1. Common in Curlyheads
If you've ever experienced those pesky red bumps on the back of your thighs, underarms or neck soon after shaving, you're a victim of ingrown hairs. These painful pustules, also known as razor burn, can affect both men and women, especially those with coarse, curly hair. Ingrown hairs form as a result of the tip of the hair curling into the side of the follicle instead of up through the opening. Both close shaving and waxing are a common cause of ingrown hairs, as well as wearing constrictive clothing, such as tight jeans, that produces a lot of friction to the thighs or pubic area.
2. Red and Itchy
The most notable sign of an ingrown hair is a raised, red bump that is tender to the touch. These are often pus-filled and may occasionally bleed when provoked. Ingrown hairs under the arms or along the groin area are often itchy and might appear in the form of a rash.
3. The Importance of Prep-Work
How can you prevent ingrown hairs from forming? The most effective way is to stop shaving altogether or to opt for permanent hair removal; however, these methods are also the least appealing for many people. Instead, there are a few things you can do to reduce razor burn. Before you shave, prep your skin by first soaking it in warm water or applying a warm compress. Remove the upper layer of dead skin cells using a loofah sponge and a body scrub that contains salicylic acid. Apply a lubricating gel or cream and shave your face or legs with a single-blade razor in the same direction the hair grows. Treat any redness or swelling with an astringent containing witch hazel. As an alternative to shaving, you can also use a depilatory cream to dissolve the hair chemically above the skin's surface.
4. Coax it out of Hiding
You can sometimes coax an ingrown hair into the opening by using a warm compress and a pair of sterilized tweezers. Apply the warm compress for 15 minutes to soften the skin around the ingrown hair. If you can see the hair, use the tweezers to pull the hair gently out of the follicle. Don't remove the hair completely, as this will only perpetuate the problem.
5. Boiling Mad
You may need to see a dermatologist if you have persistent razor burn or if the associated pain worsens or becomes unmanageable. An infected ingrown hair can result in a boil, an often large, pus-filled skin formation that may require antibiotic treatment. If left untreated, the infection can spread throughout your body and make you ill.
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