Health & Wellness

Q&A: I shaved my vagina and the itching is uncontrollable, what should I do?

Those thick coarse hairs we have down there are often not cooperative. Over the skin it is easy to see how the hair grows in all different directions, this actually starts under the skin. This is why even when freshly shaven you still see stubble. To treat post shaving itch, slightly abrade the area with a loofah or washcloth when you shower, then apply clear unscented aloe gel and/or over the counter hydrocortisone cream. Red itchy bumps, otherwise know as folliculitis (inflammation around the hair follicle) and razor burn, are very common. When you shave, shower in warm water first to soften skin, then lubricate with a shaving cream or lotion, never dry shave. Assure you use a clean, sharp, razor, and shave in the direction of hair growth. Once shaven those hair follicles are open, clean area well and apply a gently lotion or aloe gel. As these coarse hairs start to come back in, they push through the surface of the skin or curl and push back into the skin. Irritation and even ingrown hairs can then occur. Depilitories can have the same after affect. If skin symptoms worsen such as multiple pimples or white heads, increasing redness or drainage, contact your healthcare provider.

You’ll hear lots of remedies for the itching; everything from baby oil to deodorant. There are also lots of products specifically made to combat this very problem. Your best bet to control itching is starting when you shave; with a new razor, good shaving technique (down, not up), and some kind of lotion to apply immediately after.

Shaving as gently as possible and using shaving cream instead of soap will also help lessen the itching. Personally, I like using an aloe vera gel (available at the drug store), like what you might put on a sunburn. It’s very cooling.

Also, try not to shave again until you are complete healed.

Ouch! Sounds like razor burn to me. Razor burn is the worst -- especially on the bikini area. I have super sensitive skin and shaving always irritates it, but I have learned a couple tricks that I’ll share. First, exfoliate. I’m not talking going at your bikini like with sandpaper or anything crazy, but it helps. Always use a clean razor. If it’s dull then you won’t get a close shave and you’ll have to go over the skin more which irritates. Sometimes using conditioner instead of shaving cream is a good idea, too. Last but not least, my super secret trick, deodorant. Swipe some deodorant (not the gel kind) on the shaved area after you shave. It helps prevent razor burn!