Ingrown hairs are a common yet annoying hazard of shaving. They’re easy to get but can be very tricky to eradicate. If not dealt with properly they can turn into a very painful infection and even cause scarring to the skin. This post will talk about the cause of ingrown hairs and what you can do to avoid them.
Ingrown hairs are small solid pus-filled blisters that form on the skin usually as a result of improper shaving technique. If you’ve been lucky enough to not experience one, they are raised red itchy spots that have the hair trapped under the skin. Sometimes you can actually see the trapped hair. Ingrown hairs are most common in people with curly or coarse hair.
As with most skin related irritants, the best way to avoid getting an ingrown hair is proper shaving technique. A great preventive method is exfoliating before shaving. Proper exfoliation technique involves using a scrub, brush, or sponge to apply product using small gentle circular motions. Exfoliating removes dead skin that can trap hairs and turn them into razor bumps. When it comes to actually shaving, make sure your razor is sharp and clean and you're shaving with grain.
There are many ways to get rid of pesky ingrown hairs. If you’re afraid it has or might become infected, the best option always is to get it dealt with by a qualified dermatologist. However, there are numerous at home treatments that work on smaller ingrown hairs. The most common technique is to Apply warm compresses to the cyst for 10–15 minutes several times a day. These might bring the cyst closer to the surface, allowing it to drain. If the hair is trapped under the skin, warm compresses may help it grow out. Apply an antiseptic solution, such as tea tree oil, to the cyst to prevent infection.