What should you know about razor bumps down there?

The pubic area is exposed to close shaving, waxing, sweat and underwear friction. A hair can curve back into the skin and cause a small itchy, sore or red bump. Pus, crusting or warmth may suggest folliculitis. Blisters, ulcers, unusual discharge or sores that are not centred on hair follicles need medical assessment because they may have causes unrelated to hair removal. Avoid assuming that every bump is an ingrown hair.

Pause shaving and waxing until the skin is quiet. Wash the external skin gently with lukewarm water and a mild fragrance-free cleanser; do not put scrubs, strong acids or household remedies on delicate tissue. Pat dry, wear loose breathable underwear and change after sweating. Do not squeeze, pop or dig for a hair. If you resume grooming, use a clean guarded trimmer, follow hair growth and avoid repeated passes. Recurrent problems can be discussed under [Ingrown Hairs](/symptoms/ingrown-hairs/) or [Razor Bumps](/conditions/pseudofolliculitis-barbae/).

Seek prompt care for fever, severe pain, rapidly spreading redness, marked swelling, pus or difficulty passing urine. Arrange an appointment for repeated lumps, drainage, scarring, blisters, ulcers or symptoms after sexual contact. [Folliculitis](/conditions/folliculitis/) may resemble an ingrown hair, while another skin condition such as [Keratosis Pilaris](/conditions/keratosis-pilaris/) may need a different assessment.

Ask whether the bump is follicle-related, which cleansing and hair-removal method is safest, whether testing is needed, and how to prevent recurrence without irritating sensitive skin.