Addressing Embarrassing Growths: Strategies for Treating and Avoiding Ingrown Hairs
Got a hairy situation? Let's break down everything you need to know about ingrown hairs, from spotting them to avoiding them.
The Deets on Ingrown Hairs
First off, here's some quick info on ingrown hairs and busting them:
- Ingrown hairs occur when a hair grows sideways into your skin instead of outward.
- These suckers are often caused by blocked or dirty pores and some hair removal methods.
- Ingrowns can cause itching, redness, discoloration, and soreness on your skin. While they're usually harmless, they can sometimes get infected.
- Keep your body exfoliated and shave with the grain to reduce your chance of ingrowns.
Treating Ingrowns
In most cases, ingrowns will eventually correct themselves. You can speed up the process by exfoliating regularly or using tools like tweezers to correct the growth when you notice it going awry.
Massage & Release
Give a warm water and washcloth massage to coax hairs into their proper position. Soak the cloth in the water and hold it against the affected skin area, then rub the washcloth in a gentle circular motion. Use a soft toothbrush if the washcloth doesn't work.
Tweezers & Picking
If any part of the ingrown hair pokes above the skin, you can use tweezers or a sterile needle to gently pull it into the right position. Avoid digging into the skin to uncover the hair, and never pluck it out entirely. Let things heal naturally.
Preventing Ingrown Hairs
Curious about stopping ingrowns before they start? Here's the lowdown:
Shave the Right Way
- Shave with the grain; shaving against it can cause hairs to grow inward.
- Use a clean, quality razor to prevent scratching and irritation.
Exfoliate Regularly
A good chemical scrub, used two to three times a week, helps keep your pores clean and follicles open, making it easier for hairs to grow the way they should.
Try New Hair Removal Methods
If shaving is causing ingrowns, consider laser, chemical, or electrolysis hair removal as alternatives. Speak with a dermatologist before trying these methods, though.
How Ingrowns Form and Who Gets 'em
When hair grows, it usually shoots up out of the skin. But when follicles clog, the hair has no choice but to grow sideways into the skin—that's an ingrown hair. Dead skin cells, improper shaving, waxing, or plucking are often to blame for clogged follicles.
People with thick or curly hair are more likely to develop ingrowns. Shaving more frequently can also increase your risk. In rare cases, recurring ingrowns may indicate that hair follicles haven't developed correctly.
When to Call a Pro
If an ingrown hair becomes infected, you might need to see a dermatologist or medical professional. Severe swelling, redness, discoloration, pus or liquid discharge, elevated temperature, fever, nausea, or chills are signs to seek medical help.
In some cases, recurring ingrowns can be treated by destroying the follicle, preventing hair growth in that area.
So, there you have it! Keep up with your grooming routine, exfoliate, shave the right way, and stay smooth and ingrown-hair-free. If you're still dealing with irritating ingrowns, try changing up your methods and seeing a medical professional if necessary.
- Ingrown hairs can cause symptoms such as itching, redness, discoloration, and soreness on your skin, and in some cases, they can become infected.
- To prevent ingrown hairs, shave with the grain and use a clean, quality razor, and exfoliate your skin regularly to keep pores clean and follicles open.
- If you are prone to ingrowns, consider alternative hair removal methods such as laser, chemical, or electrolysis as these can be less likely to cause ingrowns compared to shaving.
- If an ingrown hair becomes infected, it's important to seek medical help as it may require professional treatment to avoid complications.
