What Does Itchy Pubic Hair Mean?
Itchy pubic hair describes the uncomfortable itch of hair around the genitals. Some people may have itching that encompasses the skin or the hair follicles. Itching may occur without any skin symptoms or changes; however, some may have skin redness, small lesions, dry patches, swelling of the skin, or a rash. Itching that occurs occasionally is usually of little concern; however, the symptoms should be taken seriously if the itching is prolonged, or if the itching is spreading and/or associated with skin pain or atypical skin changes.
What Causes Pubic Hair to be Itchy?
There are many reasons that can explain the itching of the pubic region. Possible causes can be related to recent hair grooming, the skin’s sensitivity, personal hygiene, the amount one sweats, or the exposure to various irritants.
Pubic Hair Shaving and Razor Burn
The most frequent cause of itching of the pubic region is hair shaving. Hair shaving can result in skin irritation, tiny skin lesions, and inflammation of the hair follicles. When hair begins to grow back, hair that has grown back to a short length can be itchy. Razor burn can cause skin redness, burning, tenderness, and the appearance of small bumps. The use of a razor that is dull or shaving in the growth direction vs the against the growth direction, or shaving without sufficient lubrication can all worsen razor burn.
Itchy Pubic Hair and Ingrown Hair
Unguarded shaving, waxing, or hair plucking can all result in the hair growing back in a curled position that is now below the skin. This is referred to as an ingrown hair and is often itchy, can be tender and can even be painful. It often presents as a red, raised bump. In some instances, bumps may have pus in them. Picking or squeezing ingrown hairs causes scars and may lead to an infection.
Dry and Sensitive Skin
Skin can be dry in any region. This can be in the case of your pubic skin, too. Showers that are too hot or too many can dry out the skin along with harsh soaps and the weather. The skin can feel dry, tight, and even flaky with an irritating itch.
Sweating and Friction
The skin in your pubic region is also the skin that is warmest and most moist from sweat. Combined with a hot environment and tight clothing, the skin can be chafed, and turn red and itchy. The longer skin remains damp, the more friction there will be. Wearing clothing that is damp can also worsen the condition, but can be alleviated by replacing clothing that is damp with clothing that is new and dry. Choosing fabrics that allow sweat to easily evaporate may alleviate the condition.
Reaction to Personal Care Products
Skin that is sensitive in the pubic region may also be sensitive to certain personal care products like soaps or laundry detergent. Products that cause this type of sensitivity may also be called contact dermatitis. Symptoms may also include a rash and burning. This is a temporary condition and will improve with time once the product is eliminated.
Fungal Infection
Fungi like to grow in the warm and moist environment of the regions of the body that are most difficult to keep dry. This type of infection is common in the groin and may also cause a rash that is red and spreading. Peeling may also occur and will be accompanied by itching that is almost unendurable. The rash may get worse with sweating or close-fitting clothes. Keeping the rash dry is also useful, but treating the infection properly may also be required. Shaving cuts or scratching may give access to the skin for bacteria through damaged hair follicles. This may cause an infection with swelling, warmth, tenderness, and pus-filled bumps.
If the swelling and pain continues to get worse, a doctor should be consulted to evaluate for a possible bacterial infection.
Pubic Lice
Pubic lice are bugs that make their home in body hair, and cause strong, unrelenting itching, worse at night. They may even bite your skin, and deposit eggs in your hair. As a hygiene concern, pubic lice will also spread to others through close physical contact or sharing your clothing, towels and bedding. In order to treat pubic lice, both the bugs and eggs need to be eliminated.
Skin Conditions
Dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis may affect the pubic skin like the rest of the body. They can cause skin that is inflamed, dry, scaly, or thickened. Persistent irritation of skin that is inflamed or has similar symptoms to other skin conditions may require professional assessment.
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Symptoms That May Accompany Pubic Itching
When pubic hair is itchy it may be a symptom that occurs by itself. Although there may be red and/or swollen skin with it. It may even cause small bumps, or skin that is dry and/or flaking. It may burn or be tender, and may even cause a rash. There may be pus or an unusual discharge.
Knowing the other symptoms can be helpful to determine the cause.
How to Relieve Itchy Pubic Hair?
Treatment varies by cause. Pubic hair itching caused by mild irritation due to shaving, sweating, or dry skin usually resolves on its own with time and care. Gently wash the area with mild, unscented soap and lukewarm water. Scrubbing the area should be avoided. This may cause further irritation. Pat the area dry.
Continue to wear loose, breathable undergarments and clothing. Tight clothing should be avoided. Until symptoms resolve, apply a cool compress on the area to provide temporary relief. If skin feels too dry, a gentle, unscented skin moisturizer can provide relief. Delaying the use of shaving, waxing, or depilatory cream may be necessary to aid the healing process. Continuing to remove hair may cause prolonged irritation and delay the healing process because skin may become further irritated from hair removal.
Caring for Ingrown Hairs
Itching due to an ingrown hair should not be treated by digging into the skin and squeezing the bump. A warm compress can soften skin and aid in further hair exposure. Taking the time to allow skin and hair to heal can help reduce skin irritation. It may also be necessary to seek medical advice if the bump is highly irritated and swollen with pus.
Habits to Avoid
The following habits may worsen itching and should be avoided:
- Scratching the affected skin
- Irritating the skin with scented sprays or strong soaps
- Wearing damp or sweaty underwear
- Sharing razors, towels, or undergarments
- Shaving over inflamed or injured skin
- The risk of infection is increased and may worsen the itching if skin is broken from scratching.
Ways to Reduce Itchy Pubic Hair
Managing the itchiness is done more effectively through better hygiene and grooming. Be mindful of your washing, as this area should be washed regularly. Dry skin can do more harm than good, so avoid washing too frequently. Wash and change into cotton, breathable underwear daily. Post-workout, dry and change your clothes after a shower done as soon as possible.
Use a clean and sharp razor after applying a gentle shaving gel. When shaving, do so in the direction the hairs grow and do not go over the area repeatedly with the razor. Post-shave, rinse and moisturize the area with a fragrance-free, gentle lotion. Slowly incorporate new skincare products. This is also good for skin irritation, as the guilty product can be easily identified if irritation occurs.
When to Seek a Doctor's Help?
Light irritation of the skin should improve in a few days without medical help. It is time to seek a doctor’s help when symptoms and irritation grow in severity and duration. It is good to seek medical help when there is:
- A big rash that will not go away after a week that also itches
- Pain and swelling that is also a rash
- Bumps with pus that also itch
- Blisters with open sores
- A rash that continues to spread
- Itchy and irritated hair following poor hygiene
- Eggs and lice are in the hair
Final Thoughts
Shaving and using personal care products combined with dry skin, sweating, and friction can cause an itchy pubis. Keeping itchy pubic hair clean and dry, as well as not using harsh products, wearing loose clothing, and not shaving can help reduce the itch. If pubic itching continues, it is possibly attributed to an infection or pubic lice, and other skin conditions may be present. Monitoring the other symptoms will help you see a doctor to reduce the time required to diagnosis as well as to avoid other complications.
Please book an appointment with the best Dermatologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.
