Hairs normally grow up from the skin surface having its root beneath it. But certain types of hair would curl around to grow back into the skin which is called ingrown hair. Dead cells of the skin can accumulate on the follicles of the hair which would force the hair to grow inwards instead of upward. Ingrown hair is harmless but in rare cases infection can develop on it.
Symptoms
Some of the signs of infected ingrown hair are itching and painful sores on the area. A group of ingrown hair would join together to form raised bumps resembling a pimple on the surface of the skin. Sometimes it may look like boils or sores. Ingrown hairs can cause discomfort and embarrassment and it becomes more if the person has got lot of them.
In some cases the bumps would contain pus filled fluid inside. Ingrown hairs usually pop up like little lesions on the cheeks and chin and even on the neck of men. They develop on the legs and more particularly on the pubic area in women. For some women it occurs around the buttocks.
Causes
Any person can develop ingrown hair at any age. But people who have got curly hair have more chance of getting ingrown hair than others. Curly hair always tends to bend back or curl to penetrate the skin. An individual with plenty of sex hormones will have more of hairs on the skin. This makes him/her prone to develop ingrown hair.
Ingrown hair is common in certain ethnic race of people like Hispanics and African Americans. They would have the so called “razor bumps” on the beard area soon after they have shaved the hair. This hair would have sharp edges and hence they can protrude easily into the skin growing inward.
Diagnosis
No tests are needed to detect ingrown hair since it is prominent by its appearance.
Read more on Ingrown Hair – Treatment, Removal, Infected, Cyst, Bump
Home Remedies
Ingrown hair cannot be cured unless the exact cause is known. You should keep the skin well hydrated to prevent dryness since it can reduce the growth of ingrown hair. Before shaving you should apply liquid on the hair so that its tip would lose its sharpness. This would prevent its re-entry into the skin. You can use a soft toothbrush or wet sponge and dip it in a mild soap solution to apply on the beard several times to make its tip smoother.