lips. They are very painful. I always have a shower everyday and use hair removal cream veet once a week. The doctor prescribed me erythroymycin antibiotics but when I take them I am feeling sick. I don’t know what to do and need help and I am too embarrassed to go to the doctors.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Don’t take erythromycin orally. Instead, buy erythromycin ointment. Apply it liberally over the bumps before you sleep. Let it stay overnight.

      Repeat this for 3 to 5 days.

      Reply
  10. Jackson

    I recently used Nair to get rid of the hair on my bikini area and I discovered 3 bumps afterwards and itch. I just want to know is it normal or what. I need some information asap.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      This is not normal. These may be allergic rashes. Are they itchy?

      You may apply allegra topical cream over the rashes for relief.

      Reply
  11. Elani

    As I shave, small bumps appear around my genital area and they are very irritable and appear every time I shave. I shave while showering and use conditioner when I have no shaving cream. Is there something I’m doing wrong or something I should use to prevent them? I would really appreciate the answer given.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Use a sharp blade for shaving and keep the skin surface stretched while doing it. When it comes to getting bumps, the method of shaving the area is the most important.

      Reply
  12. Julia

    I am 15 and I want to remove my pubic hair because of general discomfort during summer (bikini) and it’s disgusting when I have my period. What’s the safest and/or best way to do this?
    My skin is also really delicate (I wax my legs and armpits, never shave) and sometimes I have hair that grows under the skin I don’t want that to be a problem in such a delicate area.

    Reply
  13. Alia

    Lately my vaginal area has been kind of smelly and itchy. I don’t know if it is an STD or not but I am a virgin and I do have poor hygiene. My question is what could it possibly be and how can I fix the problem. Please Help!!

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      May be you are just secretory more down there. This may be a part of your increased hormonal activity, as you are growing up!

      Any pain or redness down there? Any discharge from vagina? If yes, what’s the color?

      Reply
      1. Karen

        Yes, there is some pain and redness on the inner lips and some discharge which is usually thin and clear or have a white tint. I don’t know if that’s from lack of hygiene or something else.

        Reply
        1. Buddy M.D. Post author

          This appear to be some infection. You need to get examined to diagnose what exactly is it.

          You may try applying canesten ointment over the affected area. Insert the ointment into your vaginal canal gently. See if it improves. Read more on vaginal candidiasis.

          If it doesn’t, see a doctor for examination.

          Reply
  14. Calliope

    I have pimples on my genitalia. I want to believe it is folliculitis. I recently had a Brazilian sugared wax, and shortly after I got my period. I noticed the pumps a couple days into my period. It has been over a month, and they are still there. I am afraid it is an STD or I came in contact with something serious. The bumps are itchy, some seem to be ingrown hairs, others have a white tip, most of the bumps are under the skin and are not really visible. It is mostly when I press down on the skin or tug on it that I see these pumps. The bumps are only around the labia majora going towards the anus. What can these bumps be, and how can I treat them?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Are these over the area where you got the shave done? If yes, they’re likely to be due to shaving.

      Read above about shaving the pubic area.

      Try warm compress over the bumps, especially the ones which look like ingrown hair. This technique would soften them and may help taking out the hair, thereby reducing the bump.

      Start applying a topical antibiotic, like mupirocin, over the ones that have white dots in them. Apply it twice daily for a week.

      Reply
      1. Calliope

        I did not shave, I had a Sugared Brazilian wax. This method of waxing only requires a ball of sugar, which is used throughout the entire session avoiding any sort of double dipping. However, I got my menstrual cycle shortly after and perhaps that created an infection.

        Reply
  15. Georgina

    I am 14 years old and never had sex. I have had these spots on my vagina for a while, more come up when I shave, but I have just had a painful spot and when I touch it, it hurts? I’m not sure what they are?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      They may have occurred due to shaving. Read above about shaving the pubic area without getting bumps.

      You may start applying mupirocin ointment over the one which has started paining.

      Reply
  16. Rosie

    I have a single bump on my labia majora. It’s almost as big as my fingertip, and it’s painful to the touch. I try my best to shave around it. I am also a virgin– I’ve never had any kind of sexual contact.
    Is there any way to alleviate it, or get rid of it for good?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Avoid shaving till this gets alright.

      Avoid friction over this lesion. It’s likely to be a pimple, that’s infected.

      You need to start applying antibiotic cream over it. Mupirocin/ bactroban may be applied thrice daily for 3 to 5 days.

      Reply

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