How to Get Rid of Bumps on the Vaginal Area From Shaving
Some women prefer the smooth, clean look of a shaved vaginal area. This practice is not new — it dates back to ancient Egyptian times 3. Shaving your pubic area is also helpful in the summer months if you plan on wearing a bathing suit.
Since the skin in this area is quite sensitive, razor burn can be a problem. Bumps from shaving can ruin the aesthetic effect of shaving. Fortunately, there are ways you can get rid of razor bumps and maintain a smooth bikini line.
Read more: Home Remedies for Razor Bumps
Use Shaving Gel
Apply a shaving gel to the pubic area before shaving, instead of using shaving cream. Shaving cream can clog the skin’s pores, which can increase the likelihood of bumps.
Break Out a New Razor
Home Treatment for Vaginal Ingrown Hairs
Learn More
Inspect your razor to make sure that it is clean and sharp. If in doubt, discard the razor and get a fresh one.
A dull or blunt razor or razor blade can pull hairs out instead of shaving them away, leading to razor burn and bumps 1.
Don't Shave "Against the Grain"
Shave in the direction of the hair growth, rather than shaving “against the grain.” This will help keep the hair from being pushed back into the skin, which can cause inflamed bumps and ingrown hairs.
Change Your Shaving Frequency
How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs on Your Nipples
Learn More
Reduce your shaving frequency. The more often you shave your vaginal area, the more chances your skin has to become irritated.
Read more: Fast-Acting Ways to Relieve Razor Burn
Take a Warm Bath
If the razor burn bumps from shaving are particularly causing you discomfort, soak in a warm bath to help calm the inflammation.
Apply Ointments or Creams
Apply aloe vera, hydrocortisone cream or a combination of both to the vaginal area twice a day to soothe irritated skin and eliminate bumps.
Warnings
Keep shaving gel and cortisone cream away from direct contact with the vagina as these products can irritate vaginal tissues.
Pay Attention to Clothing Choices
Wear loose-fitting underwear and pants after shaving. Tight jeans and underwear can rub against the shaved vaginal area, irritating the surface of the skin and making razor burn symptoms worse.
Read more: How to Soothe Razor Burn & Bumps
Warnings
If the symptoms associated with razor burn including bumps, ingrown hairs, folliculitis, pimples, itching and general irritation do not go away after a week of at-home treatment, please seek the help of a medical professional.
Related Articles
References
- Healthline: Everything You Need to Know About Razor Burn
- Palo Alto Medical Foundation: Pubic Hair Removal: Shaving
- Psychology Today: Pubic Shaving: Which Women? And Why?
- Gray J, McMichael AJ. "Pseudofolliculitis Barbae: Understanding the Condition and the Role of Facial Grooming." International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2016;38 Suppl 1:24-27.
- Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, Alikhan A., Baldwin HE, Berson D, et. al. "Guidelines of Care for the Management of Acne Vulgaris." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2016;74(5):945-973.
Writer Bio
Owen Pearson is a freelance writer who began writing professionally in 2001, focusing on nutritional and health topics. After selling abstract art online for five years, Pearson published a nonfiction book detailing the process of building a successful online art business. Pearson obtained a bachelor's degree in art from the University of Rio Grande in 1997.