Ingrown hairs are commonly encountered after hair removal processes. Men particularly get razor bumps after shaving. Learn more about ingrown hairs in this lucid article.

Introduction to ingrown hair

Ingrown hair is a frustrating problem associated with hair removal process wherein a hair is shaved or plucked. In this condition, a hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin before breaking through the surface, causing inflammation and a foreign body reaction. For some people ingrown hair may just be a minor irritation but in others, these may develop into unattractive pus-filled blemishes that might also cause discomfort and acute pain.

Popular names for ingrown hair are “razor bumps” and “razor burns.” The problem of ingrown hair is frequently encountered when unwanted hair is removed with the help of waxing, electrolysis, shaving or depilatory creams. Men often get ingrown hair in their beard region because of shaving.

Possible causes of ingrown hair

Ingrown hairs are reported by both men and women. Listed below are the
possible causes of ingrown hairs in some people:

• Stiff hair
• Lack of moisture in the skin
• Embedded oil in the hair follicles
• Coarse, curly hair growing in a curved hair follicle
• Incorrect shaving method such as too close a shave

Hair removal methods like shaving, waxing, tweezing, electrolysis or depilatory creams irritate the hair follicle. Dead skin is accumulated at the site of irritation forming a papule or bump. As this process continues, hairs in the area are trapped and are unable to exit the skin normally, resulting in the formation of ingrown hairs. Because of genetic factors, some are more prone to this than others are

Symptoms of ingrown hair

Symptoms of ingrown hairs vary in individuals. In some people, ingrown hair may not cause much problem and may only result in minor irritation. But sometimes, these may become seriously inflamed with bacteria causing a problematic infected ingrown hair. Pus may develop in an infected ingrown hair causing a person itching and pain. In worse cases, the infected pustule may be ruptured leading to bleeding. At times, these infected ingrown hairs may als
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o generate scars, skin discolouration and rashes.

Diagnosis of ingrown hair

Sometimes it becomes difficult to diagnose ingrown hair as many of its symptoms resemble the symptoms of other skin problems. Hence, you should always let your doctor diagnose if you have ingrown hair problem before you resort to any treatment method. Your doctor will confirm if you have an ingrown hair condition based on your medical history and a physical examination of the area where you have the problem.

Treatment of ingrown hair

For some lucky people, ingrown hair heals on its own. However, others may require treatment such as use of depilatory creams or even electrolysis to remove the hair. At times allowing the hair to grow also helps to treat ingrown hair.

You may also treat ingrown hair on your own in the following manner – Spread a cloth soaked in warm water over the infected area for 3 minutes to allow ingrown hair to come up to the surface. Lift the ingrown hair using your tweezers and pluck it out. Apply hydrogen peroxide on the treated area for faster healing.

If this seems difficult, you may take help of Skin Doctors Ingrow Go. This cosmetic product is especially designed to treat ingrown hairs. The active ingredients in the product clear out the infected pores, reduce swelling and deliver moisture through the skin. Presence of glycolic acid further helps to exfoliate and release the trapped ingrown hair from the follicle.

Prevention of ingrown hair

Given below are tips to prevent the occurrence of ingrown hair -

• Wash your skin before shaving. This will lift the hair from the follicle making it easy to remove

• Train your hair to grow straight by shaving in the same direction each time

• Ladies should not shave against the grain. This will prevent the hair from curling back

• Spread a damp warm towel over the treated area to soothe and soften the skin.

• Avoid wearing tight clothing over freshly shaved areas

• Keep the skin smooth and supple. This will keep the hair follicles moisturized and make them grow in the right direction

• Exfoliating every time you take bath will remove dead cells and prevent ingrown hair

By: marissagoldwick

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This article provides you the vital information on hair removal methods and hair removal treatment, and also explains about permanent hair removal methods.

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