Ingrown hairs are basically any hairs that grow back into your skin. Shaving, tweezing or waxing can all leave the tips of your hair close to the skin, which may cause them to curl back and re-enter the follicular opening. This triggers irritation and subsequent inflammation, resulting in what's often called a razor bump. A razor bump is a form of folliculitis known as pseudofolliculitis barbae. Treatment for this condition predominantly revolves around a combination of self-care and preventive measures, but there are also medical treatments available for people suffering from more chronic cases.
Self-Care
According to both the American Academy of Dermatology and the Mayo Clinic, you can often dislodge an ingrown hair manually. By hooking and gently pulling the shaft of an ingrown hair with a needle or tweezers, you can free the tip from the skin. Friction from the circular motion of a toothbrush or washcloth can sometimes provide the same results. Holding a hot, wet washcloth over razor bumps can encourage the drainage of inflamed follicles, advises the National Institutes of Health.
Medical Care
Prescription medications can help to manage the frequency and severity of ingrown hair growth. The Mayo Clinic lists corticosteroids, retinoids and antibiotics as viable options, stating that these topical drugs reduce inflammation, remove dead skin and prevent infections. All of these factors can minimize the frequency of ingrown hair growth and avoid complications of ingrown hairs that may damage and even scar your skin.
Prevention
Besides treating the ingrown hair itself, you should also take preventative steps to avoid their development. Paying close attention to your hair removal techniques is by far the most advantageous. With shaving, always prepare the hair and skin with warm water and shaving gel. If over-the-counter shaving gels aren't helpful, talk to your doctor or dermatologist about a prescription shaving foam.
The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology also suggests shaving in the direction of hair growth and limiting razor strokes to minimize irritation of the skin and follicles. Regularly switch out dull blades and follow up with a soothing aftershave to further discourage ingrown hairs. If tweezing or waxing is causing ingrown hair growth, consider using a different method of hair removal, such as depilatories, epilators or electric shavers.
Considerations
With chronic ingrown hair growth, or if other methods fail to reduce ingrown hairs, it may be necessary to permanently remove hairs along problematic areas of your skin, advises the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Laser hair removal and electrolysis are two cosmetic procedures that damage hair follicles so they no longer produce hair. Without the ability to grow hair in those areas, you no longer suffer from ingrown hair growth.
Warning
Before using any form of treatment for ingrown hairs, it's best to discuss all of your options with a doctor or dermatologist. Medical professionals can better assess your skin and severity of ingrown hair growth and then suggest the most appropriate treatment for you.
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