Ingrown hairs are simply hairs that curl back and grow into the skin. They're often a result of shaving, which can leave hair tips sharp and close to the skin. This increases the chance of what's known as extrafollicular penetration. Anyone who practices regular hair removal can experience these razor bumps, but they're more commonly seen in people with curlier hair, explains MayoClinic.com.
Symptoms
Ingrown hairs usually manifest as raised bumps along the surface of the skin. These bumps can remain solid or fill with pus, which results in blister-like lesions, according to MayoClinic.com. They can also be accompanied by hyperpigmentation, pain, itching and scarring. Any site of the skin can develop razor bumps as a result of shaving, but women often experience ingrown hairs along the underarms, legs and bikini line, while men find them arising on the neck and face.
Origin
Razor bumps are actually the result of your body's immune response. When the hair curls back and grows into the skin, your body doesn't recognize it as its own, causing irritation and inflammation within the penetration site. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology characterizes this as a foreign body reaction. The intensity of the reaction dictates the severity of the bumps.
Prevention/Solution
The most effective method of treatment is really prevention, so pay close attention to your hair removal techniques. With shaving, prepare the skin and hair to be shorn with warm water and a shaving gel. This makes the skin more supple, lessening irritation; and the hair more pliable, reducing sharpness of the tip. Stick with single bladed razors, which leave the shorn hairs longer, while guiding the blade in the direction of hair growth, advises MayoClinic.com. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology also recommends limiting razor strokes and refraining from tightening the skin during shaving.
Self-Care
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests freeing the embedded tip from the skin with a needle, tweezers, toothbrush or washcloth for those ingrown hairs that do develop. Needles and tweezers can hook the shaft of the ingrown hair and pull the tip from the skin, while toothbrushes and washcloths can create enough friction by rubbing along the penetration site to loosen the embedded tip.
Professional Care
When ingrown hairs from shaving become a chronic problem, which is typically referred to as pseudofolliculitis barbae, prescription medications may be necessary to improve the condition. MayoClinic.com lists retinoids, antibiotics and corticosteroids as medications you can use to better manage razor bumps. You may also benefit from permanent hair removal, such as electrolysis or laser hair removal. Consult with your doctor or dermatologist to determine which treatment method is most appropriate for you.
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