posted
My bikini area is very sensitive and I have a lot of hair in that area. When I shave, I get a lot of itchy red, visible bumps. I'm a lifeguard, and I teach lessons in the summer everyday, so this has become quite the problem. I have tried waxing, and using the creams that remove hair. I tried different shaving creams and all. But, still, the itchiness and redness appears. Does anyone have any advice or tips on how to reduce or prevent this from occuring? Please help me!
Posts: 12 | From: Can-ad-a | Registered: Apr 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Since I don't have much experience with shaving my bikini area (I haven't tried it very often) I can only suggest waxing. Although, that will probably still have the same effect on your skin. Mine has done that too, about every time I've tried it I've gotten little itchy bumps- some people just have extra sensitive skin. Sometimes putting baby powder or lotion helps for me, and I think there are creams out there that can reduce the itchiness and redness. Those are my only ideas, besdies the waxing (which hurts like h*ll). Even then, when it starts growing back, you'll probably still get a rash.
Or could it just be shaving creams all together? Maybe soap would help (although it tends to dry out your skin) or an electric ladies shaver? Maybe somebody else will have some better ideas.
I've given up on having clean-shaven legs and a bikini zone. I can bareky shave once a week without my legs bursting into red dots. So, I wear a towel around my waist. Usually, noone notices.
As far as lessons go, I tend to walk around with arms infront of me when I haven't shaved for a few days .
------------------ Best body type for a man? Chunky style. With extra gravy
Posts: 615 | From: New York | Registered: Aug 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
I don't know how you can solve this problem but I think that the red dots are from when you get an ingrowing hair. They're very painful and that's what causes the itching. You could try asking a doctor if they've got special creams for this. -nikki-
Posts: 7 | Registered: Apr 2001
| IP: Logged |
I have the same problem. My guess is that some of the dots can be ingrown hairs, but when I do my bikini line I always get like the red skin and the dots that become itchy sometimes.
I've used a variety of methods like waxing, shaving, and those creams and gels, and with either of them I get that redness. I think it's just skin down there is thinner and more sensitive, and as we have a lot of hair there it's always violent for the skin and pores taking all of it off, so that's the way of the skin reacting.
You can "treat" it by buying something like a gel or cream specially made to apply after waxing or shaving. Once when i bought a lady's shaving kit it came with this kind of gel, that was even flavoured strawberry or something I got that at the supermarket, so I guess you might find something similar. Probably in drugstores, chemistries or pharmacies they'll be available too.
This is, if that redness is temporary, like mine, after a few days it will calm down (although it never disappears in me, as my hair is very thick so the pores do get "bumpy").
As for the ingrown hairs, I was advised, at the beauty salloon where I go for waxing, by the lady there to use a cream that made hair weaker and treated it.
If neither of those things help and it's not temporary, or you feel it's something more serious you could always see a doctor or dermathologist that can advise you on any treatment.
posted
Thanks for the replies. I really hope that I can find something to solve this embarrassing and unavoidable problem! I know I should never have started to shave in that area, it's gotten way out of hand. I'll see if I can bring up the confidence to see a doc about it, maybe he'll have some solutions. Anymore solutions or tips to easier shaving, please keep letting me know!
Posts: 12 | From: Can-ad-a | Registered: Apr 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Do you have to wear a specific swimming costume? I'd imagine that you probably do, but if by some chance you don't, you can always get some boy-leg swimmers, in which case your bikini line isn't visible anyway.
Posts: 2710 | From: Australia | Registered: Jun 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Or that kind of swim suit shape from the 60's (?) it shows less of your bikini line
My advice, if you want a clean bikiny line that will last longer, is to go to a beauty salloon or something like that where they do waxing, and wax your bikini line. It will last almost one month, and the job is clean and effective. Plus there they can advise you on something to use afterwards or even apply themselves.
I go to one every summer, I get my legs and bikini line waxed. The first couple of times it can hurt a bit, but we're grown ups and we get used to that little discomfort, as it's for a good cause.
It's really the best solution if you want to be carefree for longer, and it's the solution that will make your bikini line look best
posted
in addition to beppie's ideas: if you do have to wear a specific bathing suit, maybe you could wear some guy's trunks over top. i've done this before and it's quite comfy! Posts: 45 | From: Toronto, Ontatio, Canada | Registered: Apr 2001
| IP: Logged |
It might be a good idea to try an anti-inflammatory, like Motrin or IB-Profen before you get a wax. This may help prevent some irritation and/or swelling underneath your skin.
posted
Thanks guys! Wow, what a lot of help I am getting, I am so happy! When I teach lessons, I can wear a tankini, but not a bikini, so I think I'll buy some boy cut bottoms, and that would really help me out! I think i'll try the bikini wax, professionally done. I've done it to myself, and OUCH! Anyways, keep the ideas coming! I'm loving this!!!
*AqUaHoLiC*
~You can paint a pretty picture, but you can't predict the weather~
posted
I've heard from a few people that Nads works really well. Supposedly if you use it enough, the hair will go away permanently.
Posts: 82 | From: Colorado, US | Registered: Aug 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
For those of you who wax: What do you do while it's growing back, but still too short to wax again?????
Posts: 3 | Registered: Apr 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Nads is on an infomercal. My Aunt got that stuff, and she didnt like it that much. I tried it and it was OK. It taste pretty good though. No I didnt eat a whole globergoop, just stuck my finger in and tasted a little.
------------------ *~*~12/3/99*~* *~*~*~I LOVE YOU BOB FOREVER AND ALWAYS*~*~*~
"Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer, but wish we didn't" -Erica Jong<~~~no thats not me :)
posted
Ever think of the way you're shaving can make you itchy? If you shave down, towards your legs, the bumps tend to be less (If I shave upward, I get cuts and bumps, but if I shave down, I get nothing). Are you using a new razer? Using lots of water? Lotion afterward? All these things can lead to bumps and cuts. So, shave downward with a new razer in the shower and put lotion on afterward and you SHOULD be good to go, otherwise, I don't know how to help you.
Posts: 63 | From: Massachusetts | Registered: Apr 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
I also had that problem when I started shaving my bikini area and my mother told me to use Aloe Vera lotion, I did and it got rid of the itch and the bumps that the shaving had cause so I suggest Aloe Vera lotion to all of you that are having the problem that should really help to clear things up. Hope I helped. Email me if you have any other advice.
quote:Originally posted by aquaholic17: My bikini area is very sensitive and I have a lot of hair in that area. When I shave, I get a lot of itchy red, visible bumps. I'm a lifeguard, and I teach lessons in the summer everyday, so this has become quite the problem. I have tried waxing, and using the creams that remove hair. I tried different shaving creams and all. But, still, the itchiness and redness appears. Does anyone have any advice or tips on how to reduce or prevent this from occuring? Please help me!
Yup! Simple: don't shave. I'm a lifeguard, too, actually, and I don't. For bikini line, I just have a swimsuit with very low cut leg holes, or I wear shorts that I don't mind getting wet over my swimsuit (I don't guard at anyplace that has a strict dress code- just a neat and clean swimsuit). Leg hair? Who cares? I like my legs hairy. <g> It's much more comfortable . . .
Posts: 72 | From: NY, USA | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
I've never had my bikini line waxed. When you go to a salon to get it done, how does it work, exactly? Do they...er...not to sound immature, but do they make you get nekkid? I don't think I'd like that. I'd imagine they'd let ya' keep your undies on, but the whole thing sounds a little embarrasing.
And, before you ask, no, I'm not looking forward to my first gynecologist visit. *glower*
------------------ ...an angel who didn't so much fall as saunter vaguely downwards...
"Ni! Ni! Niii!" -Monty Python & the Holy Grail
"Ennui is insufficient reason to commit suicide." -Neil Gaiman
posted
Hey! I have the same problem unfortunately. I am also a Lifeguard (hence, my screen name) and I have found that there isn't a whole lot you can do for this. However, shaving with the direction of the hair instead of against seems to be helpful and less painful. Also, there is a cream/gel that you can buy at any drugstore to treat the skin after bikini shaving. I have some and it really does help. Its called BIKINI ZONE and costs about 4 bucks a tube. Anyways, good luck with this and have a safe summer at the pool!
Posts: 1 | From: Lincoln, NE, USA | Registered: May 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
towel, depending on how much you want taken off, you might not need to take off your knickers. if you just want them to wax off the sides, then all you do is drop your trousers, then pull up on your skivvies to expose the area you want removed. if you want all of it gone, as in the case of a brazilian bikini wax, you will have to take off your chonies.
how many slang terms for "panties" can i use in one post?
anyway, you can get away without having to show too much. but why does that matter? the salon ppl do this for a living, and i'm sure you will not horrify nor impress them terribly.
------------------ The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that the universe is constantly moving to a state of greater entropy s, therefore, delta s is always greater than zero.
Posts: 12677 | From: Los Angeles, CA ... somewhere off the 10 | Registered: Jul 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
*dies laughing at gumdrop* geez, gummy, you are a character! I don't think I can even think of any more!
back on topic, something that no one's suggested yet is plucking (tweezering) the little hairs out (just on the bikini line) one by one. if I do this over a few days, it's not bad at all, it takes a while to grow back, and even though I get those little dots when I shave, I don't get them when I pluck.
it also doesn't irritate the surrounding skin like waxing does. but it can be kind of time-consuming, but I think it's worth it.
or get a vintage swimsuit ;] . I have a couple for the times when I am not going to do anything about my hair-down-there.
------------------ ~lemming, Scarleteen Advocate
want to know the inner lemming? read her diary at http://innerlemming.diaryland.com/. "Is love like the sweet, bitter taste of marmalade on burnt toast?"
another thing to keep in mind, if you are shaving: try to shave in the direction that the hair grows (in other words, pulling the razor in towards your pubic area rather than out towards your thigh). the shave usually doesn't get as close this way, but it causes a lot less irritation. also try to not go over each area more than once with the razor blade. try to just make gentle strokes, only once in each little row.
try using a specialty shaving cream: there are some for shaving tender areas like bikini lines, and there are others with special moisturizers for people with sensitive skin. try to stay away from shaving creams that have added colors or fragrances: those might be adding to your irritation.
also, be sure to rinse the area *thoroughly* after shaving, to remove any bits of detached pubic hair and any remaining shaving cream. if the cream doesn't get washed out, it can get kind of clogged in your pores and cause a lot of pain and irritation!
my last suggestion is to try gently rubbing a little bit of lotion into the area after you've dried off from your shower. something gentle, like cetaphil, or lubriderm for extra-sensitive skin. aloe vera lotion is really good for some people, too. again, as with the shaving creams, just be sure to stay away from any added ingrediants that might not agree with the sensitive skin in that region.
... boy-leg bottoms work well, too, from personal experience. ;-) good luck with whatever you try!
Posts: 61 | From: texas - yeehaw, or something | Registered: Oct 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
IT sound like you're getting ingrown hairs (tiny ones, ingrown so you can't see them). There's stuff called "tend skin" that supposedly works great at getting rid of those, thats what its made for. I believe they have it at www.makeupmania.com. You can find it somewhere on the computer. Its got alcohol in it so be careful on super-sensitive parts.
Posts: 4 | Registered: May 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
well when i shave my vagina i pretty much try to go for every hair down there how far should go when shaving the whole area are it doesnt matter?
Posts: 22 | From: New Jersey | Registered: Mar 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
As long as you're being safe while you're doing it, ie. no cuts and being very very careful, go however far you feel is comfortable. It's completely up to you.
------------------ 'You've got the eyes of ten women. Not in a jar! I wasn't accusing you. I just mean your eyes are really nice'-coupling
posted
Whoa, you don't shave your vagina! You shave your pubic hair which occurs on your mons and your labia majora. I suggest you have a read of this article: Pink Parts: Female Sexual Anatomy- it'll help you learn all the correct terms. Posts: 2710 | From: Australia | Registered: Jun 2000
| IP: Logged |
I think she probably did know that it wasn't her Vagina she was shaving... however, I just went to the vagina monologues, and they refered to every area as the vagina (with the doors... labia etc...) so i think it could be used as a general term as well
posted
Yes, I understand that many people are lead to believe that the term vagina can be used to talk about the entire vulva- however, this does not make it the correct usage, and could lead to some nasty misunderstandings. As such, at Scarleteen we encourage everyone to learn the correct terms for their genitals.
Posts: 2710 | From: Australia | Registered: Jun 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
I've been shaving for about a year, so I've found this methoid works the best for me.
With a pair to sizzors or clippers, trim the hair as close as possible to your skin without cutting yourself. Them, sit in a tub of very warm water for awhile, preferibly as warm as you can get it without burning yourself. If you don't like sitting in the tub for long, bring a book with you, which is what I usually do, and it'll help pass the time. Then, when you are ready to shave, use a lot of soap or shaving cream. If you're shaving everything, don't worry about getting all of it on the first try. Once you've gotten the lot of it off, rinse off the shaving cream, reapply more and finish off the job. Once you get out of the shower and have dried off, gently dab, don't rub, some rubbing alcohol over the areas you've shaven. I know it sounds bad and I'll admit that it burns liek hell, but it really does work. To tell the truth, I got the idea after thinking about the alcohol in aftershave and figured if it can work in that, why not straight. I usually dab a bit more on after that dries. It doesn't burn then, unless you've accidently nicked yourself. Once that dried, pat on some baby powder and then you're good to go.
I've noticed I get a lot less red bumps and it really doesn't itch all that much when it is growing out since I've started that routine.
------------------ It took so long to remember just what happened. I was so young and vestal then.
posted
Although this is just a personal remedy tried and tested by me alone, I find that a very effective 'after-shave treatment' is comfrey oil with a few drops of tea-tree oil in it. The tea tree is antiseptic and seems to help prevent the red bumps, and the comfrey oil moisturises and soothes. Helps me anyway
Posts: 394 | From: Manchester, Lancashire, England | Registered: Dec 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Nads have worked very well for me. The hair even grew back much thinner. I have heard that after a while it won't grow back at all! That hasn't happened to me (probably because I haven't used it for a while because it's cool).
Go to www.nads.com to find out more about it or purchase some for about $20 at Walgreens pharmarcy.
Also boy-shorts type swimming bottoms would work!
Good Luck! Let me know what happens
Shann02
Posts: 54 | From: South Carolina, USA | Registered: Mar 2002
| IP: Logged |
how did you get nads to work so well for you? my sister and i ordered nads 2 summers ago (back when it was only an infomercial) because we were tired of shaving all the time and nicking ourselves, etc... it was so painful i could only bring myself to try it once. i followed the directions exactly but it the pain was excruciating and left my skin very red and tender for a few days. the part of my leg that i attempted to "de-hair" was my shin. the hair did not even come off in an even strip, as they show on the commercial. there were sparse areas where the hair was removed, and granted, it did not grow back for several weeks in those areas but i could not subject myself to that torture enough to even finish that area, nevermind a whole leg. my sister also tried it and it caused her to bleed. we found the whole process to be quite messy actually, unlike the commercial also, which claims the product to be neat and easy clean up. my friend also tried it, and it did not work for her. plus i have read posts from other users on this board who were not successful with it either. so my question to you is, how have you managed to use this product and i guess enjoy it? i mean, does it hurt for you to but you just have a higher pain threshold and got used to it? i envy you, i really do. because i was hoping i had found the solution to end shaving. oh well.....
posted
I don't know why it'd hurt less for me. I must be able to take more pain or whatever, but it was practically painless. I just held the area firmly before quickly pulling it off. It worked wonderfully. Pain can vary from person to person, I guess. But the informerical says that it is not painful at all.
Posts: 54 | From: South Carolina, USA | Registered: Mar 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
Yep, pain does vary from person to person...and for many people, waxing does hurt--you're ripping out many hairs at once, ouch! I guess one just has to try to do it properly and see if it works out for you...I don't wax large amounts of skin, but waxing eyebrows definitely hurts.
Anyways, onto the Tend Skin copycat recipe! Tend Skin is a 4oz liquid that you apply to reduce itchy red bumps after hair removal. Since it's $20USD, and the ingredients are really quite simple, I found a copycat recipe that works quite well (obtained from alt.fashion). Keep in mind that since it has alcohol in it, it can be drying.
18 aspirin dissolved in 5.5 oz. of 70% alcohol 8 aspirin dissolved in 2.5 oz. witch hazel Mix together and apply to itchy red bumps. The aspirin acts as an anti-inflammatory.
------------------ Ash Scarleteen Advocate "The level of our success is limited only by our imagination and no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted"--Aesop
posted
i havent read all your replies or if anyone has suggested it but if you use one of those scubby deals before you shave that gets dead skin off and then after you shave then put deodorent where you shaved.... it helps with the razor burn... i guess it dries it out or something like that
Posts: 9 | Registered: Apr 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
Yes, using a loofah to exfoliate can prevent red bumps. You can use a washcloth or some other scrubby thing too. As for the anti-perspirant trick, I believe you're right--I don't know quite why, though, I know that anti-perspirant blocks sweat glands.
------------------ Ash Scarleteen Advocate "The level of our success is limited only by our imagination and no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted"--Aesop
posted
i have the same issues!! eek! what a crazy time in our lives-being teens. i think i'd rather be a kid. but i dont just get red bumps on my bikini line-sometimes i even cut them shaving and they bleed! and in the summer i stay with my 2 cousins-TJ is 16, and Heather is 14(my age). So how do I hide it from my cousin who a yr ago asked "Sarah, have you gone through puberty?"?!?!?
Posts: 8 | From: Willow Springs, NC, USA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
I think the least embarrassing thing in the long run, Angel, is to just tell the truth. It might be a little awkward, but not as awkward as if you lie and come clean later.
posted
I don't know if someone said it already since I haven't scanned the whole thread, but try using desetene(spelt wrong im sure), or any diaper rash ointment.
I put it on twice a day, for one or two days.. and it usually clears up.
posted
so does everyone shave thier bkini line? i do when i have a reavaeling swimsuit, but do guys actually find a unshaven one unattractive?lol why do i always feel stupid wheni ask these questions. nessa
Posts: 17 | From: iowa | Registered: Feb 2003
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by tinydancer18: so does everyone shave thier bkini line? i do when i have a reavaeling swimsuit, but do guys actually find a unshaven one unattractive?lol why do i always feel stupid wheni ask these questions. nessa
first off: no reason to feel stupid asking questions.
secondly: nope, most women in the world do not do anything about their pubic hair.
thridly: it's all a matter of personal preference, and there are no rules as to what somebody likes (no matter what gender they are). if you like to shave your pubic hair: go for it. if not, don't. not even when someone tells you you should. your genitals are lovely and attractive, with or without hair surrounding them.
posted
lol thanks...i must say the people and all responsible for tis screeenboards are great.alot of us out here really may not have anyone else to askquestions like these...or mybe the questions are in thier mind but they really dont know how to ask without feeling odd..everyonce in awhile ill ask my mom a question and shell luagh..not at me, but becuase she thinks it funny that i would ask that or that im bein "cute"..when in reality im serous lol.. anwayGJ vanessa
Posts: 17 | From: iowa | Registered: Feb 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Vanessa, thanks for the thank you. We're happy when we can help someone or make something a bit clearer, and it is good to know when we've actually reached someone.
------------------ Milke, with an L, SSBD, RATS, TMNTP
quote:Originally posted by tinydancer18: everyonce in awhile ill ask my mom a question and shell luagh..not at me, but becuase she thinks it funny that i would ask that or that im bein "cute"..when in reality im serous
Hullo Vanessa,
indeed, like Milke said, thanks for the thank you. Always happy to help.
Just an idea: have you told your mom that you're actually serious when asking questions?
- Maybe she laughs because she thinks you already know the stuff you ask about, or maybe she laughs because she is unsure about whatever you are asking herself.
Definitely keep asking your mom. Do you two ever spend time alone? Mom/daughter trips to the coffee house maybe? If so, give the talking thing a try again, and tell her you'd really like to be able to discuss stuff with her. I am sure once she realises you are serious about this, she will answer you in a serious way, too.
- Because while we are happy to help, no one here wants to or can substitute good parents/kid communication!
posted
naw..my mom and i are petty close, closer than most moms and daughters...we work at the same pace and drive to and from work together just bout everytime i work. we always have somethig to talk about, from music, to some guy on tv, to some sort of tragdey thats happened ( like the great white thing or 911)..we musta been sisters in a past life, shes mom first and foremost, but shes great at it. its just i dnno..i still dot feel comfortable asking questions like those to her..just the fact that shes my mom. i know if something happened i could always tell her though. its a good thing we got though. vanessa
Posts: 17 | From: iowa | Registered: Feb 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
a lot of those tips are great. i find using some kinda of sensitive moiturizer after i shave helps a lot. another thing is to build it up a step at a time. shave your bikini line with the grain first, maybe once a week, maybe twice. once your used to that, shave the whole thing with the grain maybe once a week. gradually up the time to maybe three times a week, or every second day. once you're ok with that, very gentley begin shaving against the grain. i know from experience that you need to go against the grain in a lot of cases to get a close shave :/ gradually you'll get used to it. use moisturizser each time, and even some times in between. it helps a lot. once you get to shaving around the vagina, towards the back, try and make sure you use a razor that has those bars across it. they help to stop nasty nicks :/
anyway, hope that helps somebody. i recommend going to **Sorry, but that community can contain content that we just can't link to. If you're interested in advice on pubic shaving, there's a lot out there, and it's your option to search for it.** you don't have to have a LJ to read there, but they have a lot of stuff in the memories alone. that's the little red heart you see in the little toolbar. they have almost everything, as well as shaving.
Luwana, Resident Dracogryph
------------------ Why'd you have to leave? I wish that you were just a dream. 'Cos your presence still lingers here, and it won't leave me alone. These wounds won't seem to heal. This pain is just too real. There's just too much that time cannot erase.
[This message has been edited by Milke (edited 03-04-2003).]
posted
deoderant on your shaved bikini area keeps you from getting red bumps people. ok? dove works very well. Posts: 8 | Registered: Mar 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Antiperspirant (which pretty well every single women's deodorant contian, and which makes this trick work) really doesn't belong on the vulva. Putting it on the mons (part on top of youe pubic bone) should be fine, though.
------------------ Milke, with an L, SSBD, RATS, TMNTP
Copyright 1998, 2013 Heather Corinna/Scarleteen
Scarleteen.com: Providing comprehensive sex education online to teens and young adults worldwide since 1998
Information on this site is provided for educational purposes. It is not meant to and cannot substitute for advice or care provided by an in-person medical professional. The information contained herein is not meant to be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or for prescribing any medication. You should always consult your own healthcare provider if you have a health problem or medical condition.
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
Sometimes putting baby powder or lotion helps for me, and I think there are creams out there that can reduce the itchiness and redness. Those are my only ideas, besdies the waxing (which hurts like h*ll). Even then, when it starts growing back, you'll probably still get a rash.
. I'm one, too.
.
Printer-friendly view of this topic