When you shave or tweeze the hair on your chin, you are at risk for developing an ingrown hair. Instead of growing out of the follicle, the hair grows inwards and irritates the area. Common symptoms of an ingrown hair include redness, swelling and discomfort. If you are prone to ingrown hair after shaving, you may want to consider an alternative hair removal method, like laser therapy. In most cases, ingrown hair on the chin can be treated at home.
Step 1
Leave the hair alone. The New Zealand Dermatological Society recommends not shaving the beard area for 30 days to treat an ingrown hair. This gives the hair enough time to naturally grow out of the follicle.
Step 2
Wash the chin area. Use a soft washcloth and anti-bacteral soap to massage with circular motions around the ingrown hair. The soap should contain benzoyl peroxide to treat the inflammation associated with the disorder.
Step 3
Apply glycolic acid lotion on the ingrown hair and surrounding area each night after cleansing the face.
Step 4
Dab on a small amount of hydrocortisone cream to reduce swelling and redness caused by the ingrown hair. Once symptoms clear up, discontinue use of the medication. Prolonged use may cause skin sensitivity in the treated area.
Step 5
Place a sterile needle into the pore of the skin; position the point beneath the hair loop and lift the hair out of the follicle.
Tips and Warnings
- Your doctor may recommend oral and topical antibiotics to prevent or treat an infection as a result of the ingrown hair. Change the way you shave to prevent future recurrences of ingrown hair. Moisten the skin with warm water, and use a fresh razor to shave in the same direction as the hair's natural growth pattern.
Things You'll Need
- Glycolic acid lotion
- Sterile needle
- Benzoyl peroxide soap
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