Why do I feel like I'm burning every time I shave?

Dr Flo,
For years now, I have been getting a burning pain in the area covered by my pubic hair. I also feel itchy. This mostly happens when I shave. Whenever I apply after-shave, I feel better. But, sometimes I get a pimple that looks like a boil in the area. I have done all medical tests, but nothing was found. What is going on? 
Boss

Dear Boss,
What you are suffering from is called pseudo-folliculitis. After shaving, as the hair is growing back, the hair either re-enters the skin at the skin follicle or the sharp tip of the hair pierces the skin follicle before it even grows out of the skin to become visible. This causes the area to become inflamed, causing itching, redness and even swelling. Sometimes, it also gets infected, causing more swelling and pain, and production of pus. This can happen in any area where the hair is shaved or plucked, including the face, the armpits, the groin and the legs. It is more common in people with curly hair as compared to those with straight hair. It is more common in African males, but it can also occur in women. The simplest treatment for pseudo-folliculitis is to let the hair grow, or only trim it, and not shaving completely. The ingrown hair in the bumps can be removed gently with tweezers. Some creams can help reduce the inflammation like steroid creams, acne medication, antibiotic creams in case of infection and even antibiotic tablets.
To prevent these razor bumps in the future, some suggestions include:
Avoid shaving - don’t shave every day; skip at least a day in between shaves
Leave at least 0.5 to 1mm of hair, don’t shave completely.
Use a single blade razor to avoid shaving too close.
Use an electric razor that should be properly cleaned and sterilised after use.
Shave in the direction of the skin follicle, not against it, and do not stretch the skin.
Soften the hair first with a hot, wet cloth, or shave in a hot shower.
Exfoliate and moisturise the skin for instance with glycolic acid peel (a derivative of sugarcane).
Chemical shaving for example using barium sulfide paste.
Permanent hair removal for example with laser or electrolysis, Vaniqa cream (eflornithine hydrochloride 13.9 per cent).

Dr Flo,
I either have a bacterial or fungal infection in my vagina. I get lesions or cuts before or after my periods. What could be the problem? 
NS

Dear NS,
It is normal for all women after puberty to have a vaginal discharge. It is a mixture of fluid and cells that help to keep the vagina clean and moist and to prevent infection. The appearance changes depending on the menstrual cycle, and can also be affected by exercise, stress, use of hormonal medication and sexual arousal. The discharge may vary from white to clear, and from watery to thick, at different times of the cycle. It is also normal to have a brown or bloody discharge just before, during or after your periods, or sometimes in between your periods (spotting).  If there is abnormal colour (yellow, green, sometimes white), itching, a foul smell, or thick, chunky discharge, lesions, wounds or cuts, then most likely there is a vaginal infection. The infection may be caused by fungi, bacteria or other organisms. There is a higher risk of infection around your periods due to the hormonal changes, and also due to the wetness of the area and the use of pads. You may also be reacting to the female hygiene products you are using. To know the actual cause of the lesions and cuts, it would be advisable to visit a gynaecologist for examination when the lesions are present. The doctor may also ask for a urine test, a pap smear and other tests. Once the diagnosis is established, you will be put on medication and given advice on what to do in the future. To avoid infections, keep the area clean, wipe from front to back when using the toilet, wear cotton underwear, avoid excessively tight underclothes like tights and bikers, avoid use of scented soaps and douches.

Dr Flo,
I experience pain below the lungs mostly in the left side. This happens mostly when I am tired and sometimes when I walk for a distance just after eating. What could be causing this?
Sahal

Dear Sahal,
Since the left sided pain below your chest seems to come after walking for some time or when you are physically tired, then it is highly likely that it is due to a strain on the muscles. In between the ribs, there are three layers of muscles, known as the intercostal muscles, and there are also many other muscles on the front and back of the chest extending to the abdomen and also along the spine. Any of these muscles could ache - what is called myalgia (muscle pain) - either due to recurrent strain, repetitive activity or even from muscle cramps. When you physically exert yourself, you can also get dehydrated which can lead to muscle pain. This can be managed by rest or painkillers and muscle relaxants.
Also, if you do something that utilises your muscles immediately after eating such as going for a walk, the body can get confused. Immediately after eating, the body directs a lot of blood flow to the stomach and intestines to help with digestion, which is why someone usually feels lazy and sleepy after eating because there is less blood going to the brain and muscles. If you exercise soon after eating, the body now has to send more blood to the muscles, providing far less blood to the stomach and intestines, which can lead to an interruption or slowing down of digestion, and this can lead to discomfort and pain. This pain usually goes away on its own after some rest.

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