Ingrown Hair: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of ingrown hair?

Ingrown hairs can cause various symptoms, including:

1. Small, rounded bumps: These may be red, irritated, or pus-filled (similar to pimples).
2. Pain or tenderness: The affected area may be sore or uncomfortable to touch.
3. Itching: The area where the hair has grown back into the skin may itch.
4. Inflammation: The skin around the ingrown hair can become red, swollen, and inflamed.
5. Darkening of the skin: Hyperpigmentation can occur around the ingrown hair, especially in individuals with darker skin tones.
6. Embedded hair: Sometimes, you can see the hair trapped under the skin.

These symptoms typically occur in areas where hair is frequently shaved, waxed, or tweezed, such as the face, neck, armpits, legs, and pubic region.

What are the causes of ingrown hair?

Ingrown hairs occur when hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin instead of rising up from it. The primary causes of ingrown hairs include:

1. Hair Removal Methods: Shaving, waxing, and tweezing can cause hair to grow back into the skin, especially if the hair is cut very close to the skin or pulled out at an angle.
2. Curly or Coarse Hair: People with naturally curly or coarse hair are more prone to ingrown hairs because their hair tends to curl back into the skin.
3. Tight Clothing: Wearing tight clothing can rub against the skin and force hair to grow back into it, particularly in areas like the legs, groin, and underarms.
4. Poor Shaving Techniques: Shaving against the grain, using a dull razor, or shaving too closely can increase the risk of hair growing back into the skin.
5. Clogged Hair Follicles: Dead skin cells, oil, and debris can clog hair follicles, making it harder for hair to grow out properly and leading to ingrown hairs.
6. Skin Trauma: Any form of trauma to the skin, including frequent shaving or waxing, can lead to irritation and increase the likelihood of ingrown hairs.
7. Lack of Exfoliation: Not exfoliating regularly can lead to a buildup of dead skin cells, which can block hair follicles and cause ingrown hairs.

Addressing these causes by changing hair removal methods, using proper shaving techniques, exfoliating regularly, and wearing looser clothing can help prevent ingrown hairs.

How is the diagnosis of ingrown hair made?

The diagnosis of ingrown hair is typically made based on a physical examination by a healthcare provider or dermatologist. Here are the steps involved in diagnosing ingrown hair:

1. Visual examination: The healthcare provider or dermatologist will visually examine the affected area to look for signs of ingrown hair, such as:
   • Redness and inflammation
   • Itching or burning sensation
   • Pus or pustules
   • Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation)
   • Raised bumps or nodules
2. Skin scraping: In some cases, the healthcare provider may perform a skin scraping test to collect a sample of the affected skin. This involves gently scraping off the top layer of skin with a special tool to examine the underlying skin.
3. Microscopic examination: The collected skin sample is then examined under a microscope to look for signs of ingrown hair, such as:
   • Hair follicle fragments
   • Inflamed hair follicles
   • Clogged pores
4. Medical history: The healthcare provider will also ask questions about the patient’s medical history, including:
   • Previous episodes of ingrown hair
   • Skin care routine (e.g., shaving, waxing, tweezing)
   • Hormonal changes (e.g., puberty, menopause)
5. Other conditions to rule out: The healthcare provider may also consider other conditions that can mimic ingrown hair, such as:
   • Acne
   • Folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles)
   • Pseudofolliculitis barbae (inflammation of the hair follicles caused by curly hair)

Based on the physical examination, medical history, and microscopic examination, the healthcare provider can make a diagnosis of ingrown hair and recommend appropriate treatment options.

What is the treatment for ingrown hair?

The treatment for ingrown hair typically depends on the severity and location of the ingrown hair, as well as the individual’s skin type and hair type. Here are some common treatments for ingrown hair:

1. Topical creams and ointments: Over-the-counter (OTC) creams and ointments containing ingredients like hydrocortisone, benzocaine, and salicylic acid can help reduce inflammation, itching, and redness.
2. Exfoliation: Gently exfoliating the affected area with a gentle scrub or a chemical exfoliant containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) can help remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, reducing the appearance of ingrown hairs.
3. Warm compresses: Applying a warm compress to the affected area can help bring the ingrown hair to the surface, making it easier to treat.
4. Hair removal methods: Avoiding hair removal methods like shaving, waxing, and tweezing can help prevent ingrown hairs from forming. Instead, consider using depilatory creams, sugaring, or threading.
5. Trichiasis therapy: This is a non-surgical procedure that involves using a specialized tool to manually remove the ingrown hair.
6. Laser hair removal: Long-term results can be achieved with laser hair removal, which uses high-intensity light to target and destroy hair follicles.
7. Professional treatments: Dermatologists or estheticians may perform treatments like blue light therapy, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion to help treat ingrown hairs.

Home remedies:

1. Tea tree oil: Apply a few drops of tea tree oil to the affected area to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
2. Aloe vera: Aloe vera gel can help soothe and calm the skin.
3. Coconut oil: Applying coconut oil to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
4. Oatmeal baths: Oatmeal baths can help soothe and calm irritated skin.

It’s essential to note that some ingrown hairs may require medical attention if they become infected or inflamed. If you experience any of the following symptoms, consult a healthcare professional:

• Increased redness and swelling
• Pus or discharge
• Fever
• Pain or tenderness
• Difficulty moving the affected area

Remember to always follow proper hygiene practices when treating ingrown hairs to prevent infection and promote healing.