The most
common way to remove the hair is by shaving, according to a new study,
published in the
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology . It’s nothing we couldn’t have guessed – waxing
isn’t just painful, it’s expensive and time-consuming.
But what
is surprising is that the research also found 60 per cent of women had at least
one health complication incurred from pubic hair removal, typically epidermal
abrasion (invisible cuts to the skin) and ingrown hairs. It was also shown to
cause severe skin irritation, infections and – according to an older study –
increase the spread and transmission of STIs.
It’s
pretty shocking stuff to think that shaving your bikini line could leave you in
hospital, or at a higher risk of catching genital warts. But just how likely is
it? Is shaving your bikini line really that bad, or is it OK to carry on?
What are
the dangers in hair removal?
1) Hair
removal can give you abscesses
hair removal became really commonplace there is a
definite increase in infected abscesses that need to be lanced [drained]”.
Typically, they’re caused by bacteria entering the body through the hair
follicle.
He
explains that it’s easily corrected, either by antibiotics, or a patient having
an operation, which always carries a danger risk.
2)
Shaving isn’t worse than waxing
Waxing is
often seen as the preferable option, but because pubic hairs generally grow at
a slant, even waxing will not be able to fully pull out a hair. It means it
could still become an ingrown hair.
3)
Ingrown hairs aren’t dangerous
Shaving
and waxing will both cause ingrown hairs, where “you take off the top layer of
the skin so the bit of hair left tries to grow again and grows in on itself,”
explains Byrne. They can be unsightly, uncomfortable and very painful – but
they won’t put your life in danger.
4) Hair
removal creams might be best
While
waxing and shaving have similar effects, hair removal creams work differently,
using chemicals. The only difference with creams is there’s no physical trauma
to the skin.” It means that there’s less chance of receiving cuts and
infections.
But, most
manufacturers say you shouldn’t use the creams on your genital area.
5) Hair
removal can increase STI risks
A 2012 study suggests that hair
removal can increase your chance of contracting an STI because remove the hair
affects the skin membrane, making it easier for bacteria to enter the body.
He
explains that pubic hair is there to “absorb moisture and drain it away from
areas that aren’t exposed”. If there’s no hair, the skin is more vulnerable to
infections such as herpes and genital warts.
6)
Trimming is less risky
For women
who really just don’t want to go au natural, trimming is a safer option. An
ingrown hair follicle won’t happen with trimming – the only downside is that as
the hairs grow longer, it can cause itching.
Oh, and
if you’re using an electrical trimming device, be extra careful when it’s so
close to your genitalia.
7) Hair
removal is more dangerous for overweight women
The new
American study found that complications were twice as likely for overweight or
obese women, and three times more likely if they removed all their pubic hair.
Byrne explains that it’s because for larger women, their skin will be closer
together.
“The
hairs that are short are more likely to be ingrown,” he says. “There’ll also be
more moisture so they’re more likely to have bacteria.”
8) It’s
up to you
It’s
entirely personal preference – you just need to be aware of the risks. Some
cultures have been doing it for centuries. If you’re worried about an
infection, go and see your doctor, otherwise you don’t really need to discuss
it with a GP.
Shaving 'Myths'
Aside
from knowing about health consequences and treatments, there are some
"myths" of which to be aware.
- Hair will grow back faster.
False. After shaving, hair will not grow back any faster or slower than it did before you started shaving; you will probably just notice the changes more. - Hair will become thicker.
False. Your body has a set number of hair follicles, and no new ones are created after you shave. This means that there won't be more hairs, and the hairs also will not be any thicker than they were before you started shaving. - Shaving always creates
ingrown hairs.
False. Every body is different, and every person is susceptible to ingrown hairs to a different extent. Some people get more ingrown hairs than others. This still does not mean that you will get ingrown hairs every time you shave.
Furthermore, there are practices and products that can help reduce the occurrences of ingrown hairs, like scrubbing the area with a loofah or shaving in the direction of hair growth. - Shaving your pubic area will
get rid of crabs and other STIs.
False. Pedicularis pubis, commonly known as 'crabs' or pubic lice, is highly infective and is transmitted through sexual contact. If you have not been treated for an infection, shaving will not eradicate the lice. Furthermore, shaving will not protect you from getting other - Dr Tango is a Consultant Physician with facts and Figures
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