Ingrown Hair Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Ingrown hair, also known as ingrown hair, is a condition that can occur when hair that has been shaved or removed grows into the skin. This can cause inflammation, pain, and small spots in the area around the removed hair.
Ingrown hair is a common condition caused by shedding of hair. It is most commonly found in men who shave their facial hair.
However, the condition of ingrown hairs can also occur in people with curly hair who shave, depilate, or wax to remove or remove growing hair.
Most of the time, ingrown hairs get better without special treatment. This problem can be prevented from continuing by not removing the hair first. However, if this cannot be avoided, it is recommended that you do the hair removal method that has the least risk of causing ingrown hairs.
Symptoms
Ingrown hair is most commonly experienced by men in areas of the face, including the chin, cheeks, and especially the neck. It can also appear on the scalp in men who shave their heads. In women, the most common locations for ingrown hairs to occur are the armpits, groin, and legs.
Signs and symptoms experienced usually include:
- Small, solid, round spots (papules)
- Small sores, like pimples, filled with pus (pustules)
- Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation)
- Nyeri
- Itchy feeling
- Embedded hair
Reason
The structure and direction of hair growth play a role in the occurrence of ingrown hairs. Curved hair follicles, which give the hair a curly shape, are thought to be responsible for the hair sinking into the skin once the hair is cut and starting to grow back. Shaving causes sharp edges on this type of hair, especially if the hair is dry when shaved.
Ingrown hair can also occur in conditions such as:
- Stretching of the skin during shaving, which pulls the clipped hairs into the skin without growing out.
- Tweezer hair removal, which can leave hair fragments under the skin layer.
- Have curly hair. This is one of the risks of experiencing ingrown hairs.
Diagnosis
The doctor can make a diagnosis of ingrown hairs by looking at the appearance of the skin and discussing the patient’s usual hair-removal habits.
Treatment
To treat ingrown hairs, avoid shaving, plucking, or waxing your hair until conditions improve. If this is not possible, consider using a laser. This technique can lift hair at a deeper level and inhibit regrowth.
Doctors can also prescribe several types of medication to treat the condition, including:
- Treatment to help remove dead skin cells. This type of treatment can reduce the thickening and darkening of the skin that often occurs in skin at risk for ingrown hairs.
- Cream to reduce inflammation.
- Creams or pills to treat an infection. For minor infections caused by scratching the area where the ingrown hair is, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic ointment. For more severe infections, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics.
To free ingrown hairs, you can do:
- Wash the area that has complaints with a soft towel or toothbrush. Wash in circular motions for a few minutes. Do this before shaving and just before bed.
- Use a sterile needle, inserted into the hair loop, to gently lift the ends of the hair.
Prevention
To prevent ingrown hairs from occurring, avoid shaving, plucking, or waxing your hair whenever possible. If it cannot be avoided, the following ways can be done:
- Wash your skin with warm water and a mild facial cleanser before shaving
- Use a lubricated shaving cream or gel a few minutes before shaving to soften hairs.
- Use a sharp blade when shaving.
- Avoid stretching the skin while shaving.
- Clean the razor after every use.
- Rinse facial skin and use lotion after shaving.
Several hair removal options are also known to prevent ingrown hairs from occurring:
- Electric razor or razor.
- Hair removal chemicals.
- Cream to slow hair growth.