An ingrown hair develops when the tip of the hair turns back into the skin tissues. The result can be an unsightly, painful, inflamed and even infected bump. Hair removal in the pubic area increases the likelihood of an ingrown hair because the hair strand is shortened and can easily bend into the skin. Other causes of ingrown hairs include friction and wearing tight-fitting clothing in the pubic area. You can treat an ingrown hair home but if pus, bleeding or other signs of infection occur, seek medical help.
Step 1
Stop any hair removal methods, at least in the area surrounding the ingrown hair. Shaving, plucking or any other hair removal method can exacerbate the irritation and introduce bacteria to the ingrown hair follicle.
Step 2
Wet a clean washcloth with warm water. Place it over the ingrown hair for 10 to 15 minutes. Do this at least once a day to help soften the skin over the ingrown hair.
Step 3
Lather the ingrown hair area with a mild soap and warm water. Gently rub the area with a fresh wet washcloth. Apply minimal pressure, but rub in a circular motion for 10 to 15 seconds. This technique can soften the skin and help the hair protrude from the skin.
Step 4
Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment once or twice per day, especially following the warm compress and soap. The ointment can reduce the risk of infection of the hair follicle.
Step 5
Examine the ingrown hair carefully each day. Attempt to withdraw the hair only when a loop or bend of the hair is visible. When this appears, disinfect a pair of tweezers with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. Rub the cotton ball over the tweezers.
Step 6
Grasp the center of the loop of hair with the tweezers. Turn the tweezers in either direction to loosen the tip of the hair and force it to pop out of the skin. Another method is to take one point of the tweezers, insert it into the loop of hair and slowly lift upward. This is different from plucking the hair; the intention is to gently get the tip of the hair to come out of the skin.
Step 7
Grasp the tip of the hair with the tweezers once it comes out of the skin. Gently pull straight up to withdraw the hair.
Step 8
Cleanse the skin with soap and water after removing the hair.
Step 9
Pat the area dry, and apply a thin layer of triple antibiotic cream.
Step 10
Observe the site of the ingrown hair for several days to watch for signs of infection. Should the skin become reddened, full of pus or extremely painful, contact a health care professional for skin infection treatment.
Tips and Warnings
- Throw out razors that you have used in the area of the ingrown hair. These tools may have bacteria thriving on the surface, which can reinfect the hair follicles or worsen the ingrown hair. Disinfect electric razors according to the manufacturer's directions, which typically includes using rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab on the blades. Use an electric razor, when applicable, for a closer shave in the pubic area to reduce ingrown hairs. Use a drying body powder or cornstarch to reduce friction if ingrown hairs are frequent.
- Don't share a razor with anyone, especially during and after an ingrown hair. The razor can spread bacteria from one person to another.
Things You'll Need
- Washcloth
- Soap
- Antibiotic ointment
- Towel
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton balls
- Tweezers
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