Ingrown chin hairs are simply hairs that have bent back and are now growing into the skin. Most commonly a result of shaving, these red, raised bumps develop out of an immune response by the body. Now identifying the hair as a foreign object, the skin surrounding the affected follicle becomes flushed and inflamed. Dislodging the irritant is really the most effective method of getting rid of what is commonly known as razor bumps, but there are other ways in which you can treat ingrown hairs.
Step 1
Release the ingrown hair from the skin. Occasionally, you can actually see the curved shaft of the ingrown hair as it penetrates the skin of the chin. In this situation, the Mayo Clinic suggests manually extracting the tip with a sterile needle or tweezers.
Step 2
Dislodge the ingrown hair from the chin. If the curved shaft of the ingrown hair isn't visible to the eye, you may be able to dislodge the tip with a toothbrush, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Gentle circular motions can help to free the tip, thereby ridding the chin of the ingrown hair.
Step 3
Pick up a prescription for a topical medication. Retinoids and corticosteroids can remove dead skin and reduce inflammation, respectively, advises the Mayo Clinic, helping to manage the ingrown hairs on the chin. However, the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology also recommends using glycolic acid to increase the rate of recovery, which helps to remove the red bumps caused by the ingrown hairs. Use daily for best results.
Step 4
Talk to your doctor about an antibiotic. Both oral and topical antibiotics can stave off infections of the follicle and reduce inflammation of the skin that may occur as a result of ingrown hairs. Follow the directions on the prescription for proper use.
Step 5
Wait for the ingrown hair to right itself. Eventually, the tip of the ingrown hair will dislodge itself if allowed to grow, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Average hair growth is around 1.25 cm per month, which means it may take this long to see an improvement of the skin on the chin. Avoid shaving during this period of time.
Tips and Warnings
- Though shaving is the most common cause of ingrown hairs, you can also suffer from bumps due to waxing and plucking. It may be possible, according to the Mayo Clinic and the American Academy of Dermatology, to prevent ingrown hairs by moistening the skin and applying a shaving gel prior to shaving. You may also prevent them from forming if you shave in the direction of the hair growth as well as limit the number of strokes the skin experiences with the blade. If a change in shaving technique fails to prevent razor bumps, change the method of removing hair. Some people see a reduction of ingrown hairs by using an electric razor. Others find depilatories reduce the occurrence of razor bumps. You may even decide that permanent hair removal is the best option for you. Discuss the possibility of laser hair removal or electrolysis with your dermatologist.
- Chemical burns and skin irritation are common side effects of depilatories. Retinols should never be used by women who are pregnant.
Things You'll Need
- Tweezers
- Needle
- Alcohol (sanitizer)
- Topical medication
- Antibiotics
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