As Elliot says in a particularly memorable episode of Scrubs, “I got in a fight with my waxer, and now there is a rash on my bajingo that looks like a thousand tiny spider bites.” She puts it in such a way that we can ALL feel her pain.
It doesn’t matter if you shave, wax, use a depilatory, or a fancy gel, for some reason, those stupid little bumps pop up at the worst time. There is nothing more annoying (and painful) than trying to clean up down there so you look hot in your swimsuit and ending up with razor burn. Fortunately, there are a few simple remedies for getting rid of razor bumps… and trying to prevent them.
No Picking!
DO NOT POP THE BUMPS! Even though they have little white heads that remind you of your teenage years, that is your body’s way of fighting the bacterial infection of the hair follicle. Leave the bumps alone and let your body heal itself. Avoid shaving the area for the next few days, and the bumps should fade. You can use a little Neosporin to help your body kill the bacteria and avoid potential scarring.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is what you use to shrink pimples, and the reason it works here is that, not only does it remove the dead skin that keeps air from reaching the hair follicle, it also kills bacteria which aids in reducing the redness in that area. Aspirin contains this ingredient, too, so if you don’t have zit cream on hand, crush up an aspirin with some water to form a paste and apply to the infected area. After it dries, wash it off and you’ll notice there is less redness. Just don’t get any salicylic acid on your actual hoo-ha, or you’ll want to cry.
Hydrocortisone
Hydrocortisone can help soften and soothe the inflamed skin symptomatic of razor bumps. It also is a great moisturizer and helps reduce itching. You can buy it over the counter or with a prescription for a higher concentration. Use hydrocortisone twice the first day, but do not use it for an extended period of time because the skin can become acclimated to it and develop more unattractive rashes.
Prevention
The best way to get rid of razor bumps is to prevent them. Use a brand new razor with some form of moisture strip or skin guard. Allow skin and hair to soften before shaving by soaking the area in warm water. Use a gentle exfoliator to remove bacteria and dead skin cells from the area (this prevents anything from getting into the follicle and creating an infection). Apply a softening shaving gel and let it sit on the area to be shaved for a few minutes. Shave in the direction of hair growth rather than against it. When you’re done, dab on a little Neosporin to moisturize and protect the area while it’s still sensitive. Avoid wearing tight or synthetic clothing that will hold sweat too close to the skin or cause friction.
Want to make your own exoliating scrub? Here’s a great video that shows you how to make an all-natural body wash with ingredients found in your kitchen:
