Ingrown hairs are a common occurrence among both men and women. They can occur in any body area with hair, including the face, legs, and pubic area. Ingrown hairs are caused when hair grows back into the skin instead of growing through it.
Even though the rarity of ingrown hairs on the vagina may make them seem like an uncommon problem, they are pretty common. Some people get ingrown hairs in their pubic area more often than not. This can be highly irritating and painful for anyone who experiences it.
The causes of ingrown hairs are unknown, but some people have them more often than others for genetic reasons or because they have highly coarse hair on their bodies. About 40 percent of men and 20 percent of women tend to get ingrown hairs when they shave or wax their pubic area. Other factors that can cause these painful skin irritations include shaving with dull razors, using too much pressure when shaving, not exfoliating before a person shaves, and using hair removal products that contain harsh chemicals.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to prevent ingrown hairs and help them heal if one already has them. Let’s look at some of the best ways to prevent and treat ingrown hairs.
Avoid Hot Water
The kind of water a person uses can also be a factor. Hot water is more likely to cause the hair to grow deeper, which may lead to more ingrown hairs. If they are using hot water on their face, it’s best to stop, and start using lukewarm instead.
Anyone might think that hot showers will help open up the skin pores and cleanse the area better than cold ones, but this isn’t true. Instead, hot showers can cause further irritation and inflammation for those who suffer from acne or have sensitive skin (especially around their faces).
Some research has also suggested that hot water can increase the risk of ingrown hairs. This is because hot water opens up the pores, allowing bacteria and oils to get in more easily. When a person washes off these toxins with a loofah or other exfoliating tool, the hair follicles can become clogged with dead skin cells, leading to ingrown hairs.
Warm baths are recommended instead of hot ones so that the pores aren’t suddenly opened up too wide when they aren’t ready yet. Also, consider shaving with warm or lukewarm water rather than cold temperatures.
