An ingrown hair occurs when a hair grows into the skin rather than protruding normally from the surface. Shaving, tweezing or waxing may predispose you to developing ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs cause inflammation, leading to redness, itching and raised bumps corresponding to the affected hair follicles. Although anyone who removes their hair can get an ingrown hair, it is most common among individuals with curly hair, including young men of black and Hispanic descent.
Self-Care of Ingrown Hair
Step 1
Avoid scratching or touching the ingrown hair with your hands to prevent infection, and keep irritants away from the affected skin. Keep the area clean and dry. Gently wash the affected area with soap and a clean, soft toothbrush or a rough washcloth to help release hairs that are lodged below the skin surface.
Step 2
Do not shave, tweeze or use another hair removal method while you are waiting for ingrown hair to grow long enough to pop through the skin surface. Wait three to four weeks before you resume regular shaving or other hair removal methods.
Step 3
Reduce friction on the affected area caused by clothing. For example, avoid tight-fitting pants if you have ingrown hairs in your groin area. Wear an open-collar or a collarless shirt if you have ingrown neck hairs.
Medications
Step 1
Use a topical antibiotic if indicated. An ingrown hair may lead to an infection of the hair follicle called folliculitis. This occurs when bacteria on your skin enter the damaged hair follicle and begin to proliferate. Staphylococcus, often referred to simply as staph, is a common skin bacteria that may infect ingrown hairs. Signs of folliculitis include a rash, itching and raised pimples that contain pus or crust over.
Step 2
Contact your doctor if you observe signs of an infection with an ingrown hair. Your health care provider may recommend a topical antibiotic ointment to treat or prevent bacterial infection. A severe staph infection may require oral antibiotics. Fungal infections are another possibility. Your doctor can perform laboratory tests to determine the type of infection you have and ensure that your receive the correct medication to combat it.
Step 3
Apply a topical, over-the-counter corticosteroid cream, which may help reduce inflammation and irritation while the ingrown hair heals. Follow the package instructions carefully for information on the correct frequency of application.
Step 4
Note side effects. Darkening of the skin, also known as hyperpigmentation, is a possible side effect of repeated bouts of ingrown hairs. Skin thickening, called hyperkeratosis, may also occur. Together these complications may contribute to permanent scarring. These side effects are more common if you have darkly pigmented skin. Your health care provider may prescribe a topical retinoid cream to relieve these symptoms and promote skin exfoliation, the shedding of dead skin cells.
Choosing a Razor
Step 1
Switch to an electric shaver or barber's clippers with a guard to prevent you from shaving closer than 1 millimeter from the skin. In general, methods that attempt to produce a very close shave increase the likelihood of developing ingrown hairs.
Step 2
Choose a single-blade razor instead of one with multiple blades if you want to use a razor. Although these products advertise a smoother shave, cutting the hair below the skin surface leaves you prone to more ingrown hairs.
Step 3
Keep your razor clean and change the blade frequently to ensure a sharp edge. Rinse the razor between strokes. Clean your razor thoroughly under running water after each use and store it in a dry location.
Prevent Further Irritation
Step 1
Soak your skin in warm water before shaving to soften your hair and skin. Do not shave dry skin. Apply a hot, wet washcloth to your beard for five minutes before you begin to shave. Use shaving cream or lubricating gel; apply it to your skin in the opposite direction to the hair growth. Keep your skin well-moisturized to reduce irritation.
Step 2
Shave in the direction of hair growth and do not stretch or pull your skin to get a closer shave. Avoid shaving over the same area repeatedly, and do not apply pressure to your skin as you shave. Apply a cool, wet washcloth to your skin after shaving to reduce inflammation.
Step 3
Shave less often to reduce ingrown hair formation. Chemical hair removal treatments are another option but make sure any lesions from ingrown hairs are completely healed before you try one of these products. Test any chemical hair remover on a small patch of skin to check for an allergic reaction or irritation.
Tips and Warnings
- People who experience stubborn or recurrent ingrown hairs may wish to consider laser hair removal or other methods. Your doctor can discuss safety and suitability. Of course, you could also consider growing a beard -- this is the only foolproof way to prevent ingrown facial hairs.
- Most ingrown hairs improve within a few weeks. If your symptoms spread to other areas or if you experience frequent ingrown hairs, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor right away if you develop a fever, the bump begins grow quickly or there is an expanding area of redness around an ingrown hair.
Things You'll Need
- Washcloth
- Topical antibiotic ointment
- Single-blade razor
- Shaving gel
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