Sexual Health Reproductive Health Issues Vaginal Health How to Treat a Razor Burn in the Pubic Area By Molly Burford Molly Burford LinkedIn Molly Burford is a mental health advocate and wellness book author with almost 10 years of experience in digital media. Learn about our editorial process Published on January 12, 2022 Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO Jason DelCollo, DO, is board-certified in family medicine and on the faculty of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents What Is Razor Burn? Razor Burn Treatment How to Shave Pubic Hair Not a Shaving Issue? Frequently Asked Questions Shaving is the process of removing hair from various parts of the body using a razor or blade. One part of the body that is commonly shaved is the pubic region, also known as the "bikini area." Given this is a sensitive part of the body, razor burn can sometimes occur due to shaving. That said, razor burn can occur anywhere on the body that is shaved. Read on to learn more about razor burn in regards to the bikini area, how to treat it, and other conditions that may mimic razor burn symptoms. Verywell / Laura Porter What Is Razor Burn? Razor burn, also known as razor rash, is a red, often itchy rash that can occur after shaving. It can happen on any part of the body where hair is removed. Besides a red and itchy rash, other symptoms of razor burn include: Skin irritation and tenderness A burning or hot sensation Small, red bumps Razor Burn Treatment Razor burn can be treated by a variety of methods. Some of these include: Applying cold compresses Trying tea tree oil Using aloe vera Taking a break from shaving Conditioning the skin Soaking in an oatmeal bath How to Shave Pubic Hair Shaving pubic hair is a fairly simple method of hair removal. That said, there is still a correct way to do it: Wet skinSlather on shaving cream or gelShave in same direction of hair growthRinse blade in-between strokes Waxing Waxing is another method of pubic hair removal. Waxing is a physical method of hair removal that uses hot wax to pull hair from the follicles. Side effects of waxing can include pain, red bumps, discoloration, and ingrown hairs. While uncommon, infection may also occur. Recently, sugar waxing, also known as sugaring, has also become another popular form of waxing. It requires less clean-up than traditional waxing. Related: Pros and Cons of Different Hair Removal Methods Not a Shaving Issue? Other Possibilities Some other conditions may cause symptoms similar to those seen in cases of razor burn, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), yeast infections, ingrown hair, and pubic lice. STIs STIs are infections transmitted via sex. An STI that may appear similar to razor burn is genital herpes. Genital herpes is also accompanied by headaches, body aches, and fever, which razor burn is not. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think your rash may be herpes in order to get proper treatment. Yeast Infection Candidiasis, more commonly known as a yeast infection, is a fungal infection triggered by a type of yeast called Candida. While Candida naturally occurs on both the skin and within the body, it becomes an issue when it overgrows. A yeast infection can occur on many places throughout the body, including the vagina. Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include: Vaginal and vulval itchinessThick, white vaginal dischargeA burning sensation while urinating Vaginal yeast infections can be treated by medicated creams, tablets, and suppositories. Ingrown Hair An ingrown hair is a strand of hair that grows back into the root after shaving, tweezing, or waxing. Ingrown hairs often look similar to acne but is an entirely different skin condition. Those with curly or thicker hair are more prone to having ingrown hairs. That said, there are ways to prevent ingrown hairs, such as using proper hair removal techniques including applying shaving cream, using single-blade razors, and using warm water to shave. If you're already an ingrown hair, treatment options include: Taking a break from hair removal: This gives your hair the chance to grow back fully and correctly Using topical clindamycin: Topical clindamycin can help soothe inflammation Vaginal Bumps: Causes and Treatments Pubic Lice Pubic lice, also known as crabs, is primarily spread through sexual contact. Pubic lice's main symptom is itching, caused by a reaction to the parasite's saliva. This itchiness increases in intensity as the infestation worsens. Pubic lice can be treated by a variety of topical medications. There are both over-the-counter and prescription options available. A Word From Verywell Shaving can sometimes cause razor burn, also known as razor rash. It usually goes away within two to three days. Treating the condition by using aloe vera, applying cold compresses, and taking a break from shaving can help symptoms resolve sooner. Other conditions may have overlapping symptoms to those seen with razor burn. This includes public lice, ingrown hair, and some STIs. Talk to your healthcare provider if you're unsure about the cause of your particular pubic irritation. Frequently Asked Questions What causes razor burn? Razor burn occurs after shaving. It can be caused by multiple issues during shaving such as using an old razor with a dull blade, shaving in the incorrect direction, shaving dry skin, and shaving too quickly. What does razor burn feel like? Razor burn is marked by redness, itchiness, tenderness, and a "burning" sensation. How long does razor burn typically last? Razor burn typically lasts around two to three days. Properly treating the affected area can help relieve symptoms more quickly. Some options for this include cold compresses, applying aloe vera, and using emollient creams or lotions. 3 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Hair removal: how to shave. Cleveland Clinic. Vaginal yeast infections: treatment, causes, prevention & symptoms. Cleveland Clinic. Ingrown hair. By Molly Burford Molly Burford is a mental health advocate and wellness book author with almost 10 years of experience in digital media. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit