Ingrown Hair Genital Warts

Ingrown hair in the genital area causes small red bumps and blisters with pus or clear liquid. They occur when the hair curls back into the skin instead of growing straight outwards. It may be caused by clogging of the follicles by dead skin cells due to lack of genital hygiene. Improper shaving practices can also aggravate the condition.

People may also be predisposed to the condition if they have naturally thick and curly hair or have keratosis pilaris or ‘chicken skin' where the excess keratin in the skin clogs the follicles.

As for genital warts, they're a sexually transmitted disease caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). They, too, appear as bumps and blisters around the genital area. But their color is either whitish or skin-like and can occur in clusters, looking like tiny bits of cauliflower. 

According to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the HPV strain that causes genital warts is considered a low-risk strain and is different from the HPV strain that leads to cervical cancer. 

You can acquire the virus during oral, vaginal, or anal sex with an infected person. It can be transmitted even before developing into visible genital warts. Warts usually take 3-18 months to appear visibly. 

In women, genital warts can affect the anus, vulva, cervix, or vagina. Men usually develop genital warts on the penile shaft or tip. Besides itching and pain, genital warts can also cause bleeding during intercourse. 

Both ingrown hair and genital warts are quite common among American adults and can cause several complications. As for ingrown hair, the bumps can lead to bacterial and fungal infections if not treated on time. They may manifest into genital boils and swollen lymph nodes and even cause scarring. 

Genital warts in women can lead to pregnancy complications if left untreated. Though very rare, the swelling of warts during pregnancy can make it difficult to pee. Warts can also inhibit the vaginal tissue from stretching during childbirth while also causing bleeding. 

Genital warts may also develop in the child's throat (though rare) and obstruct breathing if left untreated. 

Hence, taking care to prevent ingrown hair and genital warts is crucial.