An ingrown hair develops when the tip of the hair turns inward toward the skin. The Mayo Clinic points out that shaving and tweezing can increase the risk of developing this skin discomfort. Signs of an ingrown hair include the development of a bump, redness, itching, pain and a white-head pimple. Treatment isn't always necessary, but it may relieve the symptoms and increase the speed of healing. People can prevent ingrown hair by using proper hair removal aids, such as shaving cream and aftershave solution.
Step 1
Wash the affected area with antibacterial soap and warm water. Use a soft cloth to rub the area and encourage the skin to soften or loosen.
Step 2
Rinse the skin, and wet the washcloth with warm water. Leave the cloth on the skin until cool.
Step 3
Examine the bump to see if the loop of the turned in hair is visible. If so, prepare to remove it by sterilizing a needle with rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball. If the hair is not visible, apply a thin layer of hydrocortisone cream. Repeat the washing and massage every day until the loop of the hair appears.
Step 4
Place the needle inside the loop of the hair, and gently pull upward. The tip of the hair should pop out. Sterilize tweezers with rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball. Grasp the hair, and pull it from the skin.
Step 5
Wash the skin area with antibacterial soap and warm water again after withdrawing the hair.
Step 6
Pat the skin with a dry cloth.
Step 7
Apply a thin layer of antibiotic cream to the skin to prevent infection.
Tips and Warnings
- Get a new razor or razor blade are using it on the affected area. Bacteria can infect the razor, and increase the risk of skin infection.
- Consult a health care professional if the ingrown hair becomes feverish, oozes pus or bleeds. This can be a sign of infection that requires medical treatment. If the ingrown hair persists beyond two weeks, seek medical treatment to have it removed.
Things You'll Need
- Antibacterial soap
- Washcloth
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton balls
- Tweezers
- Antibiotic cream
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