Infected Ingrown Hairs

An ingrown hair occurs when a shaft of hair either fails to penetrate the follicle or re-enters the follicle, causing it to grow beneath the surface of the skin. As the ingrown hair grows, a noticeable bump develops, and the follicle becomes more susceptible to an infection known as folliculitis, according to Daniel Yarosh, Ph.D.'s "The New Science of Perfect Skin." Folliculitis is often an infection of the common Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, but other bacteria may cause it as well.

Appearance

MedicineNet states that ingrown hairs appear as visible bumps on the skin, inside which the hair shaft itself may be visible. If the shaft is curled up several times, it may appear as a ball or mass rather than a fine line. Small, red, irritated bumps may surround the ingrown hair, especially if the area has been recently shaved. According to the Mayo Clinic, a folliculitis infection is typically manifested as a white head pimple covering a hair follicle. Pus is usually visible and will leak from the follicle if the surface of the white head is punctured.

Causes

Folliculitis is caused when Staphylococcus aureus or another bacteria infects a damaged hair follicle, according to the National Institutes of Health, but there are several ways for your hair follicles to become damaged in the first place. Tight clothing that causes friction, close shaving and hair follicles blocked with dirt and oil can all allow the infection to take hold. MedicineNet adds that hair waxing may be another cause, and the Mayo Clinic states that skin wounds, excessive perspiration and other existing skin conditions may also encourage folliculitis.

Symptoms

The National Institutes of Health reports that folliculitis may be characterized by an itchy rash and pustules that may develop a crusty layer of dried pus. The affected areas may also be painful, tender and swollen, according to the Mayo Clinic, and may leave behind scars. Additional symptoms may vary depending on the exact cause of the folliculitis.

Treatment

The Mayo Clinic reports that the typical case of folliculitis is mild and will eventually heal without intervention, but severe cases can occur and should be brought to the attention of your physician, who may prescribe prescription-strength medicine. Self-treatment options for mild cases include compresses of warm water or white vinegar and topical hydrocortisone or oatmeal creams. MedicineNet suggests other solutions such as over-the-counter chemical depilatories and laser treatment for hair removal. Ingrown hairs can also be manually extracted through a small incision using sterilized instruments, though this is best done under the supervision of a medical professional.

Prevention

The best prevention practices promoted by the Mayo Clinic include wearing loose, comfortable clothing, using clean razor blades for shaving and avoiding soaking in hot tubs that are or may be dirty. The National Institutes of Health recommends a routine skin washing regimen and avoidance of dirty towels, washcloths and clothes. Dr. Yarosh's book also suggests that you avoid shaving against the grain of your hair, which can cause the hairs to curl as they grow back and enhance the likelihood of an ingrown hair.