Question

About three weeks ago I shaved my genital area, and after shaving I saw really small white like bumps. I didn’t pay it any mind I just figured that it was from the razor. However, I recently used Nair instead of shaving and the bumps are still there.

Can you tell me what’s going on? It has me really paranoid.

Answer from OB-GYN Kelsie Cabrera, DO

This sounds like razor burn, sometimes called razor bumps, which are often red or white in color. It’s not uncommon to get these when you shave. If they aren’t painful and go away on their own, the bumps aren’t likely to be infected. 

However, it could be folliculitis, an infection of the hair follicles. If they’re painful or filled with fluid, then it’s likely folliculitis. Consult with a gynecologist if this happens.

To protect your genital area, avoid shaving or waxing anywhere near these sensitive areas, because of the potential for infection or chemical burns. It’s better to simply trim the hair in your genital area with a trimmer or hair cutting shears. 

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