Ingrown hairs are common in people who shave, tweeze or wax hair. When the hair is removed close to the skin or below the skin, there is a chance that it will begin to curve as it grows, which makes it possible for the hair to grow back into the skin. An ingrown hair is treated as a foreign body, and the body begins to attack it to try to remove it. This causes redness, irritation, a pus-filled bump, pain and itching. There are some ways to help speed the healing process and minimize the irritation associated with ingrown hairs.
Heat
Using moist heat can help speed up the healing process for the ingrown hairs. Once you notice that an ingrown hair is forming, apply a moist, warm compress to the ingrown hair. If it is on an area such as the legs or bikini line that can be soaked in the bathtub, you can do that instead of applying a compress. Ideally, you should do this three times per day.
Over-the-Counter Medications
You can use anti-itch creams, such as hydro-cortisone to help control the itching associated with ingrown hairs. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions. If you scratch at an ingrown hair, you risk developing an infection. To combat an infection, you can apply triple antibiotic ointment to the ingrown hair until it heals.
Cleaning
Keeping the area near the ingrown hair clean is essential to avoid an infection. Mother Nature suggests using a benzoyl peroxide bar to wash the area. Use gentle circular motions when washing the area. Vigorous scrubbing will irritate the area and the ingrown hair.
Avoid Irritation
If your ingrown hair is in an area that is covered by clothing, wear loose clothing while it heals, states Epigee. Additionally, you should avoid exfoliating the area of the ingrown hair. By following these tips, you will minimize the irritation placed on the ingrown hair, which will speed up the healing.
Ingrown Hair Removal
You will notice an area of hair that is visible above the skin between the natural hair follicle and the spot where the hair has grown into the skin. This area of hair is called the hair loop. Once you can see the hair loop, you can gently remove the ingrown end of the hair by placing an alcohol-sterilized needle under the hair loop and pulling up gently on it. Once the ingrown end is removed, don't try to remove the hair from the natural hair follicle, as you may get another ingrown hair when the hair grows back out. If you can't see the hair loop, don't try to dig the hair out. This can lead to infection and scarring.
Chronic Ingrown Hairs
If you suffer from chronic ingrown hairs, your doctor may be able to prescribe medications to help combat these. Mayo Clinic notes that corticosteroids may be prescribed to help minimize inflammation, retinoids may help reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation and scarring and antibiotics can help to prevent or control an infection. Additionally, there are prescriptions available for women that may help decrease hair growth.
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