How are ingrown pubic hair treated?
In most cases, you don’t need to treat ingrown pubic hairs. They often clear up on their own without treatment. If the hairs don’t start to grow back up through the skin, you may need to try one of the following treatment options. 1. Apply warm compresses Place warm compresses on the area. You can also rub a wet washcloth or soft toothbrush in a circular motion over the skin. 2. Gently pull out the hair Once the hair emerges above the skin, use sterile tweezers or a needle to gently pull it. Try not to pluck it out completely until the area is healed, or the skin will heal over the hair again. Don’t dig into your skin. Breaking through your skin could cause an infection. 3. Exfoliate Gently wash and exfoliate around the area to help the hair return to the surface of the skin. 4. Use creams to reduce inflammation If the ingrown pubic hair is causing a lot of redness and inflammation, a doctor may prescribe a steroid cream. This topical treatment can reduce swelling and irritation around the hair. 5. Use retinoids Retinoids, such as tretinoin (Renova, Retin-A), can speed up the clearing of dead skin cells. They may also help clear up dark skin patches that form because of ingrown hair. A doctor can prescribe a retinoid, but note that these medications can cause dry skin. Do not use any products containing retinoids if you’re pregnant. This medication is dangerous to the baby and can cause developmental issues. 6. Use an OTC acne treatment Benzoyl peroxide cream is an ingredient found in OTC acne treatment that can help dry up the affected area and reduce redness. 7. Try home remedies Some home remedies may help relieve inflammation and pain. Tea tree oil has antibiotic properties and can bring down swelling. It can treat acne and may also work for ingrown hairs. Mix the oil with water to dilute it, and apply using a cotton ball. Sugar is a natural exfoliant. Mix it with olive oil or honey to moisturize the skin and reduce bacteria. Apply the paste in a circular motion, and then rinse with warm water. Baking soda helps exfoliate and bring down inflammation. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 cup of water. Use a cotton ball to apply it to your skin, and then rinse with cold water.
