Ingrown hair bumps are the papules and pustules that develop when the hair curls back and penetrates the skin. The body identifies the penetrating hair as a foreign body, which prompts an inflammatory response. Most commonly seen in people with curly hair, ingrown hairs are typically a result of shaving. To treat ingrown hairs and the associated razor bumps, healthcare providers recommend a combination of self-care measures and prescription medication.
Step 1
Steer clear of shaving. Shaving cuts hairs short and sharp, which keeps them embedded in the skin. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology suggests refraining from any hair removal for a period of three to four weeks. Within this time, the hair can grow to a length that naturally frees itself from the skin.
Step 2
Remove the tip of the invading hair from the skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology and the Mayo Clinic, you can lift the tip of the hair out of the skin with a needle, tweezers or even a toothbrush. Freeing the tip should cause the papule or pustule to disappear in approximately one to two days.
Step 3
Talk to your doctor about a prescription medication. The Mayo Clinic says that topical corticosteroids and retinoids can be used to treat ingrown hairs and the associated bumps. These medications reduce inflammation and help remove dead skin. You may also benefit from a topical glycolic acid, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. This medication can help heal the bumps caused by ingrown hairs.
Step 4
Follow up with antibiotics. The razor bumps caused by ingrown hairs may also be a sign of infection. Oral or topical antibiotics can be used to kill bacteria, thereby improving the appearance of the skin.
Step 5
Rest a heated washcloth or towel on the affected area of skin. If the follicle is infected, you can initiate the draining of fluid with a hot, wet cloth, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Things You'll Need
- Needle
- Tweezers
- Toothbrush
- Retinoid cream
- Corticosteroid cream
- Glycolic acid
- Antibiotics
- Washcloth
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