Ingrown pimples develop around ingrown hairs in the skin in response to irritation and inflammation. Hairs become ingrown when they curve back on themselves and grow into the skin. This sometimes develop after shaving hair on the pubic area or neck. Ingrown pimples can itch considerably and become infected without treatment. Consult your doctor if your ingrown pimples become very large or painful, develop pus-filled centers or spread. Also, let your doctor know if you develop fever or other symptoms.
Step 1
Allow your hair to grow out on affected areas. Continuing to shave will worsen inflammation and irritation. Some ingrown hairs will pop out of the skin as the hair grows longer.
Step 2
Apply a warm compress to the ingrown pimples for 15 minutes, several times each day. The heat will help open up the pimple so that the hair comes out of the skin. Warm compresses are soothing and will relieve itching and irritation.
Step 3
Sterilize a sewing needle with rubbing alcohol and then use it to pull the ingrown hairs out of the pimples. Slide the needle under any visible hair loops and pull gently upward. If no hair loops are visible near the center of the pimples, do not attempt to use a needle to remove the ingrown hairs.
Step 4
Rub hydrocortisone cream over affected areas several times each day to reduce swelling and itching. Speak with your doctor before using hydrocortisone cream on ingrown pimples near your eyes or mouth.
Step 5
Exfoliate every few days to remove dead skin cells and encourage ingrown hairs to come out of the skin. Use a fine-grained exfoliant wash or a loofah sponge to prevent irritation.
Step 6
Apply moisturizer to your skin after exfoliating, shaving, before sleep and when waking in the morning to soften ingrown hairs and minimize itching and dryness.
Step 7
Cover ingrown pimples with a topical antibiotic ointment, if your doctor recommends doing so. Sometimes, ingrown pimples can become infected. These infections usually respond to treatment with antibiotic ointment.
Things You'll Need
- Needle
- Rubbing alcohol
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Exfoliating wash
- Moisturizer
- Antibiotic ointment
Member Comments