Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsRazor BurnContact DermatitisJock ItchPubic LiceYeast InfectionPsoriasisEczemaScabiesFolliculitisIntertrigoPrevention TipsWhen to See a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Razor Burn
Contact Dermatitis
Jock Itch
Pubic Lice
Yeast Infection
Psoriasis
Eczema
Scabies
Folliculitis
Intertrigo
Prevention Tips
When to See a Provider
This article looks at nine possible causes of itchy pubic hair, including how they are treated. It also explains when it’s time to see a healthcare provider if at-home treatments fail to provide relief.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
Razor burnis a common cause of pelvic itchiness. One study found that 80% of people who groom their pubic hair experienced genital itching on at least one occasion.This is because shaving creates tiny tears in the skin, triggeringinflammationofhair follicles.
Treatment
To reduce the risk of razor burn, use a clean razor and a lubricant like soap or shaving cream. Moisturizing after shaving can also help prevent razor burn.
What Is Pseudofolliculitis Barbae?
Common culprits include fragrances, detergents, soaps, and genital cleansing products (such as douches and feminine hygiene sprays). Latex, rubber, and adhesives (such as those used in panty liners) can also cause contact dermatitis.
The best way to relieve contact dermatitis is to avoid the offending agent. The itch should go away on its own, but if it persists, contact your healthcare provider. They can help identify the culprit and prescribe the right course of treatment.
This may include:
Jock itch(tinea cruris) is a fungal skin infection in the groin and buttocks areas. It is especially common in athletes and in climates that are hot and humid.
Keeping the area dry and using an over-the-counter (OTC)antifungal creamlike Lamisil (terbinafine) should help clear the infection. If symptoms persist, your healthcare provider may recommend a prescription antifungal like:
Pubic Lice (Crabs)
Pubic lice, also known as crabs orPthirus pubis, are tiny insects that live on the pubic hair as well as in armpit hairs, facial hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, and chest hair. (Pubic lice are not the same ashead licethat are more easily spread.)
Pubic lice can be treated with OTC topical creams like Nix (1% permethrin) or anti-lice shampoos containing permethrin. If these don’t help, prescription options include:
It’s important to avoid scratching if you have pubic lice. Scratching can cause tiny tears in the skin, which can lead to a bacterial infection.
Yeast infectionsare common in females. Around 75% will experience a yeast infection at some point in their lifetime.
OTC yeast infection treatments usually clear the infection within a few days or require OTC medication such as Monistat 3 (miconazole). Severe cases may need treatment from a healthcare provider, including:
The Best Over-The-Counter Yeast Infection Medicines for Fast Relief
Psoriasisis anautoimmune diseasethat causes red, scaly patches (calledplaques) on the skin. It can occur anywhere on the body but is most common on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. A specific type of psoriasis, calledinverse psoriasis, is common in the groin and skin folds.
Psoriasis occurs when the immune system attacks normal skin cells with inflammation. When this happens, skin cells will start to grow at a rapid rate, forming itchy plaques and lesions.
Psoriasis is commonly treated with moisturizers and mild OTC steroids like Cortizone 10 (hydrocortisone). Severe cases may require prescription drugs and specialist treatments like:
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic (persistent) inflammatory skin condition that causes a scaly, red, itchy rash. Although the exact cause is unknown, eczema is believed to be the result of genetic and environmental factors.
Eczema is commonly treated with skin moisturizers and mild OTC topical steroids. Severe cases may require prescriptionimmunosuppressantslike:
Psoriasis vs. EczemaPsoriasis tends to cause milder itching, while eczema often causes very intense itching. Psoriasis also causes well-defined patches with heaping scales, whereas eczema tends to be less defined with fine scales.
Psoriasis vs. Eczema
Psoriasis tends to cause milder itching, while eczema often causes very intense itching. Psoriasis also causes well-defined patches with heaping scales, whereas eczema tends to be less defined with fine scales.
There are no OTC medications approved totreat scabies, so it’s important to see a healthcare provider for a prescription of permethrin 5% cream or another lotion/ointment.These topical treatments should relieve the infestation within a few days.
Folliculitis occurs when damaged or blocked hair follicles create the ideal environment for bacteria or fungus to grow. The neck, armpits, groin, and genitals are the areas most commonly affected.
Folliculitis can often be treated with antibacterial soap and moisturizers. If an infection occurs, you may need to see a healthcare provider for a prescription topical antibiotic or antifungal lotion.
Intertrigois a common inflammatory skin condition caused when skin folds rub together. This can lead to infection when the outer layers of the skin are compromised. Trapped moisture causes the surfaces of your skin to stick together, increasing friction and leading to skin inflammation and damage.
The most common places for intertrigo to occur are in the armpits, inner thigh, and groin; between the buttocks, breasts, toes, and fingers; and in belly folds and creases in the neck.
Symptoms of intertrigo include:
If intertrigo causes an infection, there may be tender, pus-filled bumps on the skin along with fever and a foul smell.
A barrier cream can protect the skin and reduce friction between skin folds. An OTC steroid cream like Cortizone 10 (hydrocortisone) may help reduce inflammation along with good skin hygiene. Talcum powder can help prevent skin from sticking together.
Severe cases may require a prescription antibiotic or antifungal cream.
How to Prevent Itchy Pubes
There are several ways to prevent itchy pubic hair:
When to See a Healthcare Provider
A Word From VerywellThe symptoms of itchy pubic hair can progress from mild irritation to intense itching. When intense, it is almost impossible not to scratch. This can result in awkwardness and social embarrassment. Fortunately, many OTC products are available for relief, or you can consult with a board-certified dermatologist for advice.—WILLIAM TRUSWELL, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
The symptoms of itchy pubic hair can progress from mild irritation to intense itching. When intense, it is almost impossible not to scratch. This can result in awkwardness and social embarrassment. Fortunately, many OTC products are available for relief, or you can consult with a board-certified dermatologist for advice.—WILLIAM TRUSWELL, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
The symptoms of itchy pubic hair can progress from mild irritation to intense itching. When intense, it is almost impossible not to scratch. This can result in awkwardness and social embarrassment. Fortunately, many OTC products are available for relief, or you can consult with a board-certified dermatologist for advice.
—WILLIAM TRUSWELL, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Summary
Itchy pubic hair is common and is often easily treatable. Common causes include rash burn, contact dermatitis, jock itch, pubic lice, scabies, yeast infection, psoriasis, eczema, and folliculitis. See a healthcare provider if the itching is severe, painful, persistent, or worsening.
18 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology.8 reasons your groin itches and how to get relief.Butler SM, Smith NK, Collazo E, Caltabiano L, Herbenick D.Pubic hair preferences, reasons for removal, and associated genital symptoms: comparisons between men and women.J Sex Med. 2015 Jan;12(1):48-58. doi:10.1111/jsm.12763American Academy of Dermatology.7 ways to prevent injuries while trimming pubic hair.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.To shave or not to shave: an Ob-Gyn’s guide to pubic hair care.Yale K, Awosika O, Rengifo-Pardo M, Ehrlich A.Genital allergic contact dermatitis.Dermatitis. 2018;29(3):112-119. doi:10.1097/DER.0000000000000371Novak-Bilić G, Vučić M, Japundžić I, Meštrović-Štefekov J, Stanić-Duktaj S, Lugović-Mihić L.Irritant and allergic contact dermatitis - skin lesion characteristics.Acta Clin Croat. 2018 Dec;57(4):713-20. doi:10.20471/acc.2018.57.04.13MedlinePlus.Contact dermatitis.Ely JW, Rosenfeld S, Seabury Stone M.Diagnosis and management of tinea infections.Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(10):702-10.Salavastru CM, Chosidow O, Janier M, Tiplica GS.European guideline for the management of pediculosis pubis.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venearol.2017;31(9):1425-8. doi:10.1111/jdv.14420U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of Candidiasis.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of Candidiasis.Ayala-Fontánez N, Soler DC, McCormick TS.Current knowledge on psoriasis and autoimmune diseases.Psoriasis (Auckl). 2016;6:7–32. doi:10.2147/PTT.S64950Kapur S, Watson W, Carr S.Atopic dermatitis.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2018;14(Suppl 2):52. doi:10.1186/s13223-018-0281-6American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scabies.Penn Medicine.Folliculitis.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Folliculitis.MedlinePlus.Intertrigo.Planned Parenthood.Pubic lice (crabs).
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology.8 reasons your groin itches and how to get relief.Butler SM, Smith NK, Collazo E, Caltabiano L, Herbenick D.Pubic hair preferences, reasons for removal, and associated genital symptoms: comparisons between men and women.J Sex Med. 2015 Jan;12(1):48-58. doi:10.1111/jsm.12763American Academy of Dermatology.7 ways to prevent injuries while trimming pubic hair.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.To shave or not to shave: an Ob-Gyn’s guide to pubic hair care.Yale K, Awosika O, Rengifo-Pardo M, Ehrlich A.Genital allergic contact dermatitis.Dermatitis. 2018;29(3):112-119. doi:10.1097/DER.0000000000000371Novak-Bilić G, Vučić M, Japundžić I, Meštrović-Štefekov J, Stanić-Duktaj S, Lugović-Mihić L.Irritant and allergic contact dermatitis - skin lesion characteristics.Acta Clin Croat. 2018 Dec;57(4):713-20. doi:10.20471/acc.2018.57.04.13MedlinePlus.Contact dermatitis.Ely JW, Rosenfeld S, Seabury Stone M.Diagnosis and management of tinea infections.Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(10):702-10.Salavastru CM, Chosidow O, Janier M, Tiplica GS.European guideline for the management of pediculosis pubis.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venearol.2017;31(9):1425-8. doi:10.1111/jdv.14420U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of Candidiasis.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of Candidiasis.Ayala-Fontánez N, Soler DC, McCormick TS.Current knowledge on psoriasis and autoimmune diseases.Psoriasis (Auckl). 2016;6:7–32. doi:10.2147/PTT.S64950Kapur S, Watson W, Carr S.Atopic dermatitis.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2018;14(Suppl 2):52. doi:10.1186/s13223-018-0281-6American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scabies.Penn Medicine.Folliculitis.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Folliculitis.MedlinePlus.Intertrigo.Planned Parenthood.Pubic lice (crabs).
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Dermatology.8 reasons your groin itches and how to get relief.Butler SM, Smith NK, Collazo E, Caltabiano L, Herbenick D.Pubic hair preferences, reasons for removal, and associated genital symptoms: comparisons between men and women.J Sex Med. 2015 Jan;12(1):48-58. doi:10.1111/jsm.12763American Academy of Dermatology.7 ways to prevent injuries while trimming pubic hair.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.To shave or not to shave: an Ob-Gyn’s guide to pubic hair care.Yale K, Awosika O, Rengifo-Pardo M, Ehrlich A.Genital allergic contact dermatitis.Dermatitis. 2018;29(3):112-119. doi:10.1097/DER.0000000000000371Novak-Bilić G, Vučić M, Japundžić I, Meštrović-Štefekov J, Stanić-Duktaj S, Lugović-Mihić L.Irritant and allergic contact dermatitis - skin lesion characteristics.Acta Clin Croat. 2018 Dec;57(4):713-20. doi:10.20471/acc.2018.57.04.13MedlinePlus.Contact dermatitis.Ely JW, Rosenfeld S, Seabury Stone M.Diagnosis and management of tinea infections.Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(10):702-10.Salavastru CM, Chosidow O, Janier M, Tiplica GS.European guideline for the management of pediculosis pubis.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venearol.2017;31(9):1425-8. doi:10.1111/jdv.14420U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of Candidiasis.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of Candidiasis.Ayala-Fontánez N, Soler DC, McCormick TS.Current knowledge on psoriasis and autoimmune diseases.Psoriasis (Auckl). 2016;6:7–32. doi:10.2147/PTT.S64950Kapur S, Watson W, Carr S.Atopic dermatitis.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2018;14(Suppl 2):52. doi:10.1186/s13223-018-0281-6American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scabies.Penn Medicine.Folliculitis.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Folliculitis.MedlinePlus.Intertrigo.Planned Parenthood.Pubic lice (crabs).
American Academy of Dermatology.8 reasons your groin itches and how to get relief.
Butler SM, Smith NK, Collazo E, Caltabiano L, Herbenick D.Pubic hair preferences, reasons for removal, and associated genital symptoms: comparisons between men and women.J Sex Med. 2015 Jan;12(1):48-58. doi:10.1111/jsm.12763
American Academy of Dermatology.7 ways to prevent injuries while trimming pubic hair.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.To shave or not to shave: an Ob-Gyn’s guide to pubic hair care.
Yale K, Awosika O, Rengifo-Pardo M, Ehrlich A.Genital allergic contact dermatitis.Dermatitis. 2018;29(3):112-119. doi:10.1097/DER.0000000000000371
Novak-Bilić G, Vučić M, Japundžić I, Meštrović-Štefekov J, Stanić-Duktaj S, Lugović-Mihić L.Irritant and allergic contact dermatitis - skin lesion characteristics.Acta Clin Croat. 2018 Dec;57(4):713-20. doi:10.20471/acc.2018.57.04.13
MedlinePlus.Contact dermatitis.
Ely JW, Rosenfeld S, Seabury Stone M.Diagnosis and management of tinea infections.Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(10):702-10.
Salavastru CM, Chosidow O, Janier M, Tiplica GS.European guideline for the management of pediculosis pubis.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venearol.2017;31(9):1425-8. doi:10.1111/jdv.14420
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of Candidiasis.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of Candidiasis.
Ayala-Fontánez N, Soler DC, McCormick TS.Current knowledge on psoriasis and autoimmune diseases.Psoriasis (Auckl). 2016;6:7–32. doi:10.2147/PTT.S64950
Kapur S, Watson W, Carr S.Atopic dermatitis.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2018;14(Suppl 2):52. doi:10.1186/s13223-018-0281-6
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scabies.
Penn Medicine.Folliculitis.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Folliculitis.
MedlinePlus.Intertrigo.
Planned Parenthood.Pubic lice (crabs).
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