How to Shave the Pubic Area Without Razor Bumps: Tips on Preventing Shaving Bumps in the Bikini Area

Razor bumps develop in the pubic area just like it does in other parts of the body thick with hair. The only difference is that it is usually not exposed like that of the face, head, neck and leg. The pubic area is however a very sensitive and problematic part of the body and therefore has to be treated with care in case it develops there. Since some women and of some men love having the pubic area clean shaven, removing the hair with razor blade instead of shaving powder is therefore the most common and of course the most healthy. The razor blade is however susceptible to shaving bumps if not handled with care. Shaving bumps is however very repulsive to the opposite sex and therefore has to be avoided. This write-up is therefore all about the step by step tips on avoiding shaving bumps when shaving the bikini area.

Step 1: Shave with new and sharp razor blade: Endeavor to use sharp razor blades to shave that part of the body. Using dull blades will make the hair tear unevenly therefore causing the hairs to grow back into the skin.

Step 2: Wash the pubic area with warm water preparatory to hair removal: Washing the hair with warm water will soften the hair and therefore make shaving easy. Besides, scrubbing the area with warm water will relax the skin thereby warding off irritation.

Step 3: Apply thick shaving cream or gel on the hair before hair removal: Work the cream or gel gently into the bikini area and allow it sit there for about two minutes before removing the hair. This will soften the hair and also reduce friction and irritation of the skin when shaving.

Step 4: Avoid shaving against the grain of hair growth: When removing the hair in that part of the body, try not to shave against the direction of hair growth. Doing so causes irritation and also points the hair back into the skin resulting in ingrown hairs and consequently shaving bumps.

Step 5: Apply after shave lotion after each shave: Endeavor to apply an after shave lotion containing lidocaine, oats and talc after shaving. This is a very good way of preventing shaving bumps in the pubic area.

Step 6: Avoid friction from contact immediately after shaving: You should avoid contact of the area with wearing tight fitting clothes or human beings immediately after hair removal.

Step 7: Never squeeze or pick the razor bumps if they develop: Endeavor not to squeeze the shaving bumps when they develop, if you do, it could get worse. Instead apply infant diaper cream on it or where you feel it might develop. Infant diaper cream has been found to be very effective in clearing razor bumps.

Preventing diaper rash - 10 ways to do Away With It

Diaper rash can be caused by a lot of things. It can be brought about by a reaction to the baby's own stool and urine or the soap used in washing the baby's diapers. But regardless of what might have really brought on the condition, the fact remains that diaper rash can cause a significant amount of discomfort for you and your baby. To treat diaper rash effectively and to say goodbye to it permanently, read the following tips:

1. Say goodbye to diapers (well, at least temporarily)! What causes diaper rash? The answer? What else but diapers! When your baby's bottom is sore from all those uncomfortable rashes, it is best to take his or her diapers off frequently. This will prevent the baby's stool and urine from making contact with the already sore skin and aggravating the condition some more. If you are worried about making a mess once the baby's diapers are off, you can keep him (or her) on a rubber mat covered with a washable cloth while you air his (or her) bottom.

2. Stay clean and dry. The most effective way to prevent diaper rash or to treat an existing one is to make sure that your baby is always clean and dry. The microorganisms that cause skin infections just love the moist and warm environment under those diapers!

3. Steer clear of commercial baby wipes. Most commercially available baby wipes contain irritating ingredients such as alcohol and other chemicals. These can further irritate the rash. The best way to go is still by using the traditional hypoallergenic soap and water in cleaning up your baby's bottom.

4. Air it out. When you change your baby's diapers, make sure that you dry out his (or her) bottom completely with a clean towel. It will also be of great help if you will leave the skin exposed to air for a few minutes before putting on a new diaper.

5. Ointment helps. Using a pediatrician-recommended diaper rash cream or ointment helps create a protective barrier in the skin. Among the most widely prescribed diaper rash creams/ointments are A and D ointment, Diaparene, Desitin and zinc oxide. Be sure to dry the skin before applying these.

6. Powder magic. Dusting the baby's bottom with powder also helps a lot in protecting your baby's skin from irritants. Just be careful when you apply powder since it can be a possible health hazard, especially if the baby accidentally inhales it. As a safety precaution, sprinkle a small amount of powder on your hand first before you apply it on your baby's skin. Go for cornstarch-based powders.

7. Hang them out to dry. Why not try an old wives' tale trick? It was said that if you hang your baby's diapers to dry out in the open air, diaper rash can be prevented. Well, there is nothing to lose if you give it a try!

8. A little vinegar might do the trick. Your baby's urine can be very alkaline in nature that it can irritate and burn the skin as much as an acid can. So, the next time you wash your baby's diapers, add a little vinegar to your rinse water (about half a cup will do the trick!). This will counterbalance the alkalinity of your baby's urine and prevent further damage.

9. Throw those plastic pants away! Wearing plastic pants is a big no-no! It tends to keep the moisture locked in and worsen an existing infection. The rule of thumb in treating a diaper rash - let it dry!

10. Make a change. If you have tried almost anything and the rash still does not clear up, try changing your detergent. It might just be the culprit.

However, if you notice that the rashes have become very red, raw or sore looking or if you notice blisters, pus or crusty patches, it is best to have your baby examined by your pediatrician.

Baby Skin Care is More Than Preventing Diaper Rash

Besides diaper and heat rash, babies can develop a condition called 'cradle cap'. Baby skin dries easily and it can even sunburn because melanin production is low. Sun protection is a most for baby skin. And because of the surge in hormones at the time of birth, babies can break out in acne, although baby skin is far less oily than an adult's.

General guidelines and tips on baby skin care and protection

Start life off right by protecting your baby from ultraviolet radiation exposure. Keep infants out of direct sunlight during the first few months. If you do go outside, be sure to cover the baby's skin with certified sun protection clothing (UPF50+ sun clothing is the highest sun protection you can get), a sun hat and baby sunglasses. Turn that into a habit and teach your child the importance of doing so as he or she grows older. Sunscreen products shouldn't be applied until the baby is 6 months old, but after that, they're absolutely necessary. Take care when riding in cars and when out for a stroll.

As for baby skin care, it won't be hard to find products formulated especially for babies. Purchase these and use as directed. Adult skin care products are not recommended for babies. They're far too harsh. You may have to switch laundry detergents if you find the one you're using is irritating your baby's skin.

Always change diapers as soon as possible. Urine and feces contain bacteria and must be washed away with warm water or baby wipes, otherwise infections can develop. Make sure wipes don't contain alcohol which can dry out a baby's skin. Remember to clean in the folds and also to dry this area gently but thoroughly. Diaper rash is very uncomfortable so apply an ointment or cream formulated especially for this common baby skin problem.

Moisturizing regularly with lotions and creams formulated for infants helps retain moisture. Excessive bathing isn't necessary and in fact can sap a baby's skin of moisture. Never use hot water for bathing. Like adults, babies prefer warm water. If your baby has cradle cap which resembles scaly dirty-looking skin, gently scrub top of head with a soft brush. If cradle cap doesn't go away, have the baby's physician take a look. Wind and cold can also cause dry skin so protect your baby when outside. If the air in your home is dry, consider getting a humidifier to add moisture.

Because a baby's skin doesn't yet perspire properly, babies aren't efficient at controlling their body temperatures. Sometimes, heat rashes can develop. Be sure to dress babies in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that's appropriate for the temperature to avoid these rashes that resemble red patches or pinkish-red bumps.

Good habits begin early and it's never too soon to develop a proper baby skin care routine!

Remember to protect your baby skin from UV radiation, use UPF50+ certified sun protection clothing when outdoor, proper sun protection hat, and sunglasses. UV radiation can affect skin even on cloudy day.

Preventing and Treating Diaper Rash Naturally

Establishing a skincare routine that keeps babies' skin healthy remains a challenge for parents, since up to 50% of babies suffer from at least one episode of diaper rash at some time. Diaper rash is an irritant contact dermatitis caused by the interaction of several factors, particularly the prolonged contact of the skin with urine and feces, which makes the skin more prone to disruption through friction with the diaper. Prevention of diaper rash is the ultimate goal, but if the condition does develop, treatment should aim to reverse the skin damage and prevent recurrence. Routine baby skincare should comprise of gentle cleansing whenever the diaper is soiled (using warm water or alcohol-free baby wipes), the use of good-quality super-absorbent diapers, and the application of an ointment or cream preparation at every diaper change. The ointment or cream should be clinically proven to be effective in babies and mimic the skin's natural function by forming a long-lasting barrier to maintain maximum moisture levels. It should not contain any unnecessary ingredients, including antiseptic, preservative or perfume, or any ingredients that are toxic or have undocumented safety.

Treatment of diaper rash should comprise essentially the same actions as its prevention. Application of a barrier ointment at every diaper change can help to both prevent and treat this condition. Items zinc oxide are suitable. Zinc oxide is a skin protection and soothing. The amount of zinc oxide is generally lower than in a cream ointment. As with all patients with a condition, the individual needs of children vary. An ointment is a bigger obstacle with vaseline and offers more protection. These can be purchased over the counter and the other ingredients. Physicians can use the topical steroids to treat skin rash diaper. However, currentsteroid therapy should be reserved for use where the rash has failed to respond to over the counter approaches, and antifungal treatment should only be employed where Candida infection is established or suspected. Parents should implement a simple skincare routine that could help keep babies' skin healthy.

The key to prevention and treatment of all diaper rashes is frequent diaper changing, cleansing with a mild soap and water after each stool, and application of the appropriate topical agent.

Source:

Bokowski, S, Diaper Rash Management. Pediatr Nurs. 2004 Nov-Dec;30(6):467-70.