An ingrown hair is a specific type of hair. It develops back into the skin, especially after plucking, shaving, or waxing. They frequently appear around the face, armpits, legs, and pubic region. They can be uncomfortable or itchy. Sometimes, shave bumps, razor bumps, and barber bumps are all terms used to describe ingrown hairs.

In this regard, individuals must know that after a few days, the majority of ingrown hairs will go away without any treatment. However, severe cases may take several weeks. Also, it could take a few days for medications to start working. Furthermore, both electrolysis and laser hair removal produces immediate results.

Where Does Ingrown Hair Appear?

An ingrown hair can appear anywhere on the body. But it's more common on the legs, underarms, and jawline where people often remove hair. Ingrown hairs can cause raised, uncomfortable bumps on the skin. But it can be hard to see redness in dark or brown skin, even though the area might look different from the surrounding skin.

Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

• Causes

In general, when hair is removed, the ingrown hair begins to grow again. It curls into the skin. This typically occurs after waxing, plucking, or shaving.

Furthermore, ingrown hair is affected by how the hair grows and its structure. When the hair is clipped and begins to grow back, a hair follicle that generates tightly curled hair will urge the hair to enter the skin. Hence, hair that has been shaved has a sharp edge. This makes it simpler to pierce the skin.

Besides this, ingrown hairs may also result from shaving. This is because it causes skin pulling, and tweezing.

• Symptoms

A few symptoms of ingrown hair are -

1. Skin irritation.
2. Pain.
3. Small bumps with hairs.
4. Itching.
5. Discoloration.

• Complications

If an ingrown hair doesn't clear up, it might lead to:

1. Skin patches that are darker than normal. They are also known as postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.
2. Bacterial infection (due to scratching).
3. Raised scars that will appear dark than the surrounding skin. They are also known as keloids.
4. Subtle depressed scars or grooves.
5. Pseudofolliculitis barbae. These are sometimes referred to as razor bumps.

Treatment and Tips To get Rid of Ingrown Hair

A few the tips to get rid of ingrown hairs include –

1.  Using Hair Removal Creams

The most common cause of ingrown hairs is shaving. It is blamed on the fact that after shaving, the sharper edge of hair tends to grow back into the skin. Although body hair is completely natural and normal, the simplest approach to prevent them is to allow the hair to grow freely without shaving.  Hence, to prevent ingrown hairs it's worthwhile to try a delicate hair removal treatment if de-fluff is preferable.

2.  Exfoliation

It is generally believed that dead skin cells can obstruct the hair follicle and cause ingrown hair to grow. Hence, once-a-week exfoliation will help avoid the build-up of dead skin cells on the skin's surface. These can compel hair to grow sideways and hurt. Also, individuals can choose a gentle exfoliation cream. It will make the skin smoother. It will also make it less prone to develop ingrown hair.

3.  Using the Best Blade to Shave

Individuals must remember that they shouldn’t use disposable razors twice. Also, using dirty razors can cause a rash outbreak. This is because disposable razors aren't intended for prolonged use. The blades can soon dull and provide an uneven, rough shave. This will further worsen the ingrown hair situation.

In this regard, individuals can use electric shavers that are ideal for prolonged use, to get rid of ingrown hair. Also, these don’t cut the hair close to the skin. This prevents the growth of itchy regrowth and ingrown hairs.

4.  Opting for shaving cream

Using a good shaving cream is crucial if one is considering a manual razor. It will give the skin an extra slide so that the blades won't drag and individuals can avoid rubbing any sensitive areas. They can also use a delicate product without alcohol to avoid drying out the skin.

5.  Shaving in the correct direction

Shaving against the direction of hair growth causes each hair to be cut at a steeper angle. This increases the likelihood that it may reappear under the skin. To avoid this, it is always advisable to shave in the direction of hair development.

6.  Using aftershave

There are numerous "post-shave" products available. Some of them are good and others are not so nice. Hence, it is essential to choose a product with anti-inflammatory capabilities. They can remove any build-up of dead skin cells from the skin surface. They can also avoid clogged pores and ingrown hairs.

7.  Electrolysis and Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal removes hair more thoroughly than shaving, waxing, plucking, or electrolysis. It may be suggested by a doctor. In this regard, laser therapy is a longer-term approach. It decreases regrowth. However, this procedure might have a few side effects such as blisters, scarring, and loss of skin tone. Hence, it is recommended to visit reliable clinics such as UnCover, for an effective solution.

8.  Visiting a doctor

Even after following all the necessary steps, individuals can still see the red spots. In this regard, one must resist the urge to squeeze it. Doing so could cause the hair to grow deeper into the skin or cause infection by spreading bacteria into the pores.

Also, minor ingrown hairs can frequently be left alone as they normally disappear on their own. However, it is advisable not to shave if the hair is visible and near the skin. Rather they can use sterile tweezers. However, if the hair is buried far beneath the skin's surface, it’s better not to dig into it. Furthermore, to deal with ingrown hair, individuals can visit Uncover Clinic by Meddo for effective treatment.

Medications

A doctor may prescribe a few drugs to assist in managing the concern. This might include -

1.  Medicines that Help Eliminate Dead Skin Cells

Dead skin cells can be removed by applying a retinoid cream at night. However, results might become apparent in as little as two months. Furthermore, retinoids may also cure ingrown hair for any discoloration and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. A doctor may also prescribe a glycolic acid-containing lotion. It lowers the risk of hair growing into the skin by reducing the curb creams for soothing the skin.

2.  Creams for soothing skin

Doctors can prescribe creams containing steroids that can lessen itch and irritation. However, individuals must refrain from buying creams of their own. They should consult a medical professional before choosing one. This is because, they can properly access a situation, and can prescribe the right medication based on the demands.

3.  Tablets or Creams to Treat Infections

Creams with antibiotics can treat ingrown hair infections brought on by scratching. In a few cases, doctors can prescribe antibiotic tablets for more serious infections. So, if individuals suffer from a serious case resulting from ingrown hair, make sure to visit a doctor for prescribed medicines.

4.  Creams for Slow Hair Growth

Individuals might also need to use eflornithine. It is a prescription lotion. It reduces hair growth when used in conjunction with another ingrown hair removal technique, like laser therapy.

Prevention

The easiest way to avoid ingrown hairs is to remove unwanted hair properly, using methods like:

• Wet the hair and skin completely with warm water before shaving any part of the body.
• Individuals must use shaving cream or gel on their skin.
• Use a razor with a single blade.
• Shave in the direction of hair growth. After each stroke, rinse the razor blade in water.
• To avoid skin irritation and injuries, alter the razor blade periodically.

Things to avoid

A few of the things individuals must avoid include –

• Avoid shaving too closely. A little stubble can prevent bacteria from entering.
• Avoid using a dull razor.
• If possible, individuals must shave every other day
• Avoid picking, squeezing, or scratching ingrown hairs. This is because doing so could harm the skin. It can also cause an infection.

Final Words

Hence, ingrown hair is a common issue. They may emerge anywhere hair grows on the body, but they frequently do so on the face, legs, armpits, and pubic region—especially if the areas are prone to shaving, tweezing, or waxing. In this regard, a healthy skin care regimen can help avoid the development of ingrown hairs. A few at-home remedies can also assist the ingrown hair and offer relief. So, if individuals observe any infection-related symptoms, it is advisable to consult an expert.

At UnCover, one can book a free appointment with experts to learn about laser hair removal. Furthermore, there are affordable pricing and plans, so that individuals can choose their most preferable ones as per their needs.