An emergency room medic has taken to TikTok to issue a grim warning against shaving bum hair – explaining the disturbing condition that can form as a result.
Nick, who chose not to share his surname and goes by @medexplained2you on social media, is a physician assistant who shares healthcare advice online.
In his latest video, which garnered 3.9 million views, he told viewers why they must never take a razor to their backsides.
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Nick explained that it can cause pilonidal abscesses – a painful condition causing pus, which occurs when a hair follicle in the crease of the bottom becomes infected.
“I decided to issue this warning because I work in the emergency department, and see lots of patients that develop pilonidal abscesses,” Nick, who is based in the US, told What’s The Jam.
“It’s an extremely painful condition and people often ask what they can do to decrease their risk.”
In the video, Nick films himself as he explains why people must avoid shaving the area.
He says: “A lot of people do this because they want to be smooth and clean for their partner, or they just like the way it looks on themselves – but don’t do this.
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“You are increasing your chances for a serious medical condition called a pilonidal abscess – which you do not want.”
He explains that the condition forms at the top of the butt crack, and says they can grow and swell, and “cause a lot of pain”.
Nick continues: “In order to reduce your risk of developing one of these, stop shaving your butt hair.
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“These are often precipitated by an ingrown hair, and once you get one you are very prone to getting more – and you might even need surgery to remove this.
“So, best to try and avoid it altogether.”
The video garnered 190,000 likes, and users took the comments to share their experiences.
One person said: “I had a pilonidal cyst and it was AWFUL. I couldn’t stand, walk, or move after some time. I had surgery to have it removed and it was horrible.”
“Great I can’t even fckn shave my a**hairs anymore ughhhh,” said another disgruntled viewer.
Someone else joked: “Another reason to stay celibate.”
“I’ll take my chances,” said one risk-taker.
Another viewer commented: “I had one of those. The most pain I’ve ever had and it left a nasty scar. Looks like a bullet hole.”
Nick added: “It’s important to note that even without shaving you can still get this type of abscess, but it is one risk factor.
“Some people think shaving prevents recurrence, but data hasn’t really shown that to be true.”
