Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is ingrown hair?
- How common is ingrown hair?
- Symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of ingrown hair?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes ingrown hair?
Definition
What is ingrown hair?
Ingrown hair or ingrown hair is hair that grows inward toward the skin, not outside the skin. This condition can cause inflammation, pain, and small bumps in the area where the hair was recently pulled or shaved.
Ingrown hair is a common condition caused by shaving hair. Ingrown hair generally appears in men in the beard area, including the chin, cheeks and especially on the neck.
Ingrown hair can also appear on the scalp of men who have shaved hair. In women, the common areas where ingrowns appear include the armpits, pubic area and feet.
Usually, ingrown hair is not a serious problem and can get better without treatment. However, this condition can be bothersome and frustrating. You can prevent this by not removing the hair.
If this is not possible, you can use a hair removal method that reduces the risk of ingrown hair. However, chronic ingrown hair can cause:
- Bacterial infection (from scratching)
- Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation)
- Permanent scars (keloids)
- Pseudofolliculitis barbae, also known as razor bumps.
How common is ingrown hair?
This condition is very common and can occur in patients of any age. Ingrown hair can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.
Symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of ingrown hair?
Ingrown hairs most commonly appear on the beard area, including the chin and cheeks, and especially the neck. This condition appears on the scalp of those who shave their hair.
Other common areas for ingrown hairs are the armpits, pubic area and legs.
Common symptoms of ingrown hair are:
- Small, solid, round bumps (papules)
- Small, festering and blister-like wounds (pustules)
- Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation)
- Pain
- Itchy rash
- Embedded hair
There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
In most cases, you don't need to seek medical help for ingrown hairs. However, if this condition is very annoying or if the lump doesn't go away, you need to contact your doctor.
You should also contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Experiencing symptoms of infection, such as pus coming out of the lump, increased redness, itching, and increased pain.
- Ingrown hair is a chronic condition. Doctors can help treat these conditions.
- If you are a woman with ingrown hair caused by excess hair growth (hirsutism), your doctor can determine if the excess hair is the result of a treatable hormonal disorder, such as polycystic ovary symptoms.
Cause
What causes ingrown hair?
Anyone can have ingrown hair, but this condition is more common in people who have very curly or coarse hair. Curly hair is more likely to bend backwards and can re-enter the skin, especially after being shaved or trimmed.
Dead skin can clog the hair follicles, where the hair inside is pushed to grow sideways under the skin, instead of sticking up and out.
Also, people with certain levels of sex hormones can have excess hair growth, which causes ingrown hair, especially after shaving.
Many people with African-American, Latino descent and people with thick, curly hair have a type of ingrown hair called pseudofolliculitis.
Better known as "razor bumps", kum
