A version of this story was published March 2018. Pubic hair is protective: it bars foreign bodies, bacteria, pathogens dirt and germs from entering the sensitive vaginal area. Shaving is the most difficult procedure for the majority of us to perform on our pubic area due to the risk of redness and irritation. Find Primary care doctors near you (2016). Dry your skin well after bathing and apply deodorant or powder to skin folds if youre overweight or prone to sweating. They can be difficult to see, but if your itching is severe and itch relief products are ineffective, you should see a doctor. Letter: Role of pubic hair in urinary tract infections. Your doctor may use a handheld Woods lamp to examine the affected area. There are a few reasons why this may be the case. Avoid wearing underwear that is too tight and wear soft, natural materials to reduce friction and sweating, which could damage hair follicles. White Piedra White piedra is a fungal infection of the hair shaft. There are many causes of itching genitals. There are several over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, creams, and shampoos available to treat pubic lice. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. It can also cause itchy bumps that resemble pimples to appear. This skin condition is most likely to begin in your armpit. Thanks to the porn industry, razor blade commercials and just about every lingerie advertisement weve ever seen, were often left confused about what to do about the hair down there. We avoid using tertiary references. This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing. Trichomoniasis Symptoms in Women Normally, vaginal discharge is clear or whitish and can vary in texture. It can also trap bacteria from your partner during sex, where it can wind up in your. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cure, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/itchy-skin/groin-itch, https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/specific-locations/genitals, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4470205/, Fast food consumption may increase the risk of liver disease. In 10 cases, other linked skin conditions were identified, including: Ninety-three percent of the 30 patients had had their pubic hair removed, either by shaving it off (70%), having it clipped (13%) or waxing it off (10%). However, according to gynecologist Dr. Jessica Shepherd , pubic hair's known function is to be a protective barrier for our body. OTC shampoos and lotions can be used to treat pubic lice. Your doctor will look for foreign bacteria, yeast, and other irregularities. Several things may cause contact dermatitis in the groin leading to itchy pubic hair, including: Dermatitis may present other symptoms, such as hives, flaky skin, or an itchy red rash. Shaving irritation. It provides protection against friction that can cause skin irritation in this sensitive area. This creates a setup for a bacterial skin infection. We talked to an OB-GYN and a waxing professional to get the real scoop about pubic hair. These types of infections can occur due to poor hygiene, excessive sweating or exposure to harsh chemicals. STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) If you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it's possible that the symptoms will present themselves in the form of pain in the pubic region and cause pubic hair pain. Do we wax, shave, both or neither!? During the exam, theyll look at your hair and nodules on the hair shaft. Still wanna groom? As with other lice infestations, intense itching leads to scratching which can cause sores and secondary bacterial infection of the skin. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. If you are experiencing irritation in your pubic area, it is best to see a doctor to rule out any other underlying causes. (2017). If one has an infection, whether yeast or bacterial shaving down there should not be an option. . . OTC antihistamines may be beneficial for controlling allergic reactions. See a doctor if your pubic area continues to itch for more than a few days or if its accompanied by symptoms of infection, such as fever and aches and pains. If these OTC ointments are not effective, stronger prescription options may kill the fungus. Mayo Clinic Staff. Do not use if you have open sores, bleeding, or signs of infection. The research was supported by the National Institute of Health K12KD08320, and the Alafi Foundation. With trich, you may notice changes such as: Difference in color it may still be clear or whitish, but could also look gray, green, or yellow. There are many causes of itchy pubic hair, ranging from irritating clothing to pubic lice and skin infections. Topical antibiotics may be used to treat the condition. Read on to learn more about how these companies differ. (n.d.). She warned that shaving pubic hair causes "microscopic trauma to the skin." . 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. In the pubic hair region, there are many sweat glands and hair follicles, each of which can irritate, sweat, and make it difficult to get rid of bacteria. Use antiperspirant daily and after washing to reduce excess moisture and the collection of bacteria. SheKnows is a part of Penske Media Corporation. First, pubic hair is coarse, and the skin in the pubic area is sensitive. But pubic lice are not an actual disease or infection. In men, the most commonly infected body part is the inside of the penis (urethra). If you are prone to vaginal or yeast infections, I would consult with your doctor before getting a Brazilian wax.. Q1 - Can Bacterial Infection Cause Your Hair To Fall Out? Shaving requires lots of maintenance, Shepherd said. It shares many of the same potential irritants as contact dermatitis. It helps block your vagina from the following bacteria and infections: Clean the vagina after intercourse without fail. If you suspect you have scabies or any other condition that requires a prescription, make an appointment to see a doctor right away. Jock itch is very common and occurs most often in damp, warm environments, such as the groin of someone who has been exercising. Grooming was also associated with a two-fold rise in risk of a lice infestation for low-intensity groomers, which the authors said suggested that lice may have difficulty breeding in partners. Cutting the hairs in this area may cause irritation, which can be worse if a person shaves too fast or uses a dull razor. If you shave your pubic hair, use the following tips to avoid itching and irritation: Bacteria and fungus thrive in moist conditions. Trichomycosis is treatable. Letter: Role of pubic hair in urinary tract infections Urology. People with vaginal itching are encouraged not to dismiss it as a yeast infection in some cases, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 9. It can also affect pubic hair (when it is called trichomycosis pubis), scrotal hair, and intergluteal hair. Molluscum contagiosum is a contagious skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). Familydoctor.org editorial staff. The condition can be itchy, sore and embarrassing. However, it can also be a symptom of other conditions, such as pubic lice or vitiligo. Among high-frequency and extreme groomers, the survey found that the odds of an STI risk was up to four times as great, particularly for infections involving skin-on-skin contact, such as herpes and HPV. Use sharp scissors to trim long hairs before shaving. You can get razor burn if you: don't use enough lubricant, like shaving cream or soap shave too fast shave too often use an old or clogged razor Pubic lice (crabs) Pubic lice, also called. However, you should seek treatment once you notice symptoms. People with psoriasis may develop plaques in their groin and upper thighs. Ivermectin is also used to treat scabies. Itchy pubic hair can be caused by a number of things. Itchiness after shaving can occur in any area that a person shaves. Experiencing itchy pubic hair can be troubling at first, especially if the itch lasts beyond a few minutes. One commonly seen skin infection is known as folliculitis. It is quite a common practice to use razors to shave off the pubic region. How do people get trichomoniasis? Trichomycosis (trichobacteriosis): Clinical and microbiological experience with 56 cases. People will also need to remove the eggs and wash their bedding on the hottest setting to kill any remaining lice or eggs that are present. When your pubic hairs are long, it may cause many problems. The study, led by researchers at UC San Francisco, is believed to be the first large-scale investigation into the relationship between grooming practices and STIs. Taking medication such as antibiotics, consuming too much sugar, and having a weakened immune system can also cause yeast infections. Regularly washing the groin and body as a whole may help prevent the buildup of certain germs that cause irritation. An occasional itch anywhere on the body, even your pubic area, is probably nothing to worry about. Eventually they will rupture and drain. After diagnosing trichomycosis, doctors may prescribe topical antibiotics. In recent years, however, girls have been shaving their pubic hair to be fashionable, with more and more men starting to join the trend as well. Localized symptoms of a bacterial infection may include: Pain: This is common with bacterial infections. Pubic hair can act as a "ladder" for bacteria to go from the anus to the vagina, said Dr. Kaufman. However, according to gynecologist Dr. Jessica Shepherd,pubic hairs known function is to be a protective barrier for our body. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Learn about the company's reputation and products, plus alternative natural remedies for. Razors harbor bacteria and cause some abrasion of the skin; especially in a moist environment. If you have ingrown hairs, it is possible that you will experience pubic hair pain. (2015). These behaviors are self-destructive to the body and can cause yeast infections. The person may also experience irritation or fatigue. Folliculitis is a common infection of the hair follicle, which is the opening that holds a hairs root. Waxing, tweezing, depilatories, and even laser removal and electrolysis should not be done on sensitive skin because they may be too harsh and cause long-term damage. If you recently shaved your pubic area, razor burn may be to blame for itching. Joy Braziel was hospitalized with a flesh-eating infection in March. thickened or darkened skin, usually near the waist or groin, if the lice have been there for a long time. Dementia: Does being socially isolated increase risk? You should take these supplements daily for up to two weeks. Hidradenitis suppurativa: A long-term (chronic) condition causing red, tender bumps in the skin of the armpits and/or groin. Wearing tight clothing, poor hygiene, and not drying properly after bathing increases your risk. Over-the-counter creams, according to Richardson, can be used to treat itching on the skin. Doctors have been unsure of the exact link between smoking and increased BV risk, but a small study in the journal BMC Infectious Diseases found that female smokers had a greater imbalance of their vagina's natural flora than non-smokers, which can lead to recurrent BV. Trichomycosis axillaris is caused by corynebacteria which are able to colonize and produce concretions along the hair shafts. In case the ingrown pubic hair causes some redness and inflammations, the doctor can prescribe a steroid cream. Keep the groin and pelvic area dry after cleaning and whenever possible. Having pubic hair is normal and has its benefits. However, a smaller number of adults may also have recurring forms of the condition. To treat razor burn at home, try applying a cool compress or soothing lotion. People can have trichomoniasis for months without showing any symptoms. 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