Hair Removal

Who among us has ever imagined that one day shaving your butt crack would become part of your regular grooming routine? One thing that almost all the "experts" agree on is that those prone to Pilonidal Disease need to make every reasonable attempt to keep the cleft free from hair and debris. The reasons for this are as follows:

• The current medical theory of how Pilonidal Disease gets it's start includes debris hanging around in the natal cleft (aka, your crack) that clogs the pores/follicles that have been stretched out. 
• Shaving naturally exfoliates the area of skin where it is performed. This is a good thing for people prone to Pilonidals since blocked hair follicles are also a cause of the disease.

There is an argument against hair removal. With the exception of shaving with an electric razor, all hair removal techniques involve some kind of irritation to the area of skin being treated. However, at this time the need to keep the area free from hair outweighs the worry about further irritation. If the "expert" advice on this topic changes, we'll be reporting it here first!

One Woman's Tour of Hair Removal Hell:
(Yes, I Have Tried Them All)

Shaving, blade - Blade shaving is the most traditional form of shaving, but also is the hardest. The natal cleft is about as easy to shave with a standard razor as the bikini area is -- which is to say that it ain't easy. The only sane way is if you have someone else to do it for you, since the usual results of self shaving are nicks, cuts and razor burn from hell. Personally, I have sworn off shaving any of the....ahem, tender parts of my body with razors because of the horrible rashes afterward.

Shaving, electric - Electric shavers have become the method of choice for many of us. True, the shave isn't as close, but electric shavers do the least amount of damage to tender skin areas. The absolute, hands-down winner in the category of electric shavers are the new "groomers" that have gained popularity in the past couple of years. These small shavers are unsuitable for legs or larger body areas, but perfect for the natal cleft. Most are about the size of pen and range in cost from $15 to $20. Order online or pick up at most major drug chains. This is my "winner" in the war against crack hair!

Brand names include: "Panasonic Progressions Groomer", "Simplique", "Finishing Touch"

Waxing - Waxing tends to last longer than shaving, up to 3 weeks. It is not horribly painful (at least this part of the body). Waxing can be done at home if you have help (like shaving, it's tough to do this body area solo) or in a salon. Before you freak out at the salon idea, remember that professional waxers do bikini areas all day long and the also do "Brazilian bikini waxes" which is, basically, waxing everything below the navel. Waxing pro's have seen worse things than anything you've got to show, so don't sweat it. If you are considering this method, keep in mind the above warning about traumatizing the skin. Waxing is pretty brutal on hair follicles and areas treated can stay inflamed for several hours. Check with your surgeon first and make sure you are using No Bump RX afterward to avoid ingrown hairs and relieve the inflammation. Do not attempt waxing if you have any kind of an open wound.

Depilatories - Many doctors recommend this to their patients, but few people stick with the method over time. Unless you are already fan of Nair and it's ilk, you probably won't be enthused. Depilatories are smelly and don't always do a good job. DO NOT USE ANYWHERE NEAR AN OPEN WOUND. Many people report rashes or inflamed skin resulting from depilatories, so use with caution.

Electrolysis - Expensive and painful. But effective; I've had my eyebrows done and am thrilled with the results. Electrolysis remains the only guaranteed form of permanent hair removal. For anyone considering this method, the same caveats apply as with waxing. Electrolysis cauterizes that hair follicle, which does result in inflammation. But, if the follicle is now dead, how much danger remains? There are no answers, but the worry scares off most people who have seriously considered Electrolysis for Pilonidal related hair removal. We have no reports yet at this site of anyone actually attempting Electrolysis of the natal cleft.

Laser Hair Removal - True story: I made a significant financial investment in trying Laser Light hair removal on my face. Three treatments later.... no discernable change. The place I had my Laser treatment done at gave me a song and dance about "some people just need more treatments". More treatments at a very high cost, I might add. Now, I have light colored hair. If you've seen the pictures of people who've had success with Laser hair removal, they all have dark hair. So, my personal advice is that the Laser treatments are a worthy consideration for the men out there who have a LOT of very DARK body hair. On the flip side, one of advisory surgeons has been having his more severe cases undergo laser hair removal and he's become a big fan of the treatment and feels it is very beneficial in cases where the patient has significant hair on the buttocks and natal cleft.

This page last updated: 02/09/2009