An ingrown hair occurs when a recently removed hair grows back into the follicle. This condition, also called pseudofolliculitis barbae or razor bumps causes inflammation and discomfort on the skin. This occurs because the body treats the hair as a foreign body, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Although typically not a serious problem, it can be a recurrent issue for some people.
Symptoms
Some areas of the body are more prone to developing ingrown hair follicles because they are most often shaved. These areas are the beard, scalp, armpits, legs and pubic area. When an ingrown hair occurs, small red bumps appear on the surface of the skin. Other symptoms include pain, itching and skin discoloration.
Risks
Certain factors put individuals at an increased risk for ingrown hairs. For example, people with curly hair are more likely to experience the problem. According to the Mayo Clinic, the way you shave also determines your risk for ingrown hair. If you hold the skin taut while shaving, it increases your risk of having the hair drawn back into the skin. Tweezing the hair also causes ingrown hair since part of the hair does not get removed and remains beneath the skin’s surface.
Home Relief
If you can, allow the hair to grow back. This allows it to grow out of the follicle. When you do shave again, the hair should be at least ¼ inch long to prevent a recurrence. If you can’t wait for natural relief, the Mayo Clinic notes that you may use a sterile needle to lift out the ingrown hair. Place the tip of the needle beneath the loop of the hair and gently lift it out to remove from the follicle.
Physician Treatment
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic treatments if the ingrown hair becomes infected. Antibiotics are available as a topical cream or can be taken orally for severe infections. Your doctor may also give you steroid creams to reduce inflammation from the razor bumps.
Prevention
Changing the way you shave prevents future recurrences of ingrown hair. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology suggests reducing your risk of the condition by using an electric shaver and shaving with the grain of the hair growth. Shaving in a warm shower opens up the hair follicles and prevents razor bumps.
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