If you recently shaved or waxed and then noticed little red bumps around that area a few days later, it could be caused by ingrown hairs. After removing the hair via shaving or waxing, it will grow back, and while most hairs will continue to grow out normally, some shortened hairs can curl into the skin, and become trapped beneath it, instead of growing straight out.

These little bumps can painful, itchy, and swollen, but resist the urge to pick at them (which could leave you with a skin infection or a scar) and instead, Elle notes, you should try out a product that contains glycolic acid. The publication notes that this acid will help to break down the “mixture of sebum and dead skin cells that cause obstructions to hairs.” Healthline adds that steroid creams prescribed by doctors will also help with inflammation and reduce the irritation to the area.

Another way to try and remove ingrown hairs is with salicylic acid. According to Marie Claire, it’s an effective way dissolving excess skin cells and can be applied to the area twice a day. Cortisone cream can be applied to the area after the salicylic acid, to help soothe the pain and reduce the inflammation.

Or attempt to prevent ingrowns from forming by exfoliating with a dry body brush. Scrubbing before you shower will remove dead skin cells, and result in fewer clogged pores, thus reducing the likelihood of an ingrown hair.

Healthline states that shaving and waxing in the area should be avoided until the ingrown has cleared, as this area will be aggravated even more. However, once the hair breaks through the skin, remove it with a sterile tweezers. The publication adds that you should never dig into the skin to remove the hair.

To ease discomfort, you can use a warm compress on the area.

We know no one wants ingrowns, but they can happen to anyone. That said, they tend to be more common in people who have curly, thick hair than those with fine hair, and this is also a reason why the pubic area is prone to ingrowns, because, as Healthline notes, the hair tends to be coarser than elsewhere on the body.

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