Keywords
Female Genitalia
Microbiota
Hair Removal
Corynebacterium.
Staphylococcus.
Microbiota
Hair Removal
Corynebacterium.
Staphylococcus.
How to Cite
Romero-Gamboa, D. G., Díaz-Martínez, L. A., Díaz-Galvis, M. L., & González-Blanco, D. P. (2019). Impact of genital hair removal on female skin microenvironment: barrier disruption and risk of infection, a literature review. Médicas UIS, 32(3), 27–33. https://doi.org/10.18273/revmed.v32n3-2019004
Abstract
Genital hair is one of the secondary sexual traits that marks the beginning of puberty; its removal has been part of human culture since ancient times. This practice may lead to modifications in vaginal microbiome with potential repercussions on skin health and balance. We conducted a narrative review with the purpose of describing normal skin microbiota, its impact under microenvironment changes and genital hair removal. Menses, pathological conditions and pubic hair removal may alter vaginal microbiota, being the latter of special relevance giving the risk of hair microtrauma, irritations and potential spread of infectious agents. MÉD.UIS.2019;32(3):27-33
References
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2. Ramsey S, Sweeney C, Fraser M, Oades G. Pubic hair and sexuality: a review. J Sex M. 2009;6(8):2102-10.
3. Riddell L, Hodgson HG, Varto H. Smooth talking: the phenomenon of pubic hair removal in women. Can J Hum Sex. 2010;19(3):121- 30.
4. ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000 Feb 29 - . Identifier NCT03272204, Pubic hair and the urinary and vaginal microbiome; 2017 Aug 18. Disponible en: ttps://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03272204.
5. Terry G, Braun V. To let hair be, or to not let hair be? Gender and body hair removal practices in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Body Image. 2013;10(4):599-606.
6. Díaz-Martínez LA, Durán-Prada ML, Mendoza-Pedrozo JP. La remoción por estética del vello púbico como causa de morbilidad inadvertida en la población general. Rev Argent Dermatol. 2015;96(3):40-6.
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8. Herbenick D, Hensel D, Smith NK, Schick V, Reece M, Sanders SA, et al. Pubic hair removal and sexual behavior: Findings from a prospective daily diary study of sexually active women in the United States. J Sexual Med [Internet] . 2013;10(3):678-85. Doi:doi.org/10.1111/jsm.12031
9. DeMaria AL, Flores M, Hirth JM, Berenson AB. Complications related to pubic hair removal. Am J Obstet Gynecol [Internet] . 2014;210(6):528.e1-5.Disponible en: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/pmc/articles/PMC4040320/
10. Abdallah F, Mijouin L, Pichon C. Skin immune landscape: Inside and outside the organism. Mediat Inflammat [Internet]. 2017;2017:1-17. Doi: doi.org/10.1155/2017/509529.
11. Elsner P, Wilhelm D, Maibach HI. Mechanical properties of human forearm and vulvar skin. Br J Dermatol [Internet]. 1990;122(5):607-14. Doi: doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.1990. tb07282.x
12. Schommer NN, Gallo RL. Structure and function of the human skin microbiome. Trends Microbiol [Internet]. 2013;21(12):660-8. Doi:doi.org/10.1016/j.tim.2013.10.001.
13. Williams DW, Gibson G. Individualization of pubic hair bacterial communities and the effects of storage time and temperature. Forensic Sci Int Genet. 2017;26:12-20. doi: 10.1016/j. fsigen.2016.09.006
14. Zeeuwen PL, Kleerebezem M, Timmerman HM, Schalkwijk J. Microbiome and skin diseases. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2013;13(5):514-20. doi: 10.1097/ACI.0b013e328364ebeb
15. Soria X, Carrascosa JM. Flora cutánea normal e infección bacteriana secundaria. Actas Dermosifiliogr. 2007;98(1):15-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0001-7310(07)70177-1
16. Nakamizo S, Egawa G, Honda T, Nakajima S, Belkaid Y, Kabashima K. Commensal bacteria and cutaneous immunity. Semin Immunopathol. 2015;37(1):73-80. doi: 10.1007/s00281- 014-0452-6
17. Brandwein M, Steinberg D, Meshner S. Microbial biofilmsand the human skin microbiome. NPJ Biofilms Microbiome. 2016;2(3):1-6. doi: 10.1038/s41522-016-0004-z
18. Aly R, Britz MB, Maibach HI. Quantitative microbiology ofhuman vulva. Br J Dermatol. 1979;101(4):445-8. doi: 10.1111/ .1365-2133.1979.tb00024.x
19. Chen Y, Bruning E, Rubino J, Eder SE. Role of female intimate hygiene in vulvovaginal health: Global hygiene practices and product usage. Womens Health (Lond). 2017;13(3):58-67.
20. Runeman B, Rybo G, Forsgren-Brusk U, Larkö O, Larsson P, Faergemann J. The vulvar skin microenvironment: Influence of different panty liners on temperature, pH and microflora. Acta Derm Venereol. 2004;84(4):277-84.
21. Wilson M. The indigenous microbiota of the reproductive system of females. In: Wilson M. Bacteriology of humans: An ecological perspective. USA: Blackwell Publishing; 2008. p. 170-206.
22. Runeman B, Rybo G, Forsgren-Brusk U, Larkö O, Larsson P, Faergemann J. The vulvar skin microenvironment: ompact of tight-fitting underwear on microclimate, pH and microflora. Acta Derm Venereol. 2005;85(2):118-22.
23. Brown CJ, Wong M, Davis CC, Kanti A, Zhou X, Forney LJ. Preliminary characterization of the normal microbiota of thehuman vulva using cultivation-independent methods. J Med Microbiol. 2007;56(2):271-6.
24. Bentubo HDL, Mantovani A, Yamashita JT, Gambale W, Fischman O. Yeasts of the genital region of patients attending the dermatology service at Hospital São Paulo, Brazil. Rev Iberoam Micol. 2015;32(4):229-34.
25. Miyamoto T, Akiba S, Sato N, Fujimura T, Takagi Y, Kitahara T, et al. Study of the vulvar skin in healthy Japanese women: Components of the stratum corneum and microbes. Int J Dermatol. 2013;52(12):1500-5.
26. Aramaki J, Kawana S, Effendy I, Happle R, Loffler H. Differences of skin irritation between Japanese and European women. Br J Dermatol. 2002;146(6):1052-6.
27. Dasari S, Anandan SK, Rajendra W, Valluru L. Role of microbial flora in female genital tract: A comprehensive review. Asian Pacific J Trop Dis. 2016;6(11):909-17.
28. Lansdell LW, Taplin D, Aldrich TE. Recovery of Staphylococcus aureus from multiple body sites in menstruating women. J Clin Microbiol. 1984;20(3):307-10.
29. Löwhagen GB, Bonde E, Forsgren-Brusk U, Runeman B, Tunbäck P. The microenvironment of vulvar skin in women with symptomatic and asymptomatic herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV- 2) infection. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2006;20(9):1086-9.
30. Buffoli B, Rinaldi F, Labanca M, Sorbellini E, Trink A, Guanziroli E, et al. The human hair: From anatomy to physiology. Int J Dermatol. 2014;53(3):331-41.
31. Brinkac L, Clarke TH, Singh H, Greco C, Gomez A, Torralba MG, et al. Spatial and environmental variation of the human hair microbiota. Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):9017.
32. Tridico SR, Murray DC, Addison J, Kirkbride KP, Bunce M. Metagenomic analyses of bacteria on human hairs: A qualitative assessment for applications in forensic science. Investig Genet. 2014;5(1):16.
33. Veraldi S, Nazzaro G, Ramoni S. Pubic hair removal and molluscum contagiosum. Int J STD AIDS. 2016;27(8):699-700.
34. Veraldi S, Schianchi R, Ramoni S, Nazzaro G. Pubic hair removal and Phthirus pubis infestation. Int J STD AIDS. 2018;29(1):103-4.
35. Desruelles F, Cunningham SA, Dubois D. Pubic hair removal: A risk factor for ‘minor’ STI such as molluscum contagiosum? Sex Transm Infect. 2013;89(3):216-216.
36. Osterberg EC, Gaither TW, Awad MA, Truesdale MD, Allen I, Sutcliffe S, et al. Correlation between pubic hair grooming and STIs: Results from a nationally representative probability sample. Sex Transm Infect. 2017;93(3):162-6.
37. Basevi V, Lavender T. Routine perineal shaving on admission in labour. CDSR [Internet]. 2014 [May 12th, 2018]; 11: Pages: 1-22. Disponible en: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/ 14651858. CD001236.pub2.
38. Cruse PJE, Foord R. The epidemiology of wound infection: A 10-Year prospective study of 62,939 wounds. Surg Clin N Am. 1980;60(1):27-40
39. Johnston RA, Sidall RS. Is the usual method of preparing patientsfor delivery beneficial or necessary? Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1922;4(6):645-50.
2. Ramsey S, Sweeney C, Fraser M, Oades G. Pubic hair and sexuality: a review. J Sex M. 2009;6(8):2102-10.
3. Riddell L, Hodgson HG, Varto H. Smooth talking: the phenomenon of pubic hair removal in women. Can J Hum Sex. 2010;19(3):121- 30.
4. ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000 Feb 29 - . Identifier NCT03272204, Pubic hair and the urinary and vaginal microbiome; 2017 Aug 18. Disponible en: ttps://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03272204.
5. Terry G, Braun V. To let hair be, or to not let hair be? Gender and body hair removal practices in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Body Image. 2013;10(4):599-606.
6. Díaz-Martínez LA, Durán-Prada ML, Mendoza-Pedrozo JP. La remoción por estética del vello púbico como causa de morbilidad inadvertida en la población general. Rev Argent Dermatol. 2015;96(3):40-6.
7. Díaz-Martínez LA, Prince NE, Barrera L, Hernández NA, Méndez DJ, Acevedo M. Prevalencia de la remoción del vello púbico en Colombia. Rev Argent Dermatol [Internet]. 2016;97(2):16-23. Disponible en: https://rad-online.org.ar/2016/07/01/prevalenciade-la-remocion-del-vello-pubico-en-colombia/
8. Herbenick D, Hensel D, Smith NK, Schick V, Reece M, Sanders SA, et al. Pubic hair removal and sexual behavior: Findings from a prospective daily diary study of sexually active women in the United States. J Sexual Med [Internet] . 2013;10(3):678-85. Doi:doi.org/10.1111/jsm.12031
9. DeMaria AL, Flores M, Hirth JM, Berenson AB. Complications related to pubic hair removal. Am J Obstet Gynecol [Internet] . 2014;210(6):528.e1-5.Disponible en: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/pmc/articles/PMC4040320/
10. Abdallah F, Mijouin L, Pichon C. Skin immune landscape: Inside and outside the organism. Mediat Inflammat [Internet]. 2017;2017:1-17. Doi: doi.org/10.1155/2017/509529.
11. Elsner P, Wilhelm D, Maibach HI. Mechanical properties of human forearm and vulvar skin. Br J Dermatol [Internet]. 1990;122(5):607-14. Doi: doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.1990. tb07282.x
12. Schommer NN, Gallo RL. Structure and function of the human skin microbiome. Trends Microbiol [Internet]. 2013;21(12):660-8. Doi:doi.org/10.1016/j.tim.2013.10.001.
13. Williams DW, Gibson G. Individualization of pubic hair bacterial communities and the effects of storage time and temperature. Forensic Sci Int Genet. 2017;26:12-20. doi: 10.1016/j. fsigen.2016.09.006
14. Zeeuwen PL, Kleerebezem M, Timmerman HM, Schalkwijk J. Microbiome and skin diseases. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2013;13(5):514-20. doi: 10.1097/ACI.0b013e328364ebeb
15. Soria X, Carrascosa JM. Flora cutánea normal e infección bacteriana secundaria. Actas Dermosifiliogr. 2007;98(1):15-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0001-7310(07)70177-1
16. Nakamizo S, Egawa G, Honda T, Nakajima S, Belkaid Y, Kabashima K. Commensal bacteria and cutaneous immunity. Semin Immunopathol. 2015;37(1):73-80. doi: 10.1007/s00281- 014-0452-6
17. Brandwein M, Steinberg D, Meshner S. Microbial biofilmsand the human skin microbiome. NPJ Biofilms Microbiome. 2016;2(3):1-6. doi: 10.1038/s41522-016-0004-z
18. Aly R, Britz MB, Maibach HI. Quantitative microbiology ofhuman vulva. Br J Dermatol. 1979;101(4):445-8. doi: 10.1111/ .1365-2133.1979.tb00024.x
19. Chen Y, Bruning E, Rubino J, Eder SE. Role of female intimate hygiene in vulvovaginal health: Global hygiene practices and product usage. Womens Health (Lond). 2017;13(3):58-67.
20. Runeman B, Rybo G, Forsgren-Brusk U, Larkö O, Larsson P, Faergemann J. The vulvar skin microenvironment: Influence of different panty liners on temperature, pH and microflora. Acta Derm Venereol. 2004;84(4):277-84.
21. Wilson M. The indigenous microbiota of the reproductive system of females. In: Wilson M. Bacteriology of humans: An ecological perspective. USA: Blackwell Publishing; 2008. p. 170-206.
22. Runeman B, Rybo G, Forsgren-Brusk U, Larkö O, Larsson P, Faergemann J. The vulvar skin microenvironment: ompact of tight-fitting underwear on microclimate, pH and microflora. Acta Derm Venereol. 2005;85(2):118-22.
23. Brown CJ, Wong M, Davis CC, Kanti A, Zhou X, Forney LJ. Preliminary characterization of the normal microbiota of thehuman vulva using cultivation-independent methods. J Med Microbiol. 2007;56(2):271-6.
24. Bentubo HDL, Mantovani A, Yamashita JT, Gambale W, Fischman O. Yeasts of the genital region of patients attending the dermatology service at Hospital São Paulo, Brazil. Rev Iberoam Micol. 2015;32(4):229-34.
25. Miyamoto T, Akiba S, Sato N, Fujimura T, Takagi Y, Kitahara T, et al. Study of the vulvar skin in healthy Japanese women: Components of the stratum corneum and microbes. Int J Dermatol. 2013;52(12):1500-5.
26. Aramaki J, Kawana S, Effendy I, Happle R, Loffler H. Differences of skin irritation between Japanese and European women. Br J Dermatol. 2002;146(6):1052-6.
27. Dasari S, Anandan SK, Rajendra W, Valluru L. Role of microbial flora in female genital tract: A comprehensive review. Asian Pacific J Trop Dis. 2016;6(11):909-17.
28. Lansdell LW, Taplin D, Aldrich TE. Recovery of Staphylococcus aureus from multiple body sites in menstruating women. J Clin Microbiol. 1984;20(3):307-10.
29. Löwhagen GB, Bonde E, Forsgren-Brusk U, Runeman B, Tunbäck P. The microenvironment of vulvar skin in women with symptomatic and asymptomatic herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV- 2) infection. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2006;20(9):1086-9.
30. Buffoli B, Rinaldi F, Labanca M, Sorbellini E, Trink A, Guanziroli E, et al. The human hair: From anatomy to physiology. Int J Dermatol. 2014;53(3):331-41.
31. Brinkac L, Clarke TH, Singh H, Greco C, Gomez A, Torralba MG, et al. Spatial and environmental variation of the human hair microbiota. Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):9017.
32. Tridico SR, Murray DC, Addison J, Kirkbride KP, Bunce M. Metagenomic analyses of bacteria on human hairs: A qualitative assessment for applications in forensic science. Investig Genet. 2014;5(1):16.
33. Veraldi S, Nazzaro G, Ramoni S. Pubic hair removal and molluscum contagiosum. Int J STD AIDS. 2016;27(8):699-700.
34. Veraldi S, Schianchi R, Ramoni S, Nazzaro G. Pubic hair removal and Phthirus pubis infestation. Int J STD AIDS. 2018;29(1):103-4.
35. Desruelles F, Cunningham SA, Dubois D. Pubic hair removal: A risk factor for ‘minor’ STI such as molluscum contagiosum? Sex Transm Infect. 2013;89(3):216-216.
36. Osterberg EC, Gaither TW, Awad MA, Truesdale MD, Allen I, Sutcliffe S, et al. Correlation between pubic hair grooming and STIs: Results from a nationally representative probability sample. Sex Transm Infect. 2017;93(3):162-6.
37. Basevi V, Lavender T. Routine perineal shaving on admission in labour. CDSR [Internet]. 2014 [May 12th, 2018]; 11: Pages: 1-22. Disponible en: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/ 14651858. CD001236.pub2.
38. Cruse PJE, Foord R. The epidemiology of wound infection: A 10-Year prospective study of 62,939 wounds. Surg Clin N Am. 1980;60(1):27-40
39. Johnston RA, Sidall RS. Is the usual method of preparing patientsfor delivery beneficial or necessary? Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1922;4(6):645-50.
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