Last updated on March 23rd, 2021 at 08:14 am
If you like to keep your vagina shaven, then you may have experienced a rash after shaving. These occur when you shave incorrectly thus irritating the skin and hair follicles. The result is usually itchy and at times, painful bumps that are quite uncomfortable to live with.
However, you can quickly get rid of a shaving rash on the vagina but the most important thing is to learn how to shave without causing the burns.
Pro Tip: You can avoid razor burns and bumps in the first place by using a high quality razor for the bikini area. Here is a roundup of the best razors you should consider buying.
What Causes Shaving Rash on the Vagina?
If you have a rash on your vagina after a shave then there could be two things happening which you should be aware of, that is:
Razor Burn
This is the most common cause of a rash on your pubic area, which is mostly caused by shaving against the grain. It irritates both the skin and the hair follicles that are tagged and pulled by a blunt or badly designed shaver. This often results in reddening and bumps after a few days.
You can avoid this by using a good shaver specially designed to be gentle on sensitive skin.
Folliculitis
If the itching and pain don’t reduce after a few days and continue even after the hair has grown back, then you may have folliculitis. This is a bacterial or fungal infection caused by either using a dirty razor or if the pubic area is unclean when shaving. The disease affects the inside of the hair follicle which is why you may experience pain.
Check this too: What is a Burkini Swimsuit?
How do you avoid getting a shaving rash?
It is recommended that you use a pair of scissors to cut hair from your vagina. If you prefer a clean shave, then you may benefit from waxing, but if you prefer shaving, then you should be keener on how you do it. The following are some tips to shave down there without getting red bumps:
- Ensure that you use a clean razor every time you shave. If it is not new, you should at least disinfect it since bacteria can make the rash worse or lead to folliculitis.
- Dampen the area using warm water before shaving. You mustn’t do a dry shave since it increases the risk of developing the burn. The warm water helps soften the hair follicles, so they are not pulled hence irritating the skin.
- Clip the hairs using a pair of scissors before using a razor. This minimizes pulling the follicles, which is the primary cause of shaving rash.
- Do not shave against the grain. This means that you should do it in the direction that the hair is growing. Doing it against the grain means that there is more pulling, so the skin becomes sensitive, and you risk getting bumps.
- Use vagina friendly shaving gel or vaginal wash when shaving. It is essential not to use regular shaving cream since many are not safe to use near the vagina and may lead to yeast infection.
- Thoroughly rinse the area using lukewarm or cold water to close up the pores and sooth the skin. Pat dry and apply an unscented moisturizer or oil such as coconut or castor.
How to Clear Shaving Rash on the Vagina
Prevention is always the best option, which is why you need to understand how to avoid it. However, if you already have a rash, don’t lose hope since there are some affordable and natural ways to get rid of it. Some of the best-recommended shaving rash vagina remedies are:
Hot/Cold Compress
If you have a rash as well as bumps, a warm compress will help you since it opens up the pores on your skin so the hair trapped can find a way out. However, if you want quick relief, a cold press on the area will do that very fast.
- Boil some water
- Take a clean towel and soak it in the water
- Squeeze it out and place the towel on your vagina for a few seconds
- Soak the towel in the water again once the temperature drops a bit
- Repeat this for around 2 minutes
For the rash only, swap the hot water icy cold and follow the same procedure to apply the cold compress.
Aloe Vera
This is used as a remedy against most if not all kinds of skin issues, and it is no different when dealing with shaving rash. The aloe gel is perfect for soothing the rash and helps in moisturizing the area, and the best part is that it is natural. It is best to use fresh aloe vera gel, but you can use store-bought if that’s what you can find. An essential thing to note is that it shouldn’t have any fragrance and should contain natural ingredients. Apply directly onto the area and leave it till it starts drying, then you can wash it off and repeat after a day or two if needed.
Check this too: How to Shave Sensitive Skin: Tips and Tricks
Coconut oil
The skin after a dry shave remains irritated and dry, which can be the reason for your rash. Using coconut oil is one of the best ways to soothe the skin, and since it has antiseptic properties, it helps in keeping bacteria at bay. Make sure to use organic oil since that means fast results, and you don’t have to deal with unwanted chemicals on your vagina.
Oatmeal bath
This is a known natural way of soothing the skin that is mostly used in the case of chickenpox. However, it can also help in reducing the shaving rash since the beta-glucan in the oatmeal soothes and moisturizes. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which are excellent for your rash.
Getting razor bumps may have been normal for you, but not anymore, there is plenty you can do to get rid of it. Ensure that any product or remedies that you choose to use are organic since this is a sensitive area. Anything that can change the pH of your vagina will lead to a yeast infection, which is a lot worse than a shaving rash.