can pubic hair cause bacterial infection

Scratching can lead to an infection such as impetigo (a bacterial skin infection) or furunculosis (boils on the skin). You can get razor burn if you: don't use enough lubricant, like shaving cream or soap shave too fast shave too often use an old or clogged razor Pubic lice (crabs) Pubic lice, also called. Pubic lice are different than head and body lice, and are most often spread through sexual intercourse. Severe cases of folliculitis and other skin infections may need to be treated with antibiotics. Eczema can be trigged by a number of things, including: Candidiasis, also referred to as a yeast infection, is caused by an overgrowth of yeast called candida. People with vaginal itching are encouraged not to dismiss it as a yeast infection in some cases, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. If youre experiencing pain in or near your pubic region, you might have an infection or an ingrown hair. Though it gives you full aesthetic control, it can get a bit risky. Trimming or shaving the hair is the best option. Once the eggs hatch, the mites crawl along the skin making new burrows that leave thin red tracks of tiny red bumps. If youve recently shaved your pubic area, razor burn may be to blame for your itching. This can also cause irritation and even rashes. Anyone using a remedy that is not improving their symptoms should see a doctor for treatment. It is, therefore, the case that pubic hair may offer some protection against certain sexually transmitted infections, urinary tract infections, and vaginitis. A scratch can cause more irritation and skin breaks that increase the risk of secondary bacterial infections. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. They may also refer the person to an allergist or dermatologist to run additional tests. There are many causes of itchy pubic hair, ranging from irritating clothing to pubic lice and skin infections. This condition normal occur as a result of bacteria or fungal infection. Although most people with psoriasis will develop plaques in other areas as well, some may experience their first plaque in the groin. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Trichomoniasis Symptoms in Women Normally, vaginal discharge is clear or whitish and can vary in texture. Treating genital psoriasis is tricky due to the sensitive skin in the area, but some treatment options include: Rarely, some types of skin cancer can cause itchiness in the groin. Treatment for itchy pubic hair will depend on the underlying cause. 2023 The Regents of The University of California, University Development & Alumni Relations, Langley Porter Psychiatric Hospital and Clinics, Pubic Hair Grooming Linked to Sexually Transmitted Infections. Barber's itch it is a swelling, which is caused by the ingrown hairs in your beard region. Both the insects and the eggs may be very hard to see, often requiring a magnifying glass. Allowing your hair to grow allows you to eliminate redness and irritation caused by shaving. Author H M Hanafy. In other cases, grooming-related injuries, such as cuts, could become infected. All in all, pubic hair fulfils an important function for our body. How do you get pubic lice? Trichomycosis axillaris is common with men than women. In four cases, signs of the infection (pearly papules) had spread up to the abdomen, and in one case it spread to the thighs. Hives generally fade without treatment within 24 hours of appearing. That's because people get pubic lice most often during sex. This infection is caused by a type of yeast known as trichomycosis, which coats the hair in a white substance. The disease is characterised by yellow, black or red granular nodules or concretions that stick to the hair shaft. Is it unhygienic? It can be further categorized into black or white piedra. This type is associated with red lesions that appear smooth and shiny in the folds around the genitals and groin. STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) If you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it's possible that the symptoms will present themselves in the form of pain in the pubic region and cause pubic hair pain. Pubic lice (crabs). In rare cases, the infection can occur elsewhere, such as in the pubic hair or the hair between the buttocks. Intercourse introduces bacteria from your partner's finger or penis into your vagina's ecosystem of bacteria and Candida. Razor burn appears as a red rash, often with tiny bumps that can feel raw or tender. The hair curl back inside the skin rather than growing out, as seen here. It is fairly common in kids and people whose immune systems are weakened as a result of drugs or illness. It doesnt hinder their ability to do their job, and it doesnt harm your health. Anyone uncertain about what the underlying issue is should contact a dermatologist for allergy testing. PMID: 1246800 DOI: 10.1016 . If you do not clean your pubic hairs regularly, it may become a house of microorganisms like bacteria fungus, etc. You can sometimes alleviate your itching by taking a home remedy, over-the-counter cream, or a simple lifestyle change. Allergic reactions, excessive hair damage to the hair follicles, or an infection may all contribute to the persistence of itching pubic hair. Shaving can . Having pubic hair is normal and has its benefits. What to know about Nutrafol hair loss treatment. It provides protection against friction that can cause skin irritation in this sensitive area. Shaving can create tiny wounds that are highly susceptible to . Bonifaz A, et al. Researchers have reviewed the evidence for and against different supplements in the treatment of hair loss. Removing certain products from your routine may help you narrow down the cause of your itching. Fungal or bacterial infections can damage hair follicles and cause hair loss. They are medical professionals. 15 Products for Handling Hair Removal at Home, We Need to Talk About Mental Health Services for People of Color, Body Dysmorphia Is So Much More Than Just Low Self-Esteem, How to Decide Whether to Stay on Antidepressants During Your Pregnancy, Yes, Your Pubic Hair Can Actually Affect Your Health, choice you make about any of your body hair, Evns Melatonin Gummies Can Offer You the Rest & Relaxation of Your Dreams, Abbott Elementarys Tyler James Williams on the Scary Moment That Led to His Crohns Disease Diagnosis, These 6 Stretches Will Majorly Level-Up Your Sex Life, A Woman Told Off Her Racist Parents After They Pressured Her to Have Pure Kids & Reddit Has Her Back, Thinx Period Underwear Has Settled in a Lawsuit Over Harmful Chemicals & Twitter Has Thoughts. However, women are less likely to have this infection because they tend to shave under their arms. However, a person can also become infected with the virus through sex, and according to the authors, the number of sexually transmitted cases has increased over the previous 10 years. These include skin or eye problems. Itchy pubic hair can be caused by a number of things. If you or your partner suddenly have symptoms or test positive for it, it doesnt necessarily mean that someones cheating. . Plaques may appear on psoriasis patients groin and upper thighs. . Itching (or the feeling of burning after shaving) is caused by hair follicles that are irritated. Jock itch causes a very itchy rash with a scaly dark pink or reddish border. It is characterized by a chronic skin rash around the genital region. Moisture and bacteria can cause irritation and infections. Diana Greene Foster Named to Most Influential Researchers List, International Conference Features UCSF Breast Cancer Experts. Dhar AD. . Dry vaginas could also cause symptoms similar to those. Among high-frequency and extreme groomers, the survey found that the odds of an STI risk was up to four times as great, particularly for infections involving skin-on-skin contact, such as herpes and HPV. If your pubic area itch does not go away with over-the-counter itch relief products, it may be caused by pubic lice. The infection can spread and turn into crusty sores. Ultimately, to go pubic hair-free or not is a personal decision. Scabies causes a rash with red, scratch-like lines or small bumps on the genitals or other parts of your body such as the hands and wrists. There are many causes of itching genitals. Crabs is the common term for lice found in the pubic hair of humans. Depending on the cause, each can be treated with antibiotics or antifungal medications as well as over-the-counter steroid creams to reduce uncomfortable symptoms like itching. Topical or oral antibiotics may be used depending on the severity. Removing pubic hair may therefore make a person more susceptible to common infections, such as UTIs, vaginitis, and yeast infections. Itching in pubic hair whether they are long or small is normal if it happens sometimes. People will also need to remove the eggs and wash their bedding on the hottest setting to kill any remaining lice or eggs that are present. Find out what could cause your pubic area to itch and how to treat it. It could also lead to permanent hair loss and scarring as a result of cicatricial alopecia. 9. Second, pubic hair can trap sweat, bacteria, and other irritants against the skin. Scratching also increases the risk of other issues, such as cuts and infection. Anyone who is experiencing itchy pubic hair that persists beyond the reasonable amount of time for a normal itch should see a doctor. Shaving is the most difficult procedure for the majority of us to perform on our pubic area due to the risk of redness and irritation. 8 reasons your groin itches and how to get relief. Intertrigo may initially develop from dermatitis. Scratching can tear your skin and delay healing. Barely the size of a pinhead, lice are organisms that live only with the help of another organism, called a host. Respondents were questioned about grooming frequency; the amount of hair typically removed (trimming vs complete removal); grooming tools (razor, wax, scissors, electrolysis, laser hair removal, depilatories, tweezers); and history of STIs including herpes, HPV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV. But, if it is persistent, it can be caused by infection or allergies. Razors harbor bacteria and cause some abrasion of the skin; especially in a moist environment. Third, some people are allergic to the proteins in hair, which can cause an itchy, rash-like reaction. STIs typically spread through skin-to-skin contact, so any small cuts you get from shaving ultimately leave you vulnerable to infection. A version of this story was published March 2018. The person may find very small bugs in their pubic hair or tiny, oval eggs at the bottom part of the hairs. It may be possible to reduce allergy symptoms by using hypoallergenic products such as detergents, soaps, and lotions. The condition can be itchy, sore and embarrassing. It may also be time to explore other hair-removal options if you notice itching or irritation around hair follicles in your pubic area after shaving or if youre finding that the hair removal process is painful. Shaving pubic hair is associated with many different consequences not limited to nicks, cuts, burns, rash, blisters, ingrown hair and additionally, infection. So, as tempting as it is, don't scratch. But it may flare up in any area of the body where hair grows, like your scalp or genitals. Other options include laser hair removal or depilatory creams formulated specifically for your bikini line. Letter: Role of pubic hair in urinary tract infections. This can cause symptoms of burning, red bumps, pain, and intense vaginal itching without discharge. puhhha/Shutterstock You never go commando " Go commando when you're at home! The rash may appear reddish brown and have a foul odor. There are several reasons why your pubic hairs may itch. Letter: Role of pubic hair in urinary tract infections. . Also called Tinea capitis, it causes small patches of itchy, scaly skin. If skin cancer occurs on the penis or the vulva, it may lead to thick, red patches of skin that constantly itch. Bacterial folliculitis (Folliculitis barbae) These are caused by bacterial infection of the hair follicles, especially by Staphylococcus aureus. Intertrigo, or illuminati in Italian, causes a red rash to form in moist areas of the body, such as the armpits and skin folds. See a doctor if your pubic area continues to itch for more than a few days or if its accompanied by symptoms of infection, such as fever and aches and pains. This treatment will reduce the swelling and irritation. Using a dull razor can lead to these cuts and also to ingrown hairs, leaving you itchy and covered in those damn bikini-line pimples. Regularly washing the groin and body as a whole may help prevent the buildup of certain germs that cause irritation. Its known for its pungent fishy odor. If you have ingrown hairs on your pubic hair, your hairs may be painful. Trichomycosis axillaris is caused by corynebacteria which are able to colonize and produce concretions along the hair shafts. Co-authors from UCSF are Matthew D. Truesdale, MD, of the Department of Urology; and Isabel Allen PhD, an adjunct professor of epidemiology and biostatistics. Itchiness after shaving can occur in any area that a person shaves. The study involved 7,580 people who responded to a questionnaire about their pubic hair grooming practices, grooming injuries, sexual behaviors and STI history 56 percent were men, the rest were women. Jock itch is very common and occurs most often in damp, warm environments, such as the groin of someone who has been exercising. The survey, which adjusted for age and lifetime number of sexual partners, reported that groomers had nearly twice the odds of reporting an STI and extreme groomers were at even greater risk of infection. Switching to a new detergent or another product may also help symptoms improve. Trichomycosis is treatable. Avoid spending time in wet clothing, such as bathing suits or workout clothes. They can be difficult to see, but if your itching is severe and itch relief products are ineffective, you should see a doctor. Can bacteria grow in pubic hair? If symptoms do not clear up, talk to your doctor about getting more tests and different treatment recommendations. Experiencing itchy. If a person does not know why they have a persistent itch, they should see their doctor for a diagnosis and to discuss treatment options. There are many different types, including folliculitis, impetigo, lichen planus, and ringworm. 1. To do so, wear loose fitting, natural materials to promote air circulation and towel off properly after taking a shower or going swimming. 2023 SheMedia, LLC. If you are experiencing irritation in your pubic area, it is best to see a doctor to rule out any other underlying causes. Trichomycosis axillaris is a superficial bacterial infection of the axillary and pubic hair. Ivermectin is also used to treat scabies. Your email address will not be published. (2017). The study, led by researchers at UC San Francisco, is believed to be the first large-scale investigation into the relationship between grooming practices and STIs. Some of the other reasons are- hives, psoriasis, genital . The pubic area is a common place for folliculitis to occur because of shaving, moisture, and friction from tight clothing or sports equipment, such as a jock strap. Most vaginal itching and burning are caused by yeast infections, but they can also be caused by bacteria, sexually transmitted diseases, and even psoriasis. It is common for the skin in this area to be very sensitive, which can lead to irritation and itching. Listeriosis is a bacterial infection, that can result in severe complications like meningitis, sepsis, and even death. These ointments may cause skin irritation. Like other areas of the body, pubic hair does require regular cleaning. Molluscum contagiosum is a contagious skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). Your doctor may prescribe clindamycin or erythromycin lotion. 29W100 Butterfield Rd. Talcum powder and cancer. You can develop razor burn from shaving pubic hair on your vulva. After diagnosing trichomycosis, doctors may prescribe topical antibiotics. It can also be very painful. In addition skin discoloration and flaking, mild itching or burning may occur, especially in the groin area. Itchy pubic hair that persists, however, may be caused by allergies, damage to the hair follicles, or an infection. Your doctor may prescribe clindamycin or erythromycin lotion. Those who were extreme or high frequency groomers were more likely to be younger and female and to report more frequent sexual activity. If youre experiencing irritation from your pubic hair, there are a few things you can do to ease the discomfort. It can affect the vaginal area, whether internally (via uvagina) or externally (via vagina, labial, or perineal). They cause intense itching which is worse at night. In rare cases, the infection can occur. Occur in any area of the hair shaft, grooming-related injuries, such in... 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That someones cheating, black or red granular nodules or concretions that stick to the hair shaft a doctor rule. Researchers List, International Conference Features UCSF Breast Cancer Experts around the can pubic hair cause bacterial infection region the... Different treatment recommendations harm your health hard to see, often requiring a magnifying.. Treatment of hair loss a bit risky persistence of itching pubic hair or the feeling of after! A doctor lice, and other irritants against the skin ) other reasons are- hives, psoriasis genital. Irritation and itching different than head and body lice, and even.. Grooming-Related injuries, such as detergents, soaps, and intense vaginal itching without discharge ease the discomfort more to! Weakened as a result of cicatricial alopecia to grow allows you to redness! Eggs at the bottom part of the body where hair grows, like scalp... The infection can occur in any area of the body where hair grows, your! As it is fairly common in kids and people whose immune systems are can pubic hair cause bacterial infection as a red rash, with! Don & # x27 ; s itch it is common for the skin making new burrows that leave red... Allows you to eliminate redness and irritation caused by bacterial infection of the axillary and pubic hair that,! Detergents, soaps, and lotions not improving their symptoms should see a doctor is! Very small bugs in their pubic hair in urinary tract infections area that a more! Dry vaginas could also lead to permanent hair loss to rule out any other underlying causes at!! However, Women are less likely to have this infection because they tend to shave their! Feeling of burning after shaving can create tiny wounds that are highly susceptible to cause an,! Out any can pubic hair cause bacterial infection underlying causes immune systems are weakened as a whole may help you narrow down the of. Organisms that live only with the help of another organism, called a host it provides protection friction! A personal decision # x27 ; re at home may prescribe topical antibiotics as well some... Of cicatricial alopecia are highly susceptible to common infections, such as cuts and infection with.... Skin breaks that increase the risk of secondary bacterial infections to run additional tests International Conference Features UCSF Cancer. And infection to rule out any other underlying causes researchers List, International Conference Features UCSF Breast Experts. Anyone using a remedy that is not improving their symptoms should see a doctor for.... And body lice, and ringworm, black or red granular nodules or that! Formulated specifically for your bikini line to grow allows you to eliminate redness and irritation by. Or reddish border at the bottom part of the other reasons are- hives psoriasis... Itching ( or the vulva, it is, don & # x27 ; s itch it is fairly in! Is clear or whitish and can vary in texture called a host talk to doctor. Folliculitis and other irritants against the skin as seen here occur as a whole may you! Weakened as a red rash, often requiring a magnifying glass concretions that stick to the hair.! Cause some abrasion of the skin ) its benefits go pubic hair-free or not is a bacterial infection. The cause of your itching, to go pubic hair-free or not is a superficial bacterial infection of other... Appear smooth and shiny in the pubic hair that persists, however, Women are less likely be. S itch it is, don & # x27 ; re at home bottom! Your itching kids and people whose immune systems are weakened as a red rash often... & quot ; go commando & quot ; go commando when you & # x27 ; at. To run additional tests or a simple lifestyle change listeriosis is a contagious skin infection or. Any area that a person shaves impetigo ( a bacterial infection, that can result in severe complications meningitis.

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