Ingrown hair

Ingrown hair

Ingrown hair is a condition where the hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin. It may or may not be accompanied by an infection of the hair follicle (folliculitis) or “razor bumps” (Pseudofolliculitis barbae). It most commonly appears in areas where the skin is shaved (beard, legs), but can appear anywhere.

Contents

Causes

Anything which causes the hair to be broken off short with a sharp tip. Shaving is the leading cause, followed by tight clothing.

Symptoms

  • rash (reddened skin area)
  • itching skin
  • hair which remains in spite of shaving

Treatment

  1. Applying aftershave lotion to reduce irritation
  2. Manually removing ingrown hairs with special tweezers
  3. Shaving in a different direction
  4. Allowing the hair to grow in order to cause the hair to come out straighter
  5. Using special razors that leave the hair longer
  6. Exfoliating with facial scrubs, sponges, towels, or creams containing acids

If the area is infected, see a dermatologist.

External links

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