Ingrown Hair

Overview

Ingrown hair occurs when a hair that has been removed starts to grow back and curves into the skin, often caused by shaving, tweezing, or waxing. It can result in tiny, swollen bumps on the skin that may be painful or itchy. Symptoms of an ingrown hair can include tiny, swollen bumps where you remove hair, small bumps that look like blisters or are filled with pus, small bumps that are darker than surrounding skin, burning or stinging, itching, and hair in the shape of a loop. Most cases of ingrown hair resolve on their own without treatment, but if the condition persists or causes problems regularly, it may be necessary to seek medical care.

Understanding the disease

Symptoms

The symptoms of ingrown hair include tiny, swollen bumps on the skin, small bumps that look like blisters or are filled with pus, small bumps that are darker than surrounding skin (hyperpigmentation), burning or stinging, itching, and hair that is in the shape of a loop due to the tip of the hair curving and growing into the skin. If an ingrown hair causes complications, it can lead to bacterial infection, patches of skin that are darker than usual, raised scars that are darker than surrounding skin, pseudofolliculitis barbae, or fine depressed scars (grooves).

Risk Factors

The main risk factor for ingrown hair is having tightly curled hair. This is because the curved hair follicle and the hair's direction of growth can encourage the hair to reenter the skin once it's cut and starts to grow back. This is particularly common among people with curly hair, including those of African descent. Other factors that may contribute to ingrown hair include pulling your skin when shaving, tweezing, regularly wearing clothing that traps heat and sweat, soaking in poorly maintained hot tubs or pools, and using certain medications or hair styling practices that damage hair follicles.

Development

Ingrown hair develops when a hair that has been removed starts to grow back and curves into the skin, usually after shaving, tweezing, or waxing. The curved hair follicle and the sharp edge created by shaving contribute to the hair reentering the skin. Pulling the skin while shaving or tweezing can also cause hair to penetrate the skin, leading to ingrown hair.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Triage

You should see a doctor if ingrown hair is suspected when the condition doesn't clear up on its own, or if it causes problems regularly. This may include instances of bacterial infection, patches of skin that are darker than usual, raised scars, or pseudofolliculitis barbae. If you are unsure whether you or your child has head lice, it is recommended to see a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

Diagnosis

To diagnose ingrown hair, a healthcare provider typically examines the affected skin and asks about the individual's hair removal habits. They may not require any additional tests, but in some cases, they might recommend a scalp biopsy or other tests to rule out other conditions causing hair loss or skin issues.

Management and Treatment

Complications

Possible complications of ingrown hair include recurrent infection, permanent scarring, patches of skin that are darker or lighter than before the condition occurred, and destruction of hair follicles leading to permanent hair loss.

Prevention

ingrown hair can be prevented by taking certain precautions. Prevention methods include:

1. Avoiding shaving, tweezing, or waxing, if possible.
2. Washing the skin with warm water and a mild facial cleanser before shaving.
3. Applying lubricating shaving cream or gel a few minutes before shaving to soften the hair.
4. Using a sharp, single-blade razor and shaving in the direction of hair growth.
5. Rinsing the blade after each stroke and rinsing the skin with a cool, wet cloth for about five minutes.
6. Applying a soothing after-shave product or glycolic acid lotion to help remove dead skin cells.
7. Using electric razors or clippers instead of a razor, holding the razor or clippers slightly away from the skin.
8. Using chemical hair removers (depilatories), but testing them on a small patch of skin first to avoid irritation. By following these prevention methods, you can reduce the risk of developing ingrown hair.

Home Remedies

Home remedies that may help prevent ingrown hair include:

1. Warm compress: Apply a warm, damp cloth or warm compress to the affected area for about 10-15 minutes to help reduce inflammation and promote drainage.
2. Exfoliation: Gently exfoliating the skin can help remove dead skin cells and prevent ingrown hair. Use a soft-bristled brush or a glycolic acid lotion to exfoliate.
3. Over-the-counter creams: Apply an over-the-counter cream containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to the affected area to help reduce inflammation and prevent bacterial infection.
4. Aloe vera: Apply fresh aloe vera gel to the affected area to soothe and moisturize the skin.
5. Epsom salt bath: Adding a few cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath can help soften the hair and reduce the risk of ingrown hair.
6. Diluted tea tree oil: Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil and apply it to the affected area to help reduce inflammation and bacterial growth. Remember to be gentle when treating an ingrown hair and avoid picking or scratching the area. If the condition persists or worsens, consult a healthcare professional.

Treatment

It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Preparing for medical consultation

To prepare for an appointment for ingrown hair, you should:

1. List any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
2. List key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
3. Make a list of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you're taking.
4. List questions to ask your healthcare provider. Some basic questions to ask your healthcare provider about ingrown hair include:

• What's the most likely cause of my condition?
• What are other possible causes for my condition?
• Do I need any tests?
• Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
• What is the best course of action?
• What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting? In the days before your medical appointment, if possible, stop shaving or using any form of hair removal. Ingrown hair may worsen at first as the hair grows back. But eventually, it improves.