Razor burn on your balls? How to treat and prevent painful irritation.

For men, there’s nothing more painful than irritation or injury to our private parts. While our bodies are tough and rugged, we all have a weak spot (or two) dangling precariously between our legs.

Our testicles can be so sensitive, in fact, even minor irritation can lead to decisively debilitating pain. Razor burn on balls is one of those debilitating pains, distracting us from daily routines and causing discomfort as we scritch and scratch for relief.

Luckily, razor burn on your manhood isn’t a mandatory part of shaving. You can mitigate it with the right prep, tools, and aftercare. So strip down and listen up: We’re learning how to treat, prevent, and eliminate razor bumps once and for all.

Why the balls are so sensitive.

It’s common knowledge that, for most guys, the cojones are the most sensitive part of the body. We cover them with cups, shield them from heat and cold, and do whatever else is necessary to keep them safe. But why are they so fragile to begin with?

In part, balls are so sensitive due to their papery skin. Scrotum skin is relatively thin in comparison to other parts of the body and contains mostly smooth muscle. This makes it more susceptible to cuts and abrasions than thicker, more leathery areas, like the skin on your back or shoulders.

Balls also tend to have coarser, curlier hair than other parts of your body. This hair can twist back into your scrotal skin after shaving, leading to ingrowns, irritation, and, of course, frustrating razor burn.

Finally, friction is another reason why our testes are so sensitive. Balls rub around in your underwear all day, potentially leading to chafing and irritation. Plus, many men use dull, unmoisturized razors when shaving, adding further friction and increasing the chances of razor bumps on their balls.

What causes razor burn on balls?

While balls are sensitive, they don’t automatically get razor burn on their own. The main causes of razor bumps on testicles include:

• Shaving without gel – As noted, friction is a major cause of ball sensitivity. Shaving gels lubricate and moisturize your balls as you shave, reducing that friction. Alternatives, like soap or plain water, don’t.

• Using dull blades – Our old nemesis, friction, is at it again. Dull razor blades drag, rather than glide, across your skin. This can lead to irritation and even painful cuts.

• Not hydrating post-shave – Shaved balls may be smooth, but they're also drier than the desert. Forgetting to apply a hydrating ball aftershave lotion leaves them feeling like sand and more susceptible to razor burn.

• Shaving against hair growth – Shaving in the opposite direction that your ball hair grows (against the grain) can result in a closer cut, but it also significantly increases your chances of razor burn and irritation.

The good news? Just like there are numerous causes of razor burn, there are also several effective ways to treat it.

How to treat razor bumps on testicles.

To reduce the pain and frustration of razor burn:

• Apply a cold compress to your balls to bring down the swelling

• Use a soothing lotion that doesn’t contain alcohol, which can further dry out and irritate your skin

• Avoid friction by wearing loose (or no) underwear for a while

While it's essential to know how to get rid of razor burn, the best treatment option is proactive prevention.

How to prevent razor burn on balls.

Want to get that perfectly smooth ball shave without the bumps and burn? Here’s how:

• Trim first – Use an electric trimmer on bushier hair, as manual razors can tug and tear when the lawn’s too long.

• Use clear shaving gel – Clear gel helps you see what you’re doing as you shave, meaning you’re more likely to avoid cuts and nicks. Even better if you pick a product that’s rated for sensitive skin.

• Opt for a sharp blade and shave gently – A sharper blade offers cleaner cuts with less tugging and tearing. Gentle strokes help the razor glide across your ball’s surface, rather than digging in.

• Hydrate afterward – Apply a dollop of ball aftershave to keep your boys hydrated and smooth throughout the day.

Razor burn mistakes to avoid.

There are several mistakes that even the most seasoned shavers make while trimming their testes. The most common pubic pitfalls include:

• Using soap instead of shaving gel – Soap is meant to clean, not lubricate and moisturize. It often contains alcohol, which can leave your balls dry and bumpy.

• Applying alcohol-based aftershave – Soap isn’t the only alcohol-based grooming product on the shelf. Many common aftershaves also contain alcohol, which can irritate skin, leaving it red and itchy—especially after shaving.

• Shaving daily – While everyone appreciates a smooth sack, daily ball shaves are definitely overkill. Constant shaving leaves testes dry, raw, and begging for a break from the razor.

For sensitive-skin approved, gentle shaving solutions, trust MANSCAPED® between your legs and everywhere else.

Recommended MANSCAPED® products.

Razor burn on balls isn’t a fact of life. Prevent it with the right products, and you’ll never have to deal with itchy, bumpy sack skin again.

The Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra groin trimmer lops off long, winding hairs for zero irritation on the initial pass. Meanwhile, Power Shave Gel lubricates your skin for that close shave only a manual razor, like The Crop Shaver, can provide. Finally, when it's all said and done, Crop Soother ball aftershave lotion hydrates and moisturizes to prevent itchiness down the road.

Get your hand out of your pants! Stop scratching and start shaving the right way, with MANSCAPED®.

Sources: 

National Library of Medicine. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Scrotum. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549893/.

American Academy of Dermatology Association. Razor bump remedies for men with darker skin tones. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/razor-bump-remedies.

National Library of Medicine. Pseudofolliculitis barbae; current treatment options. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6585396/.