How To Manage An Ingrown Hair On Male Pubic Area?
Ingrown hair is a common skin condition, particularly in areas where a person shaves or waxes their hair. That means that ingrown hair can occur around the male public area, including on the base and shaft of the penis.
While in most cases, an ingrown hair will clear up on its own, it is still an uncomfortable condition that can become infected.
Whether you are currently dealing with ingrown hair on the male pubic area or looking to prevent its occurrence, this blog post is for you.
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Topics covered in this article:
- What Does Ingrown Hair on the Penis Look Like?
- What Causes Ingrown Hair on Penis?
- Painful vs Painless Penile Ingrown Hair
- What To Do if the Ingrown Hair Is Infected?
- How To Prevent Ingrown Hair in Male Pubic Areas?
- Is There a Blowjob Risk With Ingrown Hair on Penis?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Words: Do we need to see a doctor?
- Get in Touch with UPGUYS Today
- References
Here, our professional team at UPGUYS will shed light on what you need to know about managing this skin condition and how it can impact your sex life. Let's get started.
What Does Ingrown Hair on the Penis Look Like?
An ingrown hair on the penis can appear as a small, red bump. This bump can resemble a cyst or pimple and may be filled with pus or clear liquid. If the bump is infected, the pus may be green or yellow in colour.
At the centre of the bump, it may be possible to see the ingrown hair. These bumps may be painful and itchy. It is important to note that not every bump around the pubic area will necessarily be caused by an ingrown hair, and other causes may include:
- Irritation from rubbing on clothing
- Allergic reaction to lotion or soap
- Septic spots
- Pearly penile papules
- Fordyce spots
Some more serious conditions that may cause bumps also include genital herpes, syphilis, and molluscum contagiosum. You should consult with a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, particularly if the bump has become infected.
What Causes Ingrown Hair on Penis?
An ingrown hair on the pubic area of a male occurs when the tip of a hair curls and grows back into the skin (or into a hair follicle itself). The small, red bumps are known as razor bumps.
As noted above, an ingrown hair typically occurs in areas of the body that are frequently waxed or shaved, which includes the public area. This skin condition is most common for Black people with curly hair but can affect anyone.
Painful vs Painless Penile Ingrown Hair
While not usually dangerous, an ingrown hair can be very painful. An ingrown hair is usually tender to the touch and, as noted, can result in uncomfortable issues such as itching.
If an ingrown hair does not go away over time, the small bump may transform into a large cyst.
An ingrown hair cyst can be painful to the touch. If you are worried about a potential ingrown hair, even if it does not cause any discomfort, it is important to consult with a doctor, given the risk of infection.
What To Do if the Ingrown Hair Is Infected?
An infected ingrown hair is a complication that may arise if an ingrown hair has not been properly treated.
Infection of an ingrown hair starts off as a small, red bump that grows larger over time. There may also be pus visible, and the area around the ingrown hair may be itchy, swollen, irritated, and warm to the touch.
Depending on the severity of the infection, an at-home treatment may be possible. Some treatment options include:
- Applying tea tree oil to alleviate the infection
- Washing and scrubbing the area to encourage the hair to loosen and exit the skin
- Relieving itching using over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream
- Soothing irritated skin using oatmeal-based lotions
- Opening the bump using sterilized tweezers and draining it of pus or fluid
If you are unable to resolve the infection with at-home treatment, you should consult with your doctor. Medication can be prescribed to treat the infection as well as coax the ingrown hair out of the skin. Prescription-strength antibiotic creams are effective at treating the infection, while inflammation can be reduced with the use of prescription steroid creams.
In the case of a chronically infected ingrown hair on the penile shaft or pubic area, medications may also be recommended that will help to prevent their occurrence in the first place.
How To Prevent Ingrown Hair in Male Pubic Areas?
Waxing and shaving the pubic area less frequently helps to lower the risk of experiencing ingrown hair.
However, given that many men prefer to keep their pubic area hairless, this isn't always an option. Therefore, when you do wax or shave, it is important to practice proper hair removal techniques.
When shaving:
- It is recommended that you shave in the direction that your pubic hair grows rather than against it.
- Always use a fresh razor blade when you are shaving, as a dull blade increases the likelihood of experiencing an ingrown hair.
- The pubic area is a sensitive part of the body, and it is helpful to use a gel, cream, or lotion when shaving.
- Do not attempt to shave too closely to the skin.
- You should always keep the pubic area well exfoliated, as this can help to reduce the buildup of dead skin cells.
- You should also seek to avoid wearing clothes that are too constructed or result in moisture around the pubic area.
- Another option for people who are concerned about ingrown hair is professional hair removal treatment, such as laser hair removal or electrolysis.
Is There a Blowjob Risk With Ingrown Hair on Penis?
As we have noted, in many cases, an ingrown hair will go away on its own and is not considered a serious issue. As such, there is no blowjob risk with an ingrown hair on the penis.
However, in some cases, an infection can occur, and it is important to have this treated as soon as possible, given that it can impact on a person's sex life.
Genital herpes is a common condition in Canada, affecting around 1 in 7 people. The majority of people are unaware that they have herpes. Genital herpes can be transmitted through oral sex.
Given that both ingrown hairs and herpes have similar symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention if you are unsure of what has caused the bump on your penis or around your pubic area.
Frequently Asked Questions
To wrap up this blog post, let's ask and answer some of the most common questions people have about male pubic area ingrown hair.
The short answer here is no. Attempting to pop can ingrown hair increases the likelihood of an infection, as it can serve to introduce bacteria to the area. The same is true with scratching an ingrown hair (even if it is very itchy).
Above, we have highlighted both at-home treatments and various prescription medications that you can use to treat an ingrown hair of the penis. Your doctor will be able to make a recommendation based on the nature of the ingrown hair.
Here, we would recommend that you consult with your doctor if you have an ingrown hair infection. The reality is that an ingrown hair can be an STI risk.
This will depend on the severity of the ingrown hair and if it becomes infected or not. Most ingrown hairs on the penile shaft will heal within a week or 2, though this will be longer in the case of an infection.
Scars can occur in the case of severe infections, which is why it is so important to seek treatment without delay. Topical retinoids may be prescribed to reduce dead skin cells and prevent scarring from occurring.
The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to consult with a doctor.
Final Words: Do we need to see a doctor?
The bottom line is that while most ingrown hairs will go away without the need for medical treatment, it is still recommended that you see a doctor. A doctor will be able to accurately diagnose the issue and recommend a course of treatment to address it. In the case of an ingrown hair infection, it is essential that you seek medical treatment.
Get in Touch with UPGUYS Today
We understand that many men are reluctant to talk about issues such as problems in the bedroom. At UPGUYS, we are committed to changing the way guys receive information and guidance.
Click here to get resourceful information about male hair & sexual health.
References
UPGUYS has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.-
Types of Sexually Transmitted Infections, Action Canada,
https://www.actioncanadashr.org/sexual-health-hub/types-sexually-transmitted-infections -
Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and
Other Medicinal Properties, PubMed,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1360273/ -
Ingrown hair: Symptoms & Causes, Mayo Clinic,
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ingrown-hair/symptoms-causes/syc-20373893 -
Ingrown Hair, Canadian Dermatologist Association,
https://dermatology.ca/public-patients/hair/ingrown-hair/
This article is written for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided in the articles cannot and should not replace advice from a healthcare professional. Talk to your healthcare provider about any physical or mental health concerns or the risks and benefits of any treatment or medication.
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