An ingrown hair looks like a red, inflamed pimple that appears on an area that has been recently shaved. Ingrown hairs occur most often in individuals with particularly coarse or curly hair. When the hair is shaved it can begin to curl backwards and continue to grow underneath the skin. As the hair grows, the skin underneath becomes more and more inflamed. In most cases an ingrown hair does not require attention from a doctor and can be treated at home. In cases of severe infection or swelling, a doctor may use electrolysis to permanently remove the hair at the root.
Step 1
Wash the afflicted area thoroughly with antibacterial soap and warm water. Washing the area in warm water will help open pores and bring the ingrown hair closer to the skin.
Step 2
Apply a washcloth rinsed in warm water to the ingrown hair for several minutes to help soften the skin and help the hair emerge from the skin, suggests dermatologist Rodney Basler, M.D. Continue soaking the area with the washcloth until you can see the location of the hair underneath the skin.
Step 3
Remove the hair with a sterilized needle, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Soak a sewing needle in hydrogen peroxide for several minutes, and apply hydrogen peroxide to the afflicted area with a cotton ball. Gently pierce your skin with the needle and pull the hair completely out of the skin.
Step 4
Soak a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide, then dab the afflicted area. Remove the exposed hair with a pair of tweezers, if desired.
Step 5
Apply an antibacterial ointment to the area to reduce swelling and prevent infection. Continue to apply the ointment once a day until the red, inflamed bump is completely gone.
Tips and Warnings
- Shave along the direction of hair growth to prevent ingrown hairs.
- Consult a doctor if the ingrown hair is excessively swollen or you are unable to remove it.
Things You'll Need
- Antibacterial soap
- Washcloth
- Needle
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Cotton ball
- Tweezers
- Antibiotic ointment
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