If you plan to shave the hair in the pubic area, it is best to do it daily. Before shaving, make sure the skin is wet or damp, so doing so in the shower may be best. When shaving, do so in the direction of the hair growth. Lastly, you should always use a sharp razor, discarding any disposable razors after 5 to 7 days. Store your razor in a dry area (not in the shower or sink) to prevent bacteria from growing on it.

Ingrown hairs, commonly known as razor bumps, happen when coarse, curly hairs grow out enough to curve back into the skin. Your skin reacts to this, creating inflamed bumps. That is why shaving daily will prevent the hairs from growing out enough to cause a reaction.

Discoloration, known as hyperpigmentation or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, occurs after the skin has become inflamed. Once the inflammation heals, the dark spots are the footprints the inflammation leaves behind. Depending on your skin type, these darks spots can sometimes take 3 to 4 months to heal completely, but preventing the inflammation in the first place will keep the dark spots from forming.

It is important to choose fabrics or underwear that do not rub or irritate the skin. Although many doctors believe that only white, cotton underwear should be worn to prevent skin reactions, there is no evidence that synthetic or colored fabrics cause skin irritation. Only people with a proven allergy to certain dyes in clothing or elastic bands in underwear must avoid those items. Wearing clothing items such as thongs, however, can cause increased irritation and itching in patients who have a pre-existing genital or perianal skin conditions.

Itching on the genital skin can come from various sources. The most common reaction in people (who do not have a pre-existing skin condition, such as psoriasis or eczema) is an irritation to personal care products or body fluids. Many preservatives, such as Propylene Glycol, in personal care products can lead to irritant dermatitis, or direct damage to the skin cells, which can cause itching or stinging. In some cases, people can even develop an allergy to such ingredients over time, so if a rash or severe itching persists, a consultation with a dermatologist who specializes in skin allergies is recommended. Hygiene products such as pads can also lead to rubbing or chafing, so avoiding panty liners, especially those with nylon, non-cotton linings, is best. I encourage my patients to use tampons instead of pads when possible. Finally, for patients who leak urine, the urine and the pads used can also lead to irritant dermatitis, so I send these patients to consult with Urogynecologist or Urologist to correct the cause of the leakage.

When you do get itchy or irritated in the genital area, I recommend keeping it simple and tell my patients that “less is best.” If you started using a new product or routine that might be irritating the skin, stop and just use your fingertips and water to wash the area. Avoid soaps temporarily and pat the skin dry instead of rubbing. Also, look for products labeled “fragrance free,” as irritation from or allergies to fragrance are the culprit in many patients with sensitive skin. You can use natural products without preservatives or fragrances such as Coconut or Almond Oil to help with your symptoms. Finally, wear loose fitting clothing to allow the skin to breathe and prevent friction on the skin. If these measures don’t work, consult your Dermatologist or Gynecologist to rule out any type of infection or underlying skin disorder, as you may need a prescription treatment.

Everyone, but especially those with a history of itching or irritation on the genital skin, should avoid heavily fragranced products and harsh soaps. Do not douche and steer clear of excessive washing. Also, avoid panty liners and avoid any clothing or tight undergarments that cause increased friction. As mentioned before, you want to keep it simple and avoid products that sting or irritate the skin.

Instead, opt for loose fitting clothing and products that you have used without issues in the past. Use products labeled “fragrance free” if you have very sensitive skin or are actively experiencing itching or irritation. Be wary of social media trends or recommendations, and consult a professional before making any major changes to your skin care routine.