There are many possible causes for itchypubic hair.
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
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
Razor Burn
Razor burnis a common cause of pelvic itchiness.
Moisturizing after shaving can also help prevent razor burn.
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.
It is especially common in athletes and in climates that are hot and humid.
Jock itch is highly contagious.
(Pubic lice are not the same ashead licethat are more easily spread.)
Scratching can cause tiny tears in the skin, which can lead to a bacterial infection.
Yeast Infection
Yeast infectionsare common in females.
Around 75% will experience a yeast infection at some point in their lifetime.
A yeast infection is because of an overgrowth of a fungus calledCandida albicans.
It often occurs due to a pH imbalance in the vagina.
A specific bang out of psoriasis, calledinverse psoriasis, is common in the groin and skin folds.
Psoriasis comes up whenever the immune system attacks normal skin cells with inflammation.
Although the exact cause is unknown, eczema is believed to be the result of genetic and environmental factors.
Psoriasis also causes well-defined patches with heaping scales, whereas eczema tends to be less defined with fine scales.
Scabies
Scabiesis because of a tiny burrowing mite calledSarcoptes scabiei.
The eight-legged parasite digs into the top layer of the skin to feed and lay eggs.
This causes intense itchiness, which may or may not be accompanied by a rash.
Scabies can be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, often during sex.
The mite can also be passed through clothing or bedding that someone with scabies has worn or slept on.
Folliculitis
Folliculitisis the inflammation or infection of hair follicles.
Folliculitis can occur wherever there is body hair, including the genitals.
Folliculitis pops up if 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.
Intertrigo
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.
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.
When intense, it is almost impossible not to scratch.
This can result in awkwardness and social embarrassment.
Summary
Itchy pubic hair is common and is often easily treatable.
See a healthcare provider if the itching is severe, painful, persistent, or worsening.
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