Ingrown underarm hair is caused by hair removal methods such as waxing or shaving. According to MayoClinic.com, the underarm is one of the most common locations for a female to have an ingrown hair. Because of the warm moist environment of the underarm, it is possible that the ingrown hair will become infected. An infected ingrown hair is also known as folliculitis. The treatment depends on the severity of the infection.
Purpose
Treatment for an ingrown and infected underarm hair is aimed at first clearing up the infection and then healing the ingrown hair. The ingrown hair will usually become dislodged from the skin while the infection is still present. This is because the body's natural defenses try to push the hair out of the skin, as if it were a foreign body.
Types
Over-the-counter and prescription treatments are available to treat ingrown and infected underarm hairs. Over-the-counter ointments, such as triple antibiotic ointment and Bacitracin, are topical products that can be used to treat mild infections of ingrown underarm hairs. Prescription treatments include topical or oral antibiotics and/or corticosteroids, notes MayoClinic.com.
Considerations
When you treat an ingrown underarm hair, whether it is infected or not, you can help speed the healing by keeping the area clean and dry. Medline Plus suggests applying a hot, wet compress to the ingrown hair bump to encourage the bump to drain. During the course of treatment, the area shouldn't be shaved. Additionally, friction caused by tight clothing should be avoided, so wear only loose shirts until the ingrown hair bump heals.
Prevention/Solution
Ingrown armpit hairs can be prevented by using proper shaving techniques. Exfoliate the underarm before shaving. Soak the underarm in warm water for five minutes before applying shaving gel. Shave using a razor with one blade going with the grain of the hair. Use a single stroke for each area of the armpit. If an ingrown hair still occurs, keep the underarm clean and cool to prevent an infection.
Warning
Hyperpigmentation, permanent scarring and keloid scarring are all possible if ingrown hairs, especially infected ingrown hairs, are not treated promptly. Hyperpigmentation is a darkening of the skin that may occur around the ingrown hair bump. In some cases, skin lightening treatments will fade the hyperpigmentation over time. Permanent scarring and keloid scarring are usually present for life, but treatments may diminish the appearance over time.
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