What should you know about razor bumps between thighs?

A shaved hair can curl back into nearby skin and create an itchy, sore or red bump. Walking, tight clothing, sweat and skin-to-skin contact can keep the area irritated. Pus-filled spots or a warm expanding patch may indicate folliculitis rather than a simple ingrown hair. Repeated deep lumps, drainage or tunnels need assessment for other causes, including hidradenitis suppurativa. Do not assume every genital-area bump is caused by shaving.

Stop shaving the area while bumps are active. Rinse with lukewarm water, use a mild fragrance-free cleanser and dry by patting. Choose breathable, non-chafing clothing and change out of sweaty clothes. Avoid scrubs, picking, squeezing and inserting tools under the skin. When hair removal resumes, use a clean guarded trimmer, few passes and the direction of hair growth. A clinician can advise a suitable product for sensitive inner-thigh skin. For repeated episodes, discuss [Ingrown Hairs](/symptoms/ingrown-hairs/) and [Laser Hair Removal](/treatments/laser-and-energy/laser-hair-removal/).

Seek care for fever, rapidly spreading redness, marked warmth, severe pain, draining pus or a growing lump. Make an appointment if lesions recur, scar, form tunnels or interfere with walking. [Folliculitis](/conditions/folliculitis/) can require targeted treatment, while persistent rough bumps may have another explanation such as [Keratosis Pilaris](/conditions/keratosis-pilaris/).

Ask what type of bump you have, whether your hair-removal method is causing it, which cleanser or treatment is safe for the area, and how to reduce rubbing without irritating the skin.