Ingrown Hairs and Pimples

If your skin is covered in small pimples immediately after shaving, they may be caused by ingrown hairs, according to MayoClinic.com. Ingrown hairs can occur on the skin anywhere you shave and may be itchy, painful and unsightly. With over-the-counter remedies and at-home treatments, you may be able to reduce the appearance and severity of pimples caused by ingrown hairs.

Significance

Ingrown hairs may occur more often in individuals who have very curly or coarse hair. African American males between the ages of 14 and 25 may have the most difficulty with ingrown hairs, according to MayoClinic.com. When the hair is shaved, tweezed or waxed, it may curl back underneath the skin as it grows, creating a red bump that may be painful. When the skin around the ingrown hair becomes inflamed, it may make the ingrown hair even worse.

Treatments

To treat ingrown hairs, Esta Kronberg, M.D., a dermatologist in private practice in Houston and a contributor to the book "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Women," recommends washing the afflicted area with 10 percent benzoyl peroxide soap twice a day. The Palo Alto Medical Foundation website suggests applying a 1 percent hydrocortisone cream to the irritated area twice a day and refraining from shaving the area for two months.

Prevention/Solution

Shave with a sharp, brand-new razor each time you shave to prevent getting more ingrown hairs. Use a moisturizing shave gel that lubricates the skin and places a layer of protection between your skin and the razor. Immediately after shaving, place a washcloth rinsed in ice cold water over the skin to prevent swelling and irritation of the skin, which may cause hairs to curl back underneath the skin.

Expert Insight

According to Mary Stone, M.D., associate professor of dermatology at the University of Iowa in Iowa City in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Women," ingrown hairs are common in the bikini area because the legs may rub back and forth, causing the hair follicles to close up due to the irritation. If the hair follicles close, they may make the hairs curl and grow back into the skin instead of growing straight out after shaving.

Warning

Ingrown hairs may become infected, especially if you pick at or scratch them. Ingrown hair pimples that appear infected may be severely swollen, look red and irritated, may be filled with pus and may be very painful. If your ingrown hairs become infected, consult your doctor immediately for further treatment. Treatment for infected ingrown hairs may include a course of prescription oral antibiotics.