Ingrown hairs trapped under the skin have curved back and are now growing in the opposite direction. Shaving, waxing and plucking can all cause hairs to grow into the skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. Once the tip of the hair penetrates the body, it triggers an immune response, which causes the formation of a papule or pustule. Also known as razor bumps, these small, red mounds can become quite uncomfortable, prompting people to seek out treatment for this inflammatory condition.
Step 1
Extract the tip of the ingrown hair. Both the Mayo Clinic and the American Academy of Dermatology recommend using a needle or tweezers to carefully extract the tip of the ingrown hair. The inflammatory response of the skin should subside once the tip is removed. Disinfect the area with an alcohol swab to prevent infection.
Step 2
Knead the ingrown hair with a soft-bristled toothbrush. The gentle friction of the brush over the papule can loosen the tip of the ingrown hair, allowing it to grow out of the skin, according to the Mayo Clinic and the American Academy of Dermatology. This should ease the swelling and rid the skin of the razor bumps.
Step 3
Try the daily application of a medicated cream. When applied directly to the papule and surrounding skin, medicated creams containing glycolic acid, corticosteroids or retinoids can help to treat and even remove ingrown hairs, says the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. They prevent bacteria and dead skin from clogging the affected follicle while reducing inflammation, which should clear up the razor bumps.
Step 4
Start using an antibiotic. Both oral and topical antibiotics are used to aid in repairing the papules associated with ingrown hairs, advises the Mayo Clinic. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist about a prescription.
Step 5
Avoid shaving skin suffering from ingrown hairs. Shaving can aggravate and worsen ingrown hairs, so give your skin some time to heal. The hairs growing into the skin will start to grow in an upright direction once the hair gets to a certain length, claims the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. It can take anywhere between three to four weeks for the papules to subside.
Tips and Warnings
- If razor bumps become a persistent problem, talk to a dermatologist about permanent hair removal. Electrolysis and laser hair removal can stop hair growth, which prevents the development of ingrown hairs.
- When using a needle or tweezers to extract the tip of the ingrown hair, don't remove the hair itself. This could exacerbate the swelling of the papule.
Things You'll Need
- Tweezers
- Needle
- Alcohol swab
- Toothbrush
- Topical cream
- Antibiotics
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