- If the ingrown hair is near the skin surface, a sterile needle or tweezers can be used to gently ease it out. However, do not dig deeper to remove the hair.
- Gently scrub the infected area with warm soap and water, to help ease the hair out eventually.
- Over the counter medicines containing retinoids like Differin Gel, or benzoyl peroxide in Neutrogena On-the-Spot, reduces inflammation and the cyst size. Antibiotic ointments may reduce the risk of infection too.
- A medical professional may also prescribe steroid creams if needed.
- If the lesion is infected and there is pus oozing out with increased pain, then it is better to talk to a medical professional.
- People with chronic issues opt for electrolysis to completely stop hair growth.
- Glycolic acid or salicylic acid is also used in topical applications to manage ingrown hair.
How To Remove Ingrown Hair?
Ingrown hair can be removed by following certain methods but caution should be taken to avoid further complications like infection, pain, swelling etc.
- Use sterilized needle, tweezers to remove if hair is visible on the skin surface
- You can remove ingrown hair by using rotable medical device
- Apply warm and moist compress to soften the skin
- Use egg membrane to remove ingrown hair. Put egg membrane on the affected region and allow it to dry and pull it off
- Use acne medication along with exfoliation
- Exfoliation also helps in removal of ingrown hair
Read more on How To Get Rid Of Ingrown Hair (Razor Bumps) : Home Remedies, Removal
Home Remedies and Preventive Care
Ingrown hair is an acute, short-term medical condition. Such conditions can often be treated through preventive care. The simplest and most common method for prevention is to stop shaving. But because this may not be a feasible option for many, certain other techniques are advised.
- Shaving Carefully – Using a sharp and single razor with water and gel is a good exercise. Also shaving in the hair growth direction, with as few strokes as possible is also a good practice. Shaving cream and aftershave soothes the affected area.
- Moisturizing and Exfoliating – It is good to moisturize the skin if it feels too dry and application is advised even after you shave. Exfoliating dull and dry skin reduces the chance of ingrown hair, as it unclogs the pores. Sometimes toners can also help.
- Cleaning Skin Before and After Shaving or Waxing – Wash the skin with a mild cleanser and apply a warm compress. After shaving or waxing, clean the skin again, before applying a moisturizer.
- Clean Razor – Rinse the razor after each shaving stroke and replace your razor after every 6 months.
It is important to remember that we shouldn’t pop the lesion or scratch it too hard. It may cause further complications if the lesion gets infected. Hopefully, the few methods mentioned above will help you to get rid of ingrown hair.
Bottom Line
Ingrown hair can take several days to clear up on its own and if they are not painful, should be left to heal on their own. Popping or picking the lesions can lead to infections, as it exposes the follicle to bacteria. Once infected, it may lead to pus formation and even if they are cured, they can leave behind scars and pigmentation. A good skin care routine can minimize the risk of ingrown hair too. If the bumps or lesions continue to exist for a prolonged time and/or is infected, it is best to seek medical help.
Although ingrown hair is a common problem, it may not be serious on its own. But then again, we need to be watchful and if we feel that there is something amiss, we must consult a doctor for underlying causes.