Bikini-Line Problems

Bikini-Line Problems

Get Rid of Unwanted Hair Down There

Even if you have the figure and self-confidence to wear a swimsuit with high-cut legs, you still have one problem: pubic hair that peeks out from behind an abbreviated front panel.

A depilatory (chemical hair-remover) isn't necessarily the answer. The skin along your lower abdominal area adjoining your upper thigh is especially sensitive. "Some depilatories can cause irritant reactions," says Allison Vidimos, M.D., a staff dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. The same goes for waxing (stripping away the hair, often used for legs) and electrolysis (where tiny needles zap hair shafts, often on the upper lip.)

A GENTLER ROUTE

When it comes down to it, women doctors say that shaving is the best way to get rid of unwanted hair along the bikini line. Perhaps you've already tried shaving, only to end up with a nasty outbreak of little bumps and a red rash--signs of a classic bikini-line infection.

"The skin in the bikini area harbors a lot of bacteria that your razor can pick up and drag into hair follicles (the pores from which the hair shaft grows)," explains Dr. Vidimos. The infected follicles erupt into little bumps, a condition that doctors call folliculitis.

NO MORE LITTLE RED BUMPS

Here's how to remove pubic hair safely.

Scrub it. "Before you shave, scrub your bikini-line area with an antibacterial soap such as Zest, Coast, Dial, Lever 2000 or Safeguard, says Dr. Vidimos. That will reduce the amount of bacteria on your skin.

Scrub again. When you've finished shaving, rinse off the shaving foam or gel, then use a washcloth to once again scrub your entire bikini area with an antibacterial soap, says Dr. Vidimos. Doing so removes some of the bacteria left after shaving. Pat the area dry with a clean, dry towel.

Wash twice a day. If, despite using the correct technique, you develop a bumpy rash, Dr. Vidimos advises using the antibacterial soap to thoroughly wash the area twice a day.

Apply an astringent. After you wash, dab an over-the-counter astringent such as Phisoderm on the affected area, suggests Dr. Vidimos.

Dab on some cortisone. Pick up an over-the-counter hydrocortisone preparation such as Cortaid and smooth it over the affected area according to package directions, says Dr. Vidimos. It will soothe any irritation and help it heal.