Ingrown hairs and pimples on stomach

Hello:

I have been having an issue for 10yrs with the fact that on my belly, my bikini line has had ingrown hairs repeatedly and has left ugly scars.  I do not shave and even with waxing i break out.  I am completely baffeled in what i should do.  I do wash the area and rub acne creams and cooling gels but nothing seems to work.  Please help me.

Sincerely,
CO

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
When shaving the bikini line, get some facial scrub and vigorously scrub bikini line area twice a week. If you notice any ingrown hair, you can attempt to squeeze and pluck them out and they will then heal spontaneoulsly. Also wear loose-fitting underwear and clothing.

Folliculitis and ingrown hair are common even after waxing. If you still want to go in for waxing ,then apply cold compresses(ice cubes wrapped in a towel) on the rash and take some antihistaminic like Benadryl or claritin. You can also apply calamine lotion on the rash. It will help in soothing the skin. A mild corticosteroid cream like dermacort will also help.

Also you can go in for laser hair removal which causes permanent reduction of hair and does not cause folliculitis also. Please consult a good cosmetologist/dermatologist for that.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.