What you can do about ingrown hairs

What you can do about ingrown hairs

If you're aiming for a smooth, hair-free look, ingrown hairs can ruin that effect. These unsightly bumps can be an annoying side effect of hair removal. The good news is that ingrown hairs can be effectively treated at home.

Dermatologist Sherrie Bullard, MD, explains how to safely get rid of ingrown hairs and how to prevent them.

What are ingrown hairs?

A hair becomes ingrown when it grows back into the skin outside of its hair follicle. The curlier the hair, the more likely it is to be ingrown. As a hair grows out, it can bend back into the skin and become trapped under the skin. Friction is also a factor. Wearing tight clothing like leggings and jeans can contribute to this.

Ingrown hairs cause inflammation when they penetrate the skin. “The immune system sees the ingrown hair as a foreign body – similar to a splinter,” explains Dr. Bullard. "The skin turns red and pustules form. These are dead white blood cells. The release of chemicals from the white blood cells causes the inflammation and itching."

Are there home remedies for ingrown hairs?

The good news is that we are not helpless when it comes to ingrown hair outbreaks. Some simple measures taken at home can eliminate these embarrassing bumps.

Over-the-counter products for ingrown hairs

There are a variety of skin care products on the market with different ingredients that help combat ingrown hairs. Major online beauty and drugstores carry these products.

“I would recommend that this be the first port of call for ingrown hairs,” says Dr. Bullard.

These products range from serums to lotions and toners to pads that are gentle exfoliators. They are a gentler alternative to traditional peels.

Warm compresses

Apply a warm, damp – not dripping – washcloth for 10 to 15 minutes three to four times a day. Warm compresses soften the skin and can reduce inflammation and discomfort by allowing the skin to open and drain if pus is present.

“Once the skin opens, the ingrown hair, if visible, can be gently grasped with clean, angled tweezers and pulled out,” advises Dr. Bullard. “Keep the area clean and apply an antibiotic ointment to help the skin heal quickly.

tweezers

If the hair is already visible and sticking out of the skin, you can try plucking the hair out.

Clean the area with warm, soapy water, clean your angled tweezers with alcohol, and handle the hair gently. If it is difficult to see the spot, use additional lighting, such as: B. an LED ring light and a magnifying mirror. This way you can only capture the hair and avoid damaging your skin. Resist the urge to squeeze.

If the hair is completely under the skin, you should avoid the temptation to poke the area with a sharp object and pull the hair out. This can lead to infection and scarring. In this case, contact a healthcare professional.

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Gentle peeling

You should be careful with peels as they cause inflammation, which leads to hyperpigmentation and may not be very helpful for ingrown hairs.

How long do ingrown hairs last?

What if you've already tried home remedies and the ingrown hairs just won't go away? The ingrown hair can eventually make its way out of the skin. However, this process may take some time. There are also situations in which the hair continues to grow under the skin. In this case, Dr. Bullard to see a dermatologist.

Watch out for infected ingrown hairs

There is a chance that an ingrown hair could become infected. Look out for the following signs:

• Ein Wärmegefühl an der Stelle
• Große Mengen an Eiter oder Ausfluss
• Schmerzen oder Schwellungen, die nicht besser, sondern schlimmer werden
• Rötung, die sich über den Bereich des Haares hinaus ausbreitet
• Wenn Sie eines oder mehrere dieser Symptome bemerken, sollten Sie so schnell wie möglich einen Arzt oder eine medizinische Fachkraft aufsuchen

Preventing ingrown hairs

You can't always prevent ingrown hairs, but you can take steps to reduce the chance of them developing.

Avoid friction

Clothing that rubs against the skin can cause irritation and ingrown hairs. If possible, wear loose-fitting clothing where you shave.

Avoid antiperspirants

If you frequently get ingrown hairs in your armpits, using an antiperspirant could be part of the problem. Solid antiperspirants or deodorants can clog pores, so switch to a product that isn't solid.
Do not pull while shaving

Don’t try to shave “extra close.”

Gently glide the razor over your skin without straining it. Another way to do this is to use a special razor called a “bump fighter.”

Shave with the “growth”

Shave in the direction of hair growth. When waxing, apply the wax in the direction of hair growth. When removing the wax, peel it off in the opposite direction.
Stay clean: Shower if you can, after exercise or after sweating, especially if you have recently shaved or waxed.

Leave the hair longer

If you get ingrown hairs on your scalp, you should switch to a longer hairstyle. Avoid tight hairstyles or shaves by having your hair cut with scissors instead of clippers.

Use shaving gel

Do not shave on dry skin. Apply a shaving gel or cream to help the razor glide better over your skin. Use a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free product if you have sensitive skin.

Use a sharp razor

Use a new, sharp blade every time you shave. Throw away razor blades when they become old, dull, or fall on the floor as they can crack, which can injure your skin.
Alternative methods of hair removal

If ingrown hairs won't go away, you may need to avoid shaving, waxing, or plucking the area. Consider alternative hair removal methods, such as: B. hair removal with laser. This method targets the hair follicle and is usually permanent. And since the hair doesn't grow back after the treatment, you don't have to worry about ingrown hairs.

“Laser hair removal is safe and effective for all skin types,” says Dr. Bullard. “If you choose this method, you should speak to a doctor who has experience with this treatment.

Ingrown hairs can be very annoying, but treat your skin gently. Attempting to remove an ingrown hair that is not ready yet can result in permanent scarring and discoloration.

If these home remedies don't help, leave the tweezers and call your doctor. A professional can treat ingrown hairs and help you avoid them in the future.

The following articles may also help you as they look at the same topic from a different light:

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