How to Prevent Razor Bumps on Male Genitals

It’s not the kind of talk you usually encounter in the locker room after a hard day at the gym, but the act of shaving “down there” is not as uncommon as you think. Unfortunately, this particular region is not as easy to remove hair when compared to other parts of the body. When things don’t go according to plan – you may end up with a rash of irritated bumps – also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae.

Obstacles to Overcome

When shaving the male genitals, main obstacles to consider include:

thin skin
delicate part of the body
the accumulation of sweat, dirt, and bacteria
increased threat of nicks, cuts, and scrapes
long strands of hair

Razor Bump Prevention – Male Genitals

Since the skin is rather thin in the genital region – shaving can pose irritation that easily leads to razor bumps. However, you can lessen the risk of inflammation and infection on the genitals when you approach this task in a more careful and precise manner. The more familiar you are with razor bump prevention, the better your results. A couple of suggestions include:

a) New Blades With Each Shave:

Every time you go to shave your genitals, use a new blade to cut down on the irritation and risk of infection that promotes the development of razor bumps.

b) Soak Blades in Alcohol:

To prevent irritation and razor bumps, make sure to clean your razors with rubbing alcohol before and after their use to eliminate the bacteria typically found on shaving equipment – also known as a main cause of inflammation and infection.

c) Trim Pubic Hair:

With a pair of small scissors, trim long hairs found in the pubic region before shaving. You will also prevent the razor bumps that come when a shaver accidentally snags skin and hairs when shaving.

d) Effective Preparation:

Loosen up the skin and open up your pores by taking a hot shower. In the end, the hair will become easier to shave. You may also sink into a warm bath to encourage hairs in the genital region to stand straighter.

e) Shaving Cream:

When choosing a shaving cream to prepare hairs, seek out the products made especially for sensitive skin. It is important to avoid the kinds of creams that contain menthol or heavy fragrances, which have a reputation for irritating this region. After applying the shaving cream, make sure to work up a nice lather.

f) Rinsing After a Shave:

Rinse off the genitals after a shave using mild soap to clear away any residual bacteria – often responsible for irritation, inflammation, and razor bumps.

g) Antiseptic Cream:

Some men have applied antiseptic cream to the skin after a shave to prevent irritation of the skin, including rashes and razor bumps. Antiseptic creams especially prove helpful for those shaving this region for the first time.

h) Erect Penis:

Shaving is much easier when the penis is erect, as the skin extends in such a way that complement effective shaving strokes. Some men have sung the praises of using KY Jelly and other lubricants as a better method of preparing for a shave over typical shaving cream products.

i) Choosing the Right Time to Shave:

There are certain circumstances under which you should postpone shaving your genitals. For example, if you plan on going out for a long run or hitting the gym for a couple of hours – wait until later. You don’t want to shave before you exercise. The sweat produced when participating in these activities will only cause friction and irritation that brings about razor bumps.

j) Pass on the Electric Shaver:

Beware of using an electric razor to shave hair in the genital region (especially on the scrotum). The skin is simply too thin and loose – making it a prime target to get caught in the shaver. Using a straight razor is another method of shaving to disregard for this area of the body.