Ingrown hairs often develop as a result of common hair-removal techniques. Shaving, waxing and even tweezing can leave the tips of the hair so tight to the skin that they curl back and grow into the epidermis, which is known as extrafollicular penetration. This leads to an inflammatory response by the immune system, triggering the development of bumps, or pseudofolliculitis barbae, along the surface of the skin.
Symptoms
Ingrown hairs can develop along any hair removal sites. But they're most often seen along the neck, cheeks and chin in men or the bikini line, legs and armpits in women, according to the Mayo Clinic. As the hair curls back into the skin, a round bump typically forms. This bump can be solid or filled with pus. It's also accompanied by pain, itching, skin discoloration and scarring.
Development
Although anyone can develop ingrown hairs after hair removal, it's most often seen in people with curlier hair, the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology explains. The curlier the hair, the more likely it is to grow into the skin. Shaving not only leaves the tip of the hair close to the skin, but also sharper than normal, making it that much easier to penetrate the epidermis.
Prevention/Solution
The easiest way to prevent ingrown hairs is to avoid hair removal. Letting the hair grow on the face, armpits, legs and pubic area inevitably prevents the development of ingrown hairs. However, you can also prevent ingrown hairs by paying closer attention to hair removal. For some people, switching to another hair removal technique may help to prevent ingrown hairs. Others can avoid razor bumps by simply applying a shaving gel, using a single-blade razor and shaving in the direction of hair growth, the Mayo Clinic suggests. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology also recommends limiting razor strokes and minimizing pressure on the blade.
Self-Care
If ingrown hairs still develop after hair removal, you can often use self-care techniques to help clear the bumps. A needle or tweezers can be used to hook and gently guide the embedded tip out of the skin, the American Academy of Dermatology advises. A little friction from a soft-bristled toothbrush or washcloth may also loosen the tip from the skin. Once the tip is no longer growing into the epidermis, the inflammation should subside, and you'll see an improvement in the condition.
Medications
For chronic cases of ingrown hairs, the Mayo Clinic suggests consulting a doctor. Medical professionals can prescribe medications to minimize and better manage ingrown hairs and their associated razor bumps. Retinoids, antibiotics and corticosteroids can remove dead skin, prevent infection and lessen inflammation, all of which are known to exacerbate razor bumps.
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