This is a possible scenario that can be seen when a couple undergoes STD screening […]
- Home
- About Us
- General Health
- Men’s Health
- Women’s Health
- STD
- Skin & Allergy
- Blog
- Contact us
Shaving or removing pubic hair is common worldwide, regardless of socioeconomic background. However, it is more common in women than men, more frequently seen in the sexually active group and the younger generation. How safe is this practice?
In this article, we explore the risks of shaving and STDs, the non-STDs related dermatological issues that can be caused by shaving, and ways to prevent issues revolving around shaving practices.
No, shaving does not cause STDs. As the name suggests, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are passable through sexual intercourse. Without the act of sexual intercourse, shaving alone will not cause STDs.
Yes, shaving can increase a person’s predisposition to acquiring STDs in the presence of sexual contact. The reason behind it is simple: shaving causes microabrasions, i.e. mini-cuts and mini-wounds on the skin surface that one may not even be able to visualise or feel. With a compromised skin barrier, STDs, bacteria, viruses, and fungi can enter and infect a person much more easily compared to someone without a shaving history and with an intact skin integrity.
STDs such as herpes viral infection, HPV infection/warts, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis are more frequently seen in a person with total pubic hair removal. To exacerbate things, there are suggestive associations of vulvar cancer in women who shave their genital hair frequently. It is unclear whether the increased risk of STDs is solely due to shaving or also due to other factors, such as a more sexually active behaviour observed in this group of patients.
Shaving can worsen existing STDs such as herpes, HPV infection (warts), and molluscum contagiosum infection. The microabrasion on the skin surface following shaving allows transfer, inoculation, and entry of the viruses onto the skin with a compromised integrity.
Folliculitis (also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae) is a common benign skin inflammatory condition associated with shaving habits. One may notice red razor bumps over the patch of skin that has been recently shaved. The affected area can be slightly red, raw, itchy, and tender. Occasionally, when it is infected, one may notice tiny white dots (papules) appearing like a pimple.Â
Due to the hair on the skin surface being closely shaved off, the hair can curl back into the skin, injuring the follicles and causing an inflammatory response, which manifests as a clinical picture of folliculitis.
| Shaving folliculitis | Herpes | HPV warts | Molluscum Contagiosum | |
| Symptoms | Red tiny, itchy/tender bumpsSome pimple-like | Itchy/tender small fluid-filled bumpsShallow small ulcersFeverishPalpable lymph nodes | Skin bumpsCan appear as red/skin-colored/whitishCan be itchy | Skin bumpsRed to skin colour, small bumpsCan be itchy |
| Characteristic | Tends to be in a linear fashion, following the area of shaving | Tends to be in grouped/cluster Can appear over the site of shaving | Can be individually seen or in a linear fashion, following the area of shaving | Can be individually seen,Or in a linear fashion, following the area of shaving |
| Duration | Resolve over a few days to weeks following shaving | Can last up to 10-14 days before resolving | Can last for months to years | Can last for months to year |
It is imperative to understand that occasionally, folliculitis can present simultaneously with STDs. Even under professional medical review, it can confuse both physicians and patients.
Hence, if you have concerns about exposure to STDs and you have noticed unusual bumps over your genital region, it is paramount to get yourself tested for STDs to confirm or rule out any infections. If in doubt, contact your healthcare professionals to check your symptoms.
In the 21st century, we are generally well-informed via various resources such as the internet, discussion forums, friends, family, etc. One can even ‘Google’ pictures of rashes or medical conditions to compare with one’s symptoms.
As discussed, non-STD dermatological conditions such as folliculitis can co-exist with STDs. By self-diagnosing, one may have a false sense of assurance that everything is okay and delay receiving appropriate treatment. This, in turn, can lead to passing undiagnosed STDs to your loved ones.
Your health and your loved ones’ health are equally important. It is worth discussing your symptoms and potential risk of STD exposure with your doctor. Depending on your symptoms and risk of exposure, appropriate targeted STD tests and treatment can be offered.
This is a possible scenario that can be seen when a couple undergoes STD screening […]
Genital Herpes Genital herpes infections are one of the most commonly known STDs. Hitherto, there […]
A noticeable lump over the groin is usually a symptom that most people will be concerned of.
With the advancement of medical care in Singapore, HIV infection is no longer seen as a ‘death sentence’.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is offered when a person is at very high risk of acquiring HIV infection.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is an antiretroviral medication (ART) option offer to people AFTER being possibly exposed to HIV to reduce the risk of becoming infected.
HIV infection will cause an infected person to produce antibodies as a response to fight the disease. HIV tests revolve mainly on detecting these antibodies to indicate whether HIV infection is present in the human body.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) or infections (STI) are serious conditions that can develop after having unprotected intercourse. At our clinic, we offer treatment for the following STDs: