Ingrown hair

Ingrown Hair is a condition where hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin. It is most common among people who have coarse or curly hair. It may or may not be accompanied by an infection of the hair follicle (folliculitis) or "razor bumps" (pseudofolliculitis barbae), which vary in size.

Causes

Ingrown hair is caused by the hair being cut below the level of the follicle opening, and as it grows back, it grows into the wall of the follicle. This can happen naturally or it can be caused by shaving, waxing, or plucking hairs.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ingrown hair include a small, solid, rounded bump (papule), a small, pus-filled blister (pustule), or a dark, raised scar (hyperpigmentation). The skin around the ingrown hair may also become darker.

Treatment

Treatment for ingrown hairs includes not removing the hair for at least three months, using a steroid cream to reduce swelling, using retinoids to remove dead skin cells and reduce the skin pigment changes, and using antibiotics if the area becomes infected.

Prevention

Prevention of ingrown hairs can be achieved by proper shaving techniques. These include using a sharp, single-bladed razor; wetting the skin with warm water and using a gel; shaving in the direction of hair growth; and not pulling the skin taut while shaving.

See Also

• Folliculitis
• Pseudofolliculitis barbae
• Hyperpigmentation
• Shaving

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