Dealing with an ingrowing hair
An ingrown hair happens when a cut, shaved, or waxed hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin instead of straight out, causing a raised, itchy, or painful red bump.
How to Treat at Home
• Apply warmth: Hold a warm, damp compress on the area for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the skin and help open the pore.
• Exfoliate gently: Use a soft washcloth in circular motions or apply a mild exfoliating lotion with salicylic or glycolic acid to clear dead skin cells.
• Avoid picking or squeezing: Do not pop, scratch, or dig deeply for the hair, as this can push bacteria deeper and cause infection or scarring.
• Pause hair removal: Stop shaving, waxing, or tweezing the area until the bump heals completely.
Prevention Tips
• Change your shaving routine: Wet your skin with warm water, use a sharp single-blade razor, shave in the direction of hair growth, and avoid pulling the skin tight.
• Leave some stubble: Avoid ultra-close shaves by leaving about 1 mm of length.
• Try alternatives: Switch to an electric trimmer (using a higher guard), use a hair removal cream (depilatory), or look into laser hair removal.
When to See a Pharmacist or Doctor
• Ask a Pharmacy for over-the-counter anti-itch, exfoliating, or antiseptic creams.
• See a doctor if the spot becomes severely swollen, hot to the touch, very painful, or filled with spreading pus, or if you develop a fever.
How to Treat at Home
• Apply warmth: Hold a warm, damp compress on the area for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the skin and help open the pore.
• Exfoliate gently: Use a soft washcloth in circular motions or apply a mild exfoliating lotion with salicylic or glycolic acid to clear dead skin cells.
• Avoid picking or squeezing: Do not pop, scratch, or dig deeply for the hair, as this can push bacteria deeper and cause infection or scarring.
• Pause hair removal: Stop shaving, waxing, or tweezing the area until the bump heals completely.
Prevention Tips
• Change your shaving routine: Wet your skin with warm water, use a sharp single-blade razor, shave in the direction of hair growth, and avoid pulling the skin tight.
• Leave some stubble: Avoid ultra-close shaves by leaving about 1 mm of length.
• Try alternatives: Switch to an electric trimmer (using a higher guard), use a hair removal cream (depilatory), or look into laser hair removal.
When to See a Pharmacist or Doctor
• Ask a Pharmacy for over-the-counter anti-itch, exfoliating, or antiseptic creams.
• See a doctor if the spot becomes severely swollen, hot to the touch, very painful, or filled with spreading pus, or if you develop a fever.
31-35, F
