What you can do against ingrown hair
What you can do against ingrown hair
If you strive for a smooth, hair -free look, ingrown hair can destroy this effect. These unsightly bumps can be an annoying side effect of hair removal. The good news is that ingrown hair can be treated effectively at home.
The dermatologist Sherrie Bullard, MD, explains how to get rid of ingrown hair and how to prevent them.
What are ingrown hair?
A hair is grown when it grows back into the skin outside of its hair follicle. The more curly the hair is, the more likely it is that it has grown. A hair can bend back into the skin when growing out and trapped under the skin. Friction is also a factor. So wearing close clothing such as leggings and jeans can contribute to this.
ingrown hair trigger inflammation when you 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 leads to the inflammation and itching."
Are there home remedies for ingrown hair?
The good news is that we are not helplessly delivered to the outbreak of ingrown hair. Some simple measures that are taken at home can remove these embarrassing bumps.
free -selling products against ingrown hair
There are a variety of skin care products on the market with various ingredients that help against ingrown hair. The large online beauty and drugstores lead these products.
"I would recommend that this is the first point of contact for ingrown hair," says Dr. Bullard.
These products range from serums to lotions and toners to pads that represent gentle peelings. They are a gentler Alternative to conventional peels.
warm compresses
Take a warm, damp- non-dripping- washcloth for 10 to 15 minutes three to four times a day. Warm compresses make the skin softer and can relieve the inflammation and symptoms by enabling the skin to open and run out if pus is present.
"As soon as the skin opens, the ingrown hair, if it is visible, can be carefully used and pulled out with a clean, angled tweezer," advises Dr. Bullard. “Keep the area clean and apply an antibiotic ointment so that the skin heals quickly.
tweezers
If the hair is already visible and protrudes from the skin, you can try plucking your hair out.
Clean the area with warm soap water, clean your angled tweezers with alcohol and grasp your hair carefully. If it is difficult to see the spot, use additional lighting, e.g. B. an LED ring light and an magnification mirror. So you can only grasp the hair and avoid that your skin is damaged. Resist the urge to squeeze.
When the hair is completely under the skin, you should resist the temptation to sting into the area with a sharp object and pull out the hair. This can lead to infection and scarring. In this case, contact a medical specialist.
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gentle peeling
With peelings you should be careful because they cause inflammation that leads to hyperpigmentation and may not be very helpful for ingrown hair.
How long hold ingrown hair?
What if you have already tried home remedies and just don't want to disappear? The ingrown hair can finally make its way out of the skin. However, this process can 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.
Pay attention to infected ingrown hair
There is a possibility that an ingrown hair ignites. Pay attention to the following signs:
- a feeling of heat at the point
- large amounts of pus or discharge
- Pain or swelling that does not get better, but worse
- reddening that spreads beyond the area of the hair
- If you notice one or more of these symptoms, you should see a doctor or a medical specialist as soon as possible
ingrown hair prevented
You cannot always prevent ingrown hair, but you can take measures to reduce the likelihood of your origin.
avoid friction
clothes that rubs on the skin can lead to irritation and ingrown hair.
do without antiperspranspirante
If you get grown hair in the armpits, the use of an antipranspirant could be part of the problem. Fixed antiperspirants or deodorants can clog the pores, so switch to a product that is not firm.
Do not pull when shaving
don't try to shave "extra close"
Gently slide over your skin with the razor without tensioning them. Another way to do this is to use a special razor, a so -called "Bump Fighter".
shave with the "growth"
shave towards hair growth. When growing, they apply the wax towards hair growth. If you remove the wax, pull it in the opposite direction.
Stay clean: shower when you can, after sports or when you have sweated, especially if you have recently shaved or waxed.
Leave the hair longer
If you get ingrown hair on the scalp, you should switch to a longer hairstyle. Avoid tight hairstyles or shaves by having the hair cut with scissors instead of a hair cutting machine.
Use shaving gel
Do not shave on dry skin. Apply a shaving gel or a cream so that the razor slides better over your skin. Use a hypoallergenic, perfume -free product if you have sensitive skin.
Use a sharp razor
Use a new, sharp blade with every shave. Throw away razor blades when you get old or dull or fall on the floor because you can get cracks that can hurt your skin.
Alternative methods of hair removal
If ingrown hair does not want to disappear, you may have to do without shaving, growing or plucking the point in question. Consider alternative hair removal methods, e.g. B. hair removal with the laser. This method aims at the hair follicle and is usually permanent. And since the hair does not grow back after the treatment, you don't have to worry about ingrown hair.
"The 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 hair can be very annoying, but gently treat your skin. The attempt to remove an ingrown hair that is not yet finished can lead to permanent scars and discoloration.
If these home remedies do not help, leave the tweezers and call your doctor. A specialist can treat an ingrown hair and help you avoid it in the future.
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