Razor burn on your pubic area is a form of post-shave irritation that will go away on its own. But cooling products may help ease pain, and the right shaving method can help prevent it next time.

If you regularly take a razor to your pubic hair, you might know the sting of razor burn on your pubic area.

One survey found that 80 percent of folks who remove their pubes feel itchy afterward. But downstairs grooming doesn’t have to be such a pain. Prepping the area helps, as does shaving in the right direction.

Ready to save yourself when you shave yourself? Let’s peek at why pubic razor burn happens and how to prevent it.

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Sergey Filimonov/Stocksy United

Razor burn can happen anywhere shaving happens. Here’s why it’s so common below the belt:

  • It’s a sensitive area. The closer you skim the blade, the smoother your results — but therein lies the problem! Scraping a sharp object across sensitive skin is a recipe for cuts, scrapes, and irritation.
  • Courser hair “down there.” Pubes tend to be thick and wiry, so the razor will likely cause more catching and tugging.
  • Friction, friction, friction. From tight undies to sexual stimulation, your pubic area is just more likely to experience friction after a shave. And friction leads to irritation.

Razor burn on your pubic area can crop up during or after a shave. Look for rash-like bumps that itch or burn.

Razor burn should resolve within days. If it drags on, you might have pseudofolliculitis (aka ingrown hairs). These painful bumps develop when freshly mown pubes start to grow back into the skin rather than out.

So, you got a little overzealous with the razor, and now your crotch-fire is raging. Here are some quick tricks to soothe the burn.

  • Try aloe vera gel. Science says aloe vera might reduce the pain of irritated skin *and* help it heal.
  • Apply hydrocortisone cream. This stuff’s designed to calm itchy skin. However, it’s not meant to be used long-term, so follow the product instructions. And don’t put it in your vagina — external use only!
  • Cool it down. Holding an ice pack or cool, wet washcloth to the area can reduce swelling and redness.
  • Moisturize with coconut oil. Aside from smelling like vacation, coconut oil has antimicrobial properties.
  • Take an oatmeal bath. This popular remedy can calm all kinds of skin ailments. Plus, you’ll smell like a cookie.
  • Wear loose, breathable clothes. This reduces friction to avoid further irritation.

Once your delicate bits have healed, follow these steps for a razor burn-free shave sesh.

  1. Wash up. Take a warm shower or bath to clean and wet your skin.
  2. Exfoliate. Gently scrub or exfoliate the area you plan to shave. Removing buildup paves the way for a smoother shave.
  3. Apply shaving gel or cream. You want the blade to glide smoothly, right?
  4. Grab a fresh razor. Dull blades are not your bikini line’s BFF.
  5. Shave in the direction your hair grows. This is big, friends. Folks prone to razor burn can reduce the chance of irritation by working *with* the hair’s natural direction.
  6. Rinse between passes. Running the razor under water keeps the blades free of gunk and clogs.
  7. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Pamper your pubic skin with high quality lotion after shaving — and all the time.
  8. Avoid scented products. Steer clear of post-shave products with irritating fragrances or harsh ingredients.
  9. Store your razor. Keep it clean for next time by putting it in a dry place.

Safety tips

Some final tips for preventing pubic area razor burn:

  • If possible, tackle this job while standing. You’ll have a better view of where you are shaving.
  • Shave yourself rather than letting a friend or partner do it. The more control, the better!
  • Don’t share razors. Even friends and partners can transmit germs and infections!
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Shaving isn’t the only cause of itchy, irritated bumps near your bits. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) cause pubic rashes too.

Here’s how your skin will look and feel, depending on the culprit.

  • Razor burn. You’ll notice itching, irritation, or redness soon after hair removal — and exactly in the spots where it was removed. If you haven’t shaved lately, consider other causes.
  • Ingrown hairs. These painful bumps usually occur a few days to a week after shaving. You might have one ingrown hair or you might have several. They look and feel a bit like cystic acne. Sometimes it’s possible to see the trapped hair under the skin.
  • Genital herpes. These itchy or painful bumps appear even when you haven’t shaved. The bumps can become blisters or open sores that scab over. Other symptoms include fever, body aches, and swollen glands.
  • Genital warts. Hello, rough bumps with a cauliflower shape or wart-like appearance. Genital warts tend to be much rougher than the bumps caused by razor burn.
  • Yeast infection. You’ll notice major itching and burning, but typically without an external rash. There may also be unusual discharge.

If your rash doesn’t clear up with home treatment or if you have other symptoms of an infection, talk with your doctor.

Shaving might be the most convenient way to remove hair, but it’s not the only game in town.

Consider one of these other methods to remove your pubes without going near sharp objects:

  • Wax it. You can wax at home or see a professional. Waxing means you can go longer between hair removal sessions, but there’s still a risk of skin irritation and ingrown hairs.
  • Dissolve it. Hair removal creams can also help you go pube-free. But beware: the chemicals can also your irritate skin. Use caution around sensitive areas.
  • Zap it. Electrolysis and laser hair removal damage hair follicles so that hair no longer grows.
  • Buzz it. You won’t be as smooth as a selkie but trimming pubic hair with clippers or scissors could be a happy middle ground between a full bush and shaved pubic area.

Oh, and you could also just leave it! Getting cozy with your hair sure beats bare-but-burning down there.

Razor burn is a common problem for folks who shave their pubic area. That’s because you’re dealing with ultra-sensitive skin and ultra-thick hair.

The good news is that razor burn tends to be short-lived. Soothe it with cooling treatments like a cold compress or aloe vera.

Prevent future burn by prepping the area, using a fresh razor, and shaving in the direction of hair growth. If you still can’t escape the burn, try an alternative hair removal method or consider embracing the natural look.