How can I avoid shaving rash?
January 21, 2008
The base of my shaft has a lot of hair, about 1.25 inches. I prefer to shave the hair on my base because it increases my sexual pleasure (no hair to pull on or to get in the way). The trouble is that I break out from ingrown hairs. This can be uncomfortable and unsightly too. Do you or your resources have any suggestions on how to get a very clean shave without the break out?
Unfortunately for those that like the smooth look, shaving pubic hair has two annoying side effects: a rash and major itching. Let's look at these seperately.
For starters, there are several types of rashes you can get from shaving. The first isn't as much a rash as just a patch of red skin. That's usually because you've irritated the skin slightly, and it usually vanishes in a few hours. The skin may turn red again if you take a shower (always kinda embarrassing if you're showering with someone else). This is particularly caused by electric razors, and can be easily solved by using a bit of hand lotion on the area when you're done. (Just remember not to use hand lotion in strange places before you have sex, or else your partner will find you taste funny!).
Another rash is more of an allergic reaction to the shaving cream you are using. Consider using a hypoallergenic cream or lotion to avoid this problem.
The more serious problem is folliculitis. According to DrKoop.com, folliculitis is "an inflammation of the hair follicles on the skin. It first appears as scattered pimples and pustules that later dry out and form crusts around the follicles." In plain English, that describes exactly the sort of rash most of us get before we shave.
So the question becomes, how can we get around this? Well for starters, don't plan on impressing anyone with your shaving job one to three days after you shave yourself. For porn stars it's particularly important they are shaved on the set rather than the day before. Otherwise they risk having that rash when they go on film.
Treatment options are somewhat limited. Dr. Koop 'sez: "The application of antiseptic creams or lotions reduces the infection. Warm soaks or compresses aid healing. A physician may prescribe antibiotic drugs." So your best bet for avoiding this problem is to try not to shave yourself too severely, to wash yourself down there after you shave, and to make a point of soaking yourself in water (a bath!) if you start to develop the rash. Most of the time though, it just takes time to sort things out.
As for itching, there's not a lot you can do there. The hair does grow back, and when it does it itches. Try keeping things dry, such as with a bit of talcum powder. Also, shaving it again to keep it very short helps. But for the most part, there isn't a lot you can do. Most of the time I prefer to trim my hair rather than shave it, in order to avoid the itching.
For starters, there are several types of rashes you can get from shaving. The first isn't as much a rash as just a patch of red skin. That's usually because you've irritated the skin slightly, and it usually vanishes in a few hours. The skin may turn red again if you take a shower (always kinda embarrassing if you're showering with someone else). This is particularly caused by electric razors, and can be easily solved by using a bit of hand lotion on the area when you're done. (Just remember not to use hand lotion in strange places before you have sex, or else your partner will find you taste funny!).
Another rash is more of an allergic reaction to the shaving cream you are using. Consider using a hypoallergenic cream or lotion to avoid this problem.
The more serious problem is folliculitis. According to DrKoop.com, folliculitis is "an inflammation of the hair follicles on the skin. It first appears as scattered pimples and pustules that later dry out and form crusts around the follicles." In plain English, that describes exactly the sort of rash most of us get before we shave.
So the question becomes, how can we get around this? Well for starters, don't plan on impressing anyone with your shaving job one to three days after you shave yourself. For porn stars it's particularly important they are shaved on the set rather than the day before. Otherwise they risk having that rash when they go on film.
Treatment options are somewhat limited. Dr. Koop 'sez: "The application of antiseptic creams or lotions reduces the infection. Warm soaks or compresses aid healing. A physician may prescribe antibiotic drugs." So your best bet for avoiding this problem is to try not to shave yourself too severely, to wash yourself down there after you shave, and to make a point of soaking yourself in water (a bath!) if you start to develop the rash. Most of the time though, it just takes time to sort things out.
As for itching, there's not a lot you can do there. The hair does grow back, and when it does it itches. Try keeping things dry, such as with a bit of talcum powder. Also, shaving it again to keep it very short helps. But for the most part, there isn't a lot you can do. Most of the time I prefer to trim my hair rather than shave it, in order to avoid the itching.
