Black men ages 14 to 25 are the most likely group of people to suffer from ingrown hairs, states MayoClinic.com. This is because of their hair texture, which is stiff and curly. Ingrown hairs are especially common on the beard area, but can allow occur on the head or anywhere that hair is removed. When hair is removed, the hair may curve back through the follicle wall or into the skin and become ingrown. In most cases, ingrown hair lesions can be treated in three to four weeks.
Step 1
Wash your face every morning using an anti-bacterial or anti-acne soap, according to the U.S. Department of the Navy. Scrub gently in circular motions using a polyester web sponge for three to five minutes. If you don't have a polyester web sponge, you can use a rough washcloth.
Step 2
Place a hot, wet compress on the ingrown hair lesions to help them drain three times per day. The compress should be as hot as you can stand, but not so hot as to burn your face. The first time you apply the compress each day should be immediately after the morning scrub.
Step 3
Apply hydrocortisone cream to the lesions in the morning. Rub the cream into the skin thoroughly.
Step 4
Scrub the area gently using polyester web sponge or rough washcloth twice per day, not including the morning wash, for three to five minutes each time to try to tease the ingrown hair tip out of the skin. During these two sessions, the sponge or washcloth and your face should be dry.
Step 5
Treat the lesions with an antibiotic ointment, such as bacitracin zinc, following the second application of the hot compress each day. This will help to minimize the risk of the lesions becoming infected. For a black man, this can also help to minimize the risk of scarring.
Step 6
Exfoliate the area just before bed by applying a glycolic acid lotion, recommends SkinSight. Follow the package directions. Be sure to do this after you have applied the third hot, wet compress of the day.
Tips and Warnings
- If you find that your ingrown hairs don't respond to these self-treatment options, contact a doctor. You may need prescription treatments, such as corticosteroids, retinoids or antibiotics, or dermatological treatments, such as skin peels or electolysis to help the condition.
- Don't try to dig the ingrown hair out of the skin. Black men are susceptible to keloid scarring, permanent scarring and hyperpigmentation. Trying to dig the hairs out will increase the risk of these occurring.
Things You'll Need
- Anti-bacterial soap
- Anti-acne soap
- Polyester web sponge
- Washcloth
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Antibiotic ointment
- Glycolic acid lotion
Member Comments