Any time that hair is removed from the body, there is a chance that an ingrown hair will form. This condition is most common in the beard area in men, which is called pseudofolliculitis barbae or razor bumps. However, it is also common in men on the head and neck. For women, the areas most commonly affected include the legs, underarms and bikini line.
Types
Common problems associated with ingrown hairs include acne-like blemishes, pain and itching, according to MayoClinic.com. In some cases, the skin around the ingrown hair may become darker than the rest of the skin. This is called hyperpigmentation. Infection and scarring are also possible.
Considerations
Most ingrown hairs will heal without serious problems within three to four weeks, notes the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. If the lesions don't respond to treatments within that time period, or if you get ingrown hairs every time you shave, tweeze, wax or use other hair removal methods, contact your doctor to find out if you need prescription treatments. Hyperpigmentation, however, usually clears up on its own, but takes longer to heal than the ingrown hair bump does.
Causes
Most ingrown hairs grow until a portion of the hair is visible above the skin. However, some ingrown hairs remain under the surface of the skin. These are considered embedded hairs. Picking at ingrown hair lesions or embedded ingrown hairs can cause infection, states Epigee. If the ingrown hair lesion becomes infected, permanent scarring and keloid scarring are possible.
Treatments
It is possible to treat itching from an ingrown hair with hydrocortisone cream, notes the Department of the Navy. This will also help to treat inflammation associated with the ingrown hair, which may help to alleviate pain. Antibiotic ointments, such as triple antibiotic ointment or bacitracin, can be applied to the lesions to reduce the risk of infection. For severe or chronic ingrown hairs, prescription antibiotics, corticosteroids and retinoids may be needed.
Prevention
To prevent ingrown hair problems, you must stop shaving. However, this isn't always feasible. If you can, trim the hair in the ingrown hair prone area using clippers or scissors. By trimming the hair 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch from the skin, you minimize the chance of getting ingrown hairs. If you must shave, use shaving gel and a new single blade razor to shave the hair in the same direction the hair grows.
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