The American Academy of Dermatology characterizes an ingrown hair as any hair that curls back and grows into the skin. It's a common issue that often develops as a result of shaving. Shaving can leave the tip of the hair with a sharp edge that can easily penetrate the skin and produce the signs and symptoms associated with this skin condition.
Symptoms
Ingrown hairs typically cause a small papule around the area of penetration. This papule is red and swollen, sometimes prompting discomfort or tenderness in the skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. The body identifies the penetrating hair as a foreign body, eliciting an immune response that triggers inflammation and redness and produces the papule. It's also possible for the ingrown hair to block the pore and bring about an infection within the follicle. When this occurs, the papule may progress into a pustule, which is simply a papule that fills with pus.
Development
Though the most frequent cause of ingrown hairs is shaving, it's also common for other areas of the skin to develop this condition. As indicated by the Mayo Clinic, portions of the skin that experience a great deal of friction can also suffer from ingrown hairs. It's a result of both the hair shaft and the opening of the follicle enduring constant irritation. Dry skin, clogged hair follicles and certain methods of hair removal can also cause ingrown hairs. Regardless of what prompts an ingrown hair, people usually experience this condition on the face, legs, underarm and bikini line. Curly hair is more prone to ingrown problems than straight hair.
Treatment
To treat the signs and symptoms of an ingrown hair, the Mayo Clinic recommends doing nothing, especially at the onset of the condition. This is largely because most ingrown hairs tend to remedy themselves. Given time, the hair will eventually grow out of the skin and the complexion will improve. It can take upwards of three to four weeks for signs and symptoms to dissipate. Symptoms may also improve by applying a cortisone cream directly onto the ingrown hair. If ingrown hairs become an ongoing problem, a person should consult a family physician or a dermatologist. The area may need to be treated with an antiseptic or oral antibiotic.
Prevention
The American Academy of Dermatology and the Mayo Clinic suggest preventive measures to avoid ingrown hairs. Most of these measures involve proper shaving techniques. No matter what portion of the skin is being shaved, soften the hair with warm water and shaving gel before running a razor along the skin. Always shave in the direction of hair growth, which can decrease the sharpness of the hair and leave the hair a bit longer. Both factors reduce chances of curl-back. It's also advised to avoid pulling the skin during shaving and to refrain from shaving over the same spot repeatedly.
Considerations
When ingrown hairs become a chronic problem, a person may need to consider laser hair removal, according to the Mayo Clinic and the American Academy of Dermatology. Laser hair removal uses pulses of light to reduce the amount of hair on the skin. After a number of sessions, you can live "hair-free" for up to 12 months. This eliminates the need for shaving, thereby removing the common cause of ingrown hairs.
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