Ingrown hairs can cause skin inflammation, mild pain, itching, and redness. Shaving is a common cause, and skin friction can also contribute. In severe cases, infection can occur, but keeping the area clean and dry can usually resolve the issue. Prevention tips include using a clean, sharp razor and treating symptoms early.
Some of the more common symptoms of an ingrown hair include skin inflammation, mild pain, itching, and redness. The condition is usually not serious and usually goes away on its own if the area is kept clean and dry. Problems are more likely if the condition goes unnoticed or if multiple hairs in a single location become ingrown. These situations can lead to infections, which can result in blood and pus near the hair follicle. Most experts advise people to stay proactive about growing internally and get help if things seem to be getting worse or spreading. Treatment is usually fairly straightforward and noninvasive, but is usually easier the earlier the process is started.
Condition basics
An ingrown hair occurs when hair follicles become disoriented and actually start growing into the skin rather than on and off the body. They often look like little red pimples. There are a number of causes for this condition, but shaving is one of the main culprits; razors that are too dull, pressure that is too hard, and lack of lubrication can all be culprits. Skin friction can also be a cause, particularly if hair follicles are pressed under dense clothing or shoes for long periods of time. Recognizing symptoms early is often very important in curing things.
Skin inflammation
The most common sign of an ingrown hair is a small bump on the skin, and sometimes even a hair just below the skin’s surface will be visible. In severe cases, inflammation will also be present. Unlike other conditions, such as rashes, which often have a cluster of small bumps, the inflammation associated with an ingrown hair is usually isolated around a single hair follicle. Typically, the inflammation associated with an ingrown hair is fairly mild at first, but can increase as the hair grows longer.
Localized pain
Even mild pain is very common. This pain is usually quite localized, usually around the site of the growth. The best treatment is usually to remove problem hair, but applying ice and taking a mild pain reliever may also provide more immediate relief.
Redness and itching
Ingrown hairs can also cause what appears to be an itchy, red rash. In most cases, both of these symptoms are related to the pressure that the hair exerts on the skin at a superficial level. It is usually best to avoid using anti-itch creams or topical remedies as these can block skin pores and further insulate the hair, which can actually make the problem worse. People should also usually try to avoid scratching the area; this can break the skin and possibly spread the infection
Chance of infection
In some cases, ingrown hairs become infected. Common symptoms in these cases include pooling of blood, scabs, and sores at the site that appear to ooze pus. Blood and pus are both signs that the problem has become serious, and it’s usually a good idea for people in these situations to get medical attention.
Common treatments
Keeping the area clean and dry and free of irritants is usually the best course of action. Within a day or so, your hair should straighten out. Scrubbing the area with a gentle exfoliant or astringent can help speed up the process. If the area is particularly inflamed, a small amount of steroid cream may provide relief, although most experts recommend washing the area immediately afterwards to allow for good air circulation.
In extreme cases the hair can be removed. This can sometimes be done at home, often with a sterile needle or small set of tweezers, but it’s more common to visit a health care professional. Professionals have the tools and experience to eliminate the hair problem and recommend a treatment regimen that prevents further complications.
Prevention tips
A number of precautions can be taken to reduce the chances of getting an ingrown hair. Shaving with a clean, very sharp razor and avoiding shaving on pimples or other small bumps usually helps. Also, recognizing the symptoms of an ingrown hair at an early stage and treating it quickly usually helps avoid infection and serious discomfort.
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