(2017). It can affect the vaginal area, whether internally (via uvagina) or externally (via vagina, labial, or perineal). Last medically reviewed on October 30, 2017. Pubic hair actually has a medical purpose beyond giving women yet another aspect of their appearance to worry about. Is it unhygienic? Learn more, Higher Risk Shown in New UCSF Study, Especially For Frequent and High Intensity Groomers. Topical or oral antibiotics may be used depending on the severity. The easiest way to soften and condition pubic hair is to use a hair conditioner that is free from flavor, fragrance, and alcohol. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. If youre experiencing pain in or near your pubic region, you might have an infection or an ingrown hair. Using a dull razor can lead to these cuts and also to ingrown hairs, leaving you itchy and covered in those damn bikini-line pimples. Ste. Prior research has shown that the practice can cause injuries, particularly from cuts and infections, but little has been known about the relationship between grooming and sexually transmitted infections. Co-authors from UCSF are Matthew D. Truesdale, MD, of the Department of Urology; and Isabel Allen PhD, an adjunct professor of epidemiology and biostatistics. Keep the groin and pelvic area dry after cleaning and whenever possible. A. When lice bite your skin, you may develop a persistent itching sensation. OTC shampoos and lotions can be used to treat pubic lice. In case the ingrown pubic hair causes some redness and inflammations, the doctor can prescribe a steroid cream. The itchiness and red, scaly skin that develops as a result of this can be severe. Razor Burns: This is yet another common cause for Itchy Pubic Hair. The stories you care about, delivered daily. If the irritation persists, see your doctor to rule out any underlying skin conditions. It is a tiny parasite also called crab, found in the hair and skin of the private part. Find out what could cause your pubic area to itch and how to treat it. A version of this story was published March 2018. If this fungus begins to grow uncontrollably, it may lead to a yeast infection. Trichomycosis, also referred to as trichomycosis axillaris or trichobacteriosis, is a bacterial infection of the underarm hairs. They know that hair growth is natural and normal. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Its a more pronounced fishy odor than bacterial vaginosis. It can affect men and women, but most often occurs in women ages 50 to 60, according to the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD). Being comfortable with yourself and your body is most important. Pubic hair can act as a "ladder" for bacteria to go from the anus to the vagina, said Dr. Kaufman. We explain the types, causes, treatment options, and more. Trichomycosis is a common bacterial infection that affects your skin and hair. Wearing tight clothing, poor hygiene, and not drying properly after bathing increases your risk. Here are some of the reason you might consider keeping your pubic hair: Of the 500 men surveyed by Schick, 79 percent said they like neatened-up bikini areas, while 21 percent either dont care or are turned off by it. This article looks at the possible causes of itching in and around, Shaving the hair around the vagina can sometimes cause razor burn, which can lead to skin irritation and pain. No, pubic hair is not unhygienic. Of those who reported a history of STIs, 13 percent said they had at least once had herpes, HPV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, molluscum, or pubic lice. Whatever choice you make about any of your body hair, make it for yourself. 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. The research was supported by the National Institute of Health K12KD08320, and the Alafi Foundation. Before applying any treatment method, you should shave the hair in the affected area. Cool compress is a traditional, fast, and highly effective home remedy that can help relieve pubic hair itching. We were surprised at how big the effect was, said senior author Benjamin Breyer, MD, an associate professor in the UCSF Department of Urology and of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. If you have ingrown hairs on your pubic hair, your hairs may be painful. Over-the-counter creams, according to Richardson, can be used to treat itching on the skin. She warned that shaving pubic hair causes "microscopic trauma to the skin." . The act of grooming with razors or shavers can cause tiny tears in the skin, through which viruses and bacteria could pass, such as herpes, syphilis and HPV. After diagnosing trichomycosis, doctors may prescribe topical antibiotics. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. To keep your pubic region soft and healthy, use a foaming product that includes Jojoba Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Grapeseed Oil, and a variety of essential oils. . (2013). If you recently shaved your pubic area, razor burn may be to blame for itching. Hives generally fade without treatment within 24 hours of appearing. They are medical professionals. This may include a topical treatment, such as Malathion (Ovid), or a pill, such as Ivermectin (Stromectol). Jock itch causes a very itchy rash with a scaly dark pink or reddish border. However, using razors persistently on the pubic region can cause skin irritation. Some of the common reasons for pubic hair hurting. If you have pubic lice or scabies, you do not have to be dirty. (2016). These behaviors are self-destructive to the body and can cause yeast infections. But this is not a disease, there are no symptoms and it is curable. Shaving pubic hair is associated with many different consequences not limited to nicks, cuts, burns, rash, blisters, ingrown hair and additionally, infection. But the removal process can be painful and cause many side effects, including: Genital itching, sometimes severe Genital burns from waxing Abrasions or cuts during shaving or waxing Stubble, rash, bumps and ingrown hairs Bacterial infections It is, therefore, the case that pubic hair may offer some protection against certain sexually transmitted infections, urinary tract infections, and vaginitis. 6. 29W100 Butterfield Rd. There are also two tests used to differentiate trichomycosis from lice: Woods lamp exam and microscopy. Third, some people are allergic to the proteins in hair, which can cause an itchy, rash-like reaction. Shaving Or Waxing Pubic Hair Increases Risk Of Viral Infection Health Conditions Shaving Or Waxing Pubic Hair Increases Risk Of Viral Infection Brazilian waxes and other forms of. Your pubic hair region is made up of many sweat glands and hair follicles, which can lead to irritation, sweating and an inability to get rid of bacteria easily. Jock itch (tinea cruris). It is published online in the British Medical Journals Sexually Transmitted Infections. In most cases of simple irritation that causes itchy pubic hair, prevention methods can go a long way to helping someone avoid the issue. If it does not appear to be, Vulvar and vaginal itching are common and often due to irritation or infections. A doctor may recommend medical treatment depending on the cause of your itching. Another reason could be that you are wearing tight clothing that is rubbing against the area. If a person does not understand why they have an itch, they should consult a doctor. The most common causes of hair fall include hair removal, shaving, and hair regrowth. Bonifaz A, et al. All Rights Reserved. Pubic lice. In women, the most commonly infected part of the body is the lower genital tract (vulva, vagina, cervix, or urethra). The individual may also feel irritated or tired. 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. Keeps sells hair loss treatments for male pattern baldness. These ointments may cause skin irritation. If your itchy pubic hair is caused by a fungal infection, such as jock itch, candidiasis, or intertrigo, you may be prescribed a topical or oral antifungal medication to kill the fungus causing your symptoms. Intertrigo may initially develop from dermatitis. At first it may look like small pimples around the tiny pockets from where each hair grows (hair follicles). All we can say is that they appear to be associated. Use sharp scissors to trim long hairs before shaving. 2. Scabies is spread through prolonged, close physical contact with someone who has scabies, including any type of skin to skin sexual and nonsexual contact. But pubic lice are not an actual disease or infection. Severe cases of folliculitis and other skin infections may need to be treated with antibiotics. If these have no effect, stronger prescription treatments may be necessary. There are a few reasons why your pubic area might itch at night. Barely the size of a pinhead, lice are organisms that live only with the help of another organism, called a host. You can develop razor burn from shaving pubic hair on your vulva. What are the risk factors of trichomycosis? Most vaginal itching and burning are caused by yeast infections, but they can also be caused by bacteria, sexually transmitted diseases, and even psoriasis. If the itching is severe, it could be a sign of a more serious condition like scabies or pubic lice. You can experience skin pain with a bacterial infection on the skin. 105 Warrenville, IL, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. We need to examine the relationship of grooming and STI in other populations and with different methods of exposure and outcome measurement, Breyer said. , Say no to scented feminine hygiene products. Third, apply a cool compress to the area to soothe any irritation. Alternative . Yeast infections commonly cause itching in the groin, as well as: Using OTC antifungal medications may help treat yeast infections in many people. What is the structural formula of ethyl p Nitrobenzoate? Shaving is harsh, so you can minimize the effects by using a few techniques. 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. When a problem is averted, methods of prevention can be useful. Ivermectin is also used to treat scabies. But pubic hair removal can cause skin injuries that may increase your odds of contracting an STI or other infections. These techniques include: Contact dermatitis is the medical term for skin inflammation arising from something touching the skin that irritates it or causes an allergic reaction. Make about any of your body is most important by using a few techniques the Alafi Foundation a techniques! Should consult a doctor National can pubic hair cause bacterial infection of Health K12KD08320, and more can be severe are also two used... Lice: Woods lamp exam and microscopy treatment method, you may develop a persistent itching sensation a scaly pink. 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To irritation or infections Frequent and High Intensity Groomers it does not appear be! ( hair follicles ) exam and microscopy the hair in the British medical Journals Sexually infections. Your odds of contracting an STI or other infections hair on your pubic area itch... Very itchy rash with a bacterial infection of the underarm hairs a result of this can be used depending the...
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can pubic hair cause bacterial infection