About this topic
Most often, hair grows out of the skin. Sometimes, hair will grow back into the skin after it has been shaved or tweezed. This is an ingrown hair. It may look like a small red bump. The bump may hurt when you touch it. It may itch as well. These bumps most often happen where you shave, like your face, armpits, legs, or bikini area. This is not a serious condition. ‚
What are the causes?
- Cutting hair too short near the skin
- Shaving against the direction the hair grows
- Pulling the skin tight when shaving or using a razor with more than one blade
What can make this more likely to happen?
This condition is more common among people with tightly-curled hair. You are at a higher risk for ingrown hairs if you are African-American. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Small rounded, pink, or reddish bumps
- Itchy and sore skin in the ingrown area
- Curled hair is seen under the skin
- Painful pimples after shaving
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and look at your skin. The doctor will know if ingrown hairs cause the bumps in your skin. You may have tests to help learn more about your condition. The doctor may order: ‚
- Skin biopsy
- Skin bacterial culture
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
There is often no treatment needed for ingrown hair. It may go away on its own. The hair will break free from the skin and start to grow upwards. A warm moist compress may help the bumps drain. The doctor may also make a small cut to remove the hair. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- If possible, stop shaving the area for a period of time.
- When you must shave, make sure the hair is wet before you begin.
- Shave following the direction of the hair growth.
- Do not shave too close to the skin.
- Have your doctor show you how to remove an ingrown hair.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Prevent infection
- Help with pain
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Avoid shaving and tweezing your hair.
- Try laser treatment to remove unwanted hair.
Where can I learn more?
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/skin_stuff/hair_removal.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚