Ingrown hair follicles, also known as razor bumps, are literally hairs that grow back into the skin. The condition is medically harmless but is often uncomfortable, itchy and irritating for the sufferer. The medical term is pseudofolliculitis barbae and is more common in men whose hair is naturally curly.
Description
An ingrown hair follicle happens when the hair curls back and grows under the skin. According to Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide, the immune system is activated when this happens, and it treats the invading hair like a foreign body, which causes redness and inflammation of the follicle.
Symptoms
The condition is more common on the face, bikini line and underarms and looks like a follicular infection or an inflamed pimple that is itchy, red and raised. Sometimes there is a dark center, which is the hair just below the skin. Both men and women are susceptible to this condition. But, although anyone who shaves can suffer from razor bumps, it occurs more frequently in Hispanic or Black men who have very curly hair.
Causes
According to The Art of Shaving, there are several different causes for ingrown hair follicles, including the use of poor products, poor technique, poor tools and dry skin. Dry skin makes it difficult for the hair to push through the skin layer. The hair continues to grow under the skin where the natural oil secretions, called sebum, accumulate and cause what appears to be an infected pimple. Products used to shave hair must make the hairs pliable and provide an extra layer between the skin and blade. Stay away from any products that contain alcohol because they will dry the skin and contribute to the formation of more ingrown hair follicles. You also increase the risk of forming razor bumps by shaving against the growth of the hair, because it pushes the hair back into the pores. Using a dull razor blade will aggravate the condition, because more pressure has to be placed on the blade to achieve a cut, thus forcing the hair beneath the surface.
Treatment
According to Beauty: The New Basics, ingrown hairs usually require help from glycolic acid or salicylic acid to remove the protein plug that forms in the hair tract. If ingrown hair follicles become infected, they can require the application of a topical antibiotic and may result in scar tissue. If the hair appears to be close the surface, you can remove the outer layer of skin to free the hair. Never pluck the hair, though, because this causes the follicle to grow deeper and increases the risk that another ingrown hair follicle will form. You should continue to shave, but provide more protection to areas that already have razor bumps by using a pre-shave oil to protect the skin and a very sharp razor.
Prevention
You can prevent the formation of these irritating bumps by taking precautions with skincare. According to The Art of Shaving, there are several options. Keep the skin moist to prevent dry skin. Prior to shaving, men should use heated shaving foam to make the hair as pliable as possible. Use a sharp razor, which cuts the hair close to the face without additional trauma from a dull blade. Shave first in the direction of hair growth before attempting to shave against the grain. If shaving against the grain has caused ingrown hair follicles in the past, you'll want to stop using this technique. According to Beauty: The New Basics, both men and women will find that a slight exfoliation prior to shaving will help prevent razor bumps by removing the upper layer of dead skin and encouraging the hair to grow in the right direction. Use a daily facial wash before shaving the face or a loofah or scrub over the underarms or bikini area.
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