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Learn about our editorial processPublished on January 12, 2022Medically reviewedVerywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more.byJason DelCollo, DO Medically reviewed byJason DelCollo, DOJason DelCollo, DO, is board-certified in family medicine and on the faculty of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Learn about our Medical Review BoardTable of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsShaving is the process of removing hair from various parts of the body using a razor or blade. One part of the body that is commonly shaved is the pubic region, also known as the "bikini area."
Given this is a sensitive part of the body, razor burn can sometimes occur due to shaving. That said, razor burn can occur anywhere on the body that is shaved.
Read on to learn more about razor burn in regards to the bikini area, how to treat it, and other conditions that may mimic razor burn symptoms.
Razor burn, also known as razor rash, is a red, often itchy rash that can occur after shaving. It can happen on any part of the body where hair is removed.
Besides a red and itchy rash, other symptoms of razor burn include:
Razor burn can be treated by a variety of methods. Some of these include:
Shaving pubic hair is a fairly simple method of hair removal. That said, there is still a correct way to do it:
Waxing is another method of pubic hair removal. Waxing is a physical method of hair removal that uses hot wax to pull hair from the follicles.
Side effects of waxing can include pain, red bumps, discoloration, and ingrown hairs. While uncommon, infection may also occur.
Recently, sugar waxing, also known as sugaring, has also become another popular form of waxing. It requires less clean-up than traditional waxing.
Related: Pros and Cons of Different Hair Removal Methods
Some other conditions may cause symptoms similar to those seen in cases of razor burn, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), yeast infections, ingrown hair, and pubic lice.
STIs are infections transmitted via sex. An STI that may appear similar to razor burn is genital herpes. Genital herpes is also accompanied by headaches, body aches, and fever, which razor burn is not.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you think your rash may be herpes in order to get proper treatment.
Candidiasis, more commonly known as a yeast infection, is a fungal infection triggered by a type of yeast called Candida. While Candida naturally occurs on both the skin and within the body, it becomes an issue when it overgrows.
A yeast infection can occur on many places throughout the body, including the vagina.
Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:
Vaginal yeast infections can be treated by medicated creams, tablets, and suppositories.
An ingrown hair is a strand of hair that grows back into the root after shaving, tweezing, or waxing. Ingrown hairs often look similar to acne but is an entirely different skin condition.
Those with curly or thicker hair are more prone to having ingrown hairs. That said, there are ways to prevent ingrown hairs, such as using proper hair removal techniques including applying shaving cream, using single-blade razors, and using warm water to shave.
If you're already an ingrown hair, treatment options include:
An Overview of Vaginal PimplesPubic lice, also known as crabs, is primarily spread through sexual contact. Pubic lice's main symptom is itching, caused by a reaction to the parasite's saliva. This itchiness increases in intensity as the infestation worsens.
Pubic lice can be treated by a variety of topical medications. There are both over-the-counter and prescription options available.
Shaving can sometimes cause razor burn, also known as razor rash. It usually goes away within two to three days. Treating the condition by using aloe vera, applying cold compresses, and taking a break from shaving can help symptoms resolve sooner.
Other conditions may have overlapping symptoms to those seen with razor burn. This includes public lice, ingrown hair, and some STIs. Talk to your healthcare provider if you're unsure about the cause of your particular pubic irritation.
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