Ingrown hair (ingrown hair): symptoms to causes

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 their 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 to treat 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.

In addition, people with certain levels of sexual 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.

More commonly known as "razor bumps," these small bumps commonly appear on the beard area after hair has been shaved, waxed, or plucked.

You can also have ingrown hair if you:

• Pulls the skin tight when shaving, which causes the hair to reenter the skin without leaving it first
• Pulling - which can leave hair clippings under the surface of the skin

When hair enters the skin, it reacts as if it were a foreign object - it becomes inflamed.

What increases my risk for ingrown hair?

Having curly hair will increase your risk of developing ingrown hair.

Diagnosis

How is ingrown hair diagnosed?

Your doctor will usually diagnose ingrown hair by looking at your skin and discussing with you about your hair removal habits.

When you go to the doctor for this condition, you can prepare the following:

• Make a list of your symptoms, including anything that seems unrelated to what you are going to ask your doctor about.
• Make a list of personal information, including stresses or recent life changes that you have passed.
• Make a list of any medications you take, including vitamins and supplements.
• Make a list of questions with your doctor.

Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is ingrown hair handled?

You might consider laser treatment, which removes deeper hair and stunts growth. Your doctor can prescribe certain medications to treat your condition, such as:

Medicines that help remove dead cells

Retinoids applied to the skin, such as tretinoin (Renova, Retin-A, others), can help remove dead cells from the skin (exfoliate).

This medication can also treat dark spots and thickened skin caused by ingrown hairs. It is generally used at night on the affected area.

In addition, antibiotics can also be used to treat infected ingrown hair. A topical formula can be used on the affected area, or your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics to treat a more severe infection.

Cream to reduce inflammation

Your doctor can suggest steroid creams. Topical steroid creams can help reduce inflammation, redness, and swelling. It is available without a doctor's prescription for low doses.

Your doctor may recommend a prescription with a higher concentration with specific instructions for using it.

Creams or pills to control infection

For infections caused by scratching the affected area, your doctor may recommend an antibiotic ointment. For more severe cases, the doctor can give oral antibiotics.

Prevention

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat ingrown hair?

Ingrown hairs usually resolve on their own. Sometimes, this condition is removed with tweezers or sterilized needles. However, it can only be done on the hair on the surface of the skin.

Digging through the hair can only increase the risk of infection. Trying to get rid of ingrown hair is more of a risk once it is infected. Removing the infected ingrown hair also increases the risk of complications.

Instead of trying to pull the hair in, try rinsing the affected area with soap and water. This method can make it easier for the hair to get out of the skin surface on its own.

If you experience ingrown hairs, one way to prevent this is to avoid shaving or pulling the hair off your face. Of course, this is not the only option.

Using over-the-counter creams with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or glycolic acid between hair removal sessions can keep skin smooth and reduce the tendency for ingrown hairs to form.

Quoted from Healthline, here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with ingrown hair:

Clean your face regularly

Washing your face with water may not be enough to prevent hair ingrown. To prevent this condition, clean your face regularly with a mild cleanser to get rid of dirt or oil that clogs your pores.

This step is important because clogged pores can increase the risk of ingrown hair conditions.

If possible, use a cleanser that exfoliates your skin. Rub your face in a circular motion to remove dead skin cells.

If you are waxing your facial hair, apply warm water to your face a few minutes before doing it. This technique can open your pores and prevent ingrown hairs.

Improve your shaving technique

Poor shaving techniques can also increase your risk of ingrown hairs. Some people pull their skin when shaving their hair, but this often results in the hair being cut too short.

It is also important to shave your hair so it is not too short. If you see facial hair growing downwards, shave in that direction.

Change your razor

The closer your razor is to your skin, the higher your risk of ingrown hair. For added security, choose a one-edged knife.

The double-edged blade cuts hair more deeply, so you tend to run the risk of ingrown hairs with this razor.

If you are using an electric razor, do not set the razor to the setting closest to the skin.

Clean your razor

Using the same razor multiple times also increases the risk of ingrown hairs. You don't need to change your razor multiple times, but you do need to clean it after using.

Dirty razors can build up bacteria in the pores and cause infection. Wash the razor with water and an alcohol-based cleaner after use.

Use shaving cream

Shaving with dry skin is a surefire way to increase the risk of ingrown hair. As a practical way, keep your facial hair lubricated and moisturized.

Before shaving, apply shaving cream and water to your face. It reduces dry and brittle hair, allowing you to shave your hair in one swipe.

Use a moisturizer after shaving

After taking care of your face before and while shaving, you also need to take care of your skin after shaving. Use a moisturizer that can keep your skin smooth after shaving.

Get into the habit of using cold water immediately after you shave. This method can reduce irritation, tighten pores, moisturize, and help treat ingrown hairs.

Use hair removal chemicals

If you have problems ingrown hair, switching from razors to hair removal creams might be a solution. Depilatory is a cream specially designed to remove unwanted hair, even on sensitive parts of your body.

Always do a skin test to check for your allergies before using this chemical.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.