An ingrown hair is a strand of hair that grows and curves into the skin. This can happen because of dead skin cells that clog the hair follicle. Most people spot ingrown hairs a few days or one week after shaving. However, it can also occur because of your hair’s growth pattern. If you have curly hair, you are likely to experience ingrown hairs from time to time.
Symptoms
Symptomsingrown hairs
- A raised bump or tiny swollen bumps on the area shaved.
- Swollen bumps filled with pus.
- Itching.
- Hair is in the shape of a loop on the bumps since the hair grows into the skin.
Places you are likely to experience ingrown hairs.
Ingrown hair
- Face
- Armpits
- Chest
- Back
- Pubic Area
- Legs
Prevention Methods
As stated earlier, you can get ingrown hairs naturally if you have curly hair or as a result of shaving or tweezing. Here are some preventive measures you can take to avoid dealing with ingrown hairs
- Washing your face with a mild cleanser and warm water before shaving.
- Applying shaving cream or gel before shaving to soften the hair.
- Using a sharp single-blade razor.
- Use a few strokes when shaving as it helps to reduce the chances of your hair slipping back into your skin.
- Rinsing the blade with water after every stroke
- Trying as much as possible to shave in the direction your hair is growing
- Use a wet cloth to rub your face daily or an exfoliating scrub weekly to draw out ingrown hairs.
Treatment
Home Remedies
Ingrown hairsingrown hair
Coconut Oil and Sugar scrub
Sugar scrubsCoconut oil
How to Use the Scrub
- Mix half a spoon of coconut oil with one spoon of raw sugar.
- Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture to the affected area
- Scrub for a few minutes
- Rinse the area with warm water
Soak With Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oilacne products
How to Use
- Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with one cup of warm water
- Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture to the affected as you do warm compresses.
AspirinHoney
Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which helps relieve pain. Honey contains antibacterial properties, which help with inflammation—the two mixed help reduce swelling, making it easier to go about daily activities.
How To Use
- Mix three crushed aspirin tablets with one teaspoon of honey and warm water.
- Apply the mixture to the area with the ingrown hair and leave it for 10 minutes
- Wipe it off with a clean cloth soaked in warm water.
7 Surprising UsesAspirin
Over the counter treatments, you can use to deal with Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs are known to go away on their own. However, there are over-the-counter products you can use to help deal with them. When it comes to products, it is usually advisable to find a product that works for your skin. Two other things you should consider are the ingredients and the form of the product you would want to use. Products come in many forms, serum, oil, tonic, spray, and cream. Here is a list of ingredients you should look out for when looking for a suitable product.
Hydrocortisone
Hydrocortisone is a steroid (corticosteroid) medicine. It helps to reduce pain caused by itching and swelling. Hydrocortisone comes in the form of a cream, ointment, or lotion. In most cases, you will find it in the form of a cream.
Retinol
Retinol products are usually used to minimize breakouts like acne and deal with hyperpigmentation. When it comes to ingrown hairs, it helps to release the skin to release them. However, it is essential to note that Retinol has side effects, so you should read a product’s label carefully.
Benefits Of Vitamin A And Retinol For Skin
Chemical Exfoliants
Chemical Exfoliants are acids that help to get rid of dead skin cells. They also refine the surface of your skin and treat the pores. In terms of ingrown hair, they help the hair to penetrate through the skin. Regarding these exfoliants, you can look for glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and alpha-hydroxy acid products.
Medical Treatment
In some cases, ingrown hairs can cause some complications. They include:
- Bacterial Infections
- Post Inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a dark mark or spot left behind after a pimple heals. 5 Home Remedies For Skin Pigmentation
- Scars
If an ingrown hair gets an infection, you will notice the bumps getting bigger. Moreover, you will also experience more pain than usual. At this point, you may need to seek medical attention if you can’t deal with it at home.
A surgical procedure will be done whereby the doctor will make a small cut with a sterile needle to release the ingrown hair. You will then be given a prescription for an antibiotic cream and a steroid cream to deal with the swelling and infection.
If you tend to get ingrown hairs in your pubic area please consider – How To Do A DIY Vajacial At Home
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