About Itchy Pubic Hair:
Itchy Pubic Hair is quite an embarrassing condition for both males and females who have it. This is because the itching sensation may become uncontrollable when the individual is in office or in some social gathering. It can become extremely distressing for the individual. There are various reasons for someone to have Itchy Pubic Hair which may range from something as simple as pubic lice to something that requires treatment such as infection. In majority of the cases, however, this itching sensation can be effective controlled by simple treatment options [1].
In case if the individual does not know as to what is causing the itching sensation then a visit to a dermatologist or a general physician is needed to identify a cause and start treatment for it. It is the underlying cause which determines the treatment options for Itchy Pubic Hairs. It can be something as simple as an over-the-counter topical ointment to a full course of antibiotics. Some studies have shown that Itchy Pubic Hairs can also be caused due to some medical condition like diabetes even though allergies and skin infections are the most common cause [1].
If Itchy Pubic Hairs is caused due to irritation or allergy then the best way to deal with the situation is avoid identify the allergen ans avoiding exposure to it. Some people have allergy to certain fabrics. In such cases it is better to avoid wearing undergarments made of that fabric to prevent skin allergies leading Itchy Pubic Hairs [2].
The other more serious causes require more aggressive treatment and if left untreated may cause potentially serious complications. This article gives a brief overview of some of the causes and treatment options for Itchy Pubic Hair [2].
12 Causes of Itchy Pubic Hair & Its Treatment
The common causes for Itchy Pubic Hair include:
Pubic Lice: This is commonly referred to as “Crab”. These are tiny worms that are usually found on the head. They feed on the blood of the humans and use the hair for support. Although head lice are common among children, lice in the pubic hairs usually spread through unprotected sexual intercourse [2].
There is no gender bias as to pubic lice and anyone can get them. The pubic lice can stay at maximum 24 hours without feeding on the human blood. When these lice bite they cause a reaction resulting in the itching. There will also be irritation observed in the affected area [2].
These lice are so small that they are barely visible to the naked eye. The best way to treat pubic lice is to use ointments that are easily available over-the-counter. There are also a variety of creams and shampoos available which when used tend to eliminate the lice and provide relief from Itchy Pubic Hairs. In case if these standard medications do not help, then a physician needs to be consulted for stronger medications to treat the condition [2].
It is also important to keep the pubic area clean and even clean the linen on the bed where they sleep in hot water so that any remaining lice or their eggs are eliminated and the chances of the itching recurring goes down [2].
Razor Burns: This is yet another common cause for Itchy Pubic Hair. It is quite a common practice to use razors to shave off the pubic region. Some people find this to be quite hygienic. However, using razors persistently on the pubic region can cause skin irritation. This is because the skin of around the pubic region is extremely sensitive.
This can be especially seen if the individual uses an old razor or moves the razor very fast. Razor Burns will have a reddish appearance on the skin surface and the area will be extremely tender [2].
At times, tiny lesions may also form due to irritation of the skin. The best way to avoid razor burns resulting in Itchy Pubic Hairs is by using proper shaving techniques. While shaving the pubic area, it is best to cut off the long hairs first as the razor may pull them out rather than cut it causing skin irritation. Once all the long hairs have been cut then the razor should be used to shave off the remaining hairs [2].
It is also recommended to shave off the pubic area with warm water and if possible add a disinfectant to it. It is advisable to use a new razor every time the individual shaves the pubic area. The best way to shave off pubic areas is to maneuver the razor slowly to avoid any cuts or bruises which is quite common due to the sensitivity of the skin around the pubic region [2].
Contact Dermatitis: This is also quite common in people who have Itchy Pubic Hairs. An individual is said to have contact dermatitis when he or she develops skin inflammation due to allergic reaction after coming in contact with something they are allergic to. A contact dermatitis is generally caused by perfumes, detergents, clothing, undergarments, soap, lotions, or sanitary pads. Apart from the itching sensation an individual with contact dermatitis will also have hives and erythematous rashes around the affected area [2].
The best way to manage contact dermatitis is to identify the product causing the reaction and avoiding it whether it may be a lotion, cream, or an undergarment.
Additionally, over-the-counter antihistamines are also quite effective in treating Itchy Pubic Hairs caused due to contact dermatitis. If an individual is not sure as what is causing the allergic reaction then a consultation with a dermatologist is recommended to get to the bottom of the cause and formulate a treatment plan [2].
Eczema: Similar to contact dermatitis, this is also a cause for Itchy Pubic Hairs even though this condition is mostly seen children. There have been cases where adults have developed eczema. This condition is quite similar to various skin disorders and even has the same cause [2].
However, there may be some difference in the symptoms caused by them. Apart from Itchy Pubic Hairs, eczema also causes dryness of the skin and patches of skin where it is extremely sensitive and tender. There are a variety of creams and lotions that can be effectively used to treat eczema [2].
Yeast Infections: This is the most common cause for Itchy Pubic Hairs in females. The most common yeast that causes this condition is Candida Albicans. This is a fungal infection which according to the studies affects nearly 70% of females at some point or the other. In addition to Itchy Pubic Hairs there will be soreness, swelling, dyspareunia, and vaginal discharge [2].
This condition can be easily managed with over-the-counter antifungal medications. Severe cases of yeast infections require prescription medications and thus a consultation with a physician will be required [2].
Jock Itch: This is yet another cause for an individual to have Itchy Pubic Hairs. Jock Itch usually develops in moist warm conditions. Wearing tight undergarments provides just the right conditions for development of Jock Itch. It causes the area to become irritated and inflamed [2].
There may also be an erythematous tender patch of skin around the pubic region. The best way to manage Jock Itch is by using over-the-counter antifungal medications. Stronger medications will be requited if these treatments are ineffective [2].
Intertrigo: This is a skin disorder in which there is development of an erythematous rash almost anywhere in the body but mainly around the skin folds such as the armpits and the groin area. This is what results in Itchy Pubic Hairs. The moisture and the warmth provide the ideal conditions for growth of bacteria and fungi. The rashes are generally dark in color and have a foul odor [2].
Over-the-counter antibacterial creams generally are effective in treating intertrigo effectively by controlling the growth of bacteria. For fungal growth antifungal creams and lotions are effective [2].
Skin Cancer: This is a rare cause for Itchy Pubic Hairs. This usually happens when the cancer develops in the penis or the vulva. This leads to erythematous skin patches that will cause severe itching sensation in the pubic region. The patches may also ooze fluids in some cases. Constant scratching of the areas will cause bleeding and raise the chances of infection [2].
If skin cancer is diagnosed then further investigations will be conducted to look at the stage and severity of the cancer and a treatment plan will be formulated based on the results [2].
There are several ways through which Itchy Pubic Hairs can be prevented, except when it is caused by something serious and rare like a skin cancer or in some cases diabetes. In majority of the cases taking certain steps may prevent the condition from arising. These steps include [2]
Avoid Scratching: This is the first step towards preventing Itchy Pubic Hairs. Scratching does provide relief for a few minutes but in actuality it makes the condition worse and may even complicate the issue. Constantly scratching the areas will also risk the chances of infection [2].
Good Hygiene Practice: Cleaning and washing the pubic area with soap and water on a regular basis will prevent Itchy Pubic Hairs from developing. This will also prevent bacteria and fungi to develop in the genital area [2].
Keep Area Dry: it is also vital to keep the pubic region dry. This is because bacteria and fungi thrive on warm and moist condition. Thus after a shower it is vital to pat pubic area dry. It is best to wear undergarments that are either loose fitting or should have pores so that air can pass through and prevent moisture from developing. Also, try and avoid fabrics that may cause an allergic reaction like polyester [2].
Avoid Allergens: It is also important to identify and avoid substances that can cause an allergic reaction which will result in Itchy Pubic Hairs. This may be in the form of soaps, detergents, lotions, and creams [2].
It is recommended for an individual who has Itchy Pubic Hairs for significantly longer period of time and is ineffective to standard mode of treatment to consult with a physician to find out an underlying cause [2].
The physician may carry out a variety of tests and examine the affected area closely. Tests may also be done to rule out any sexually transmitted diseases that may be causing Itchy Pubic Hairs. If skin cancer is believed to be the possible cause of Itchy Pubic Hairs then the individual will be referred to the concerned specialist [2].
In conclusion, Itchy Pubic Hairs is a common problem for both males as well as females. Generally, it is caused due to common mistakes like shaving the area with a used razor or wearing tight fitting undergarments that cause skin irritation. However, people who are sensitive to certain forms of soaps, lotions, or creams and may not be aware if it can develop an allergic reaction causing Itchy Pubic Hairs when they apply the allergen directly on the pubic region [2].
Yeast infection is the most common cause of Itchy Pubic Hairs in females and studies suggest that more than 70% of females develop this infection at some point or the other. In extremely rare cases, an individual can have Itchy Pubic Hairs as a result of skin cancer. Generally, simple remedies can get rid of Itchy Pubic Hairs like keeping the area clean or using a new razor every time an individual shaves the pubic hairs [2].
In cases of a skin infection caused due to bacteria, fungi, or yeast then antibacterial or antifungal creams and lotions can be used which are easily available in a local pharmacy store. In case if an individual does not find relief from these remedies then a consultation with a physician is recommended to identify the cause and formulate a treatment plan for Itchy Pubic Hairs. Practicing good hygiene, avoiding common allergens, and wearing loose fitting clothing are quite effective in preventing infections from developing in the pubic region causing Itchy Pubic Hairs [2].
