Razor burnon the vagina occurs after shaving toremove hairin what’s often called the “bikini” area.
You may want to try home remedies or over-the-counter products to relieve symptoms.
This article explains how razor burn on the vagina happens and how it can be prevented.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
What Does Razor Burn Look Like?
Some people prefer to remove hair from the pubic area and use a razor to do so.
More people with vaginas are injuring themselves enough to require emergency care for a grooming accident.
How to Treat Razor Burn
Razor burn can be treated by a variety of methods.
If you have razor bumps or burn, stop shaving until it heals.
If you must remove pubic hair, clippers that leave about 1 millimeter of hair are a better option.
How to Prevent Razor Burn
Shaving pubic hair is a fairly simple method of hair removal.
It is a physical method of hair removal that uses hot wax to pull hair from the follicles.
Side effects of waxingcan include pain, red bumps, discoloration, and ingrown hairs.
While uncommon, infection may also occur.
Not a Shaving Issue?
STIs
STIs are infections transmitted via sex.
An STI that may appear similar to razor burn isgenital herpes.
All the following outbreaks will look similar to razor burn but will be significantly more painful and last longer.
WhileCandidanaturally occurs on both the skin and within the body, it becomes an issue when it overgrows.
Those with curly or thicker hair are more prone to having ingrown hairs.
Pubic lice’s main symptom is itching, triggered by a reaction to the parasite’s saliva.
Thisitchiness increasesin intensity as the infestation worsens.
Pubic lice can be treated with a variety of topical medications.
There are both over-the-counter and prescription options.
Summary
Shaving can sometimes cause razor burn, also known as razor rash.
It usually goes away within two to three days.
Other conditions may have overlapping symptoms to those seen with razor burn.
This includes pubic 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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