Ingrown Hair: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, and Infections

Table Of Content

• Find more top doctors on
• Differin Adapaline Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment
• How do healthcare professionals diagnose an ingrown hair?
• Ingrown Hair Symptoms
• Paula's Choice Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA
• How to treat an ingrown hair at home
• Are these ingrown hairs? How do you get rid of them? How can I make this skin smooth?

Electrolysis, another hair removal method, has a greater risk of ingrown hairs. However, for patients with very light hair, laser hair removal may not work and electrolysis is the best option,” Khorasani says. As part of conventional ingrown hair treatment, your doctor may prescribe certain medications such as retinoids, steroid cream or antibiotic ointment for ingrown hairs. To get rid of ingrown hair cyst with a serious infection, he or she may also recommend a course of oral antibiotics. After you're done with your shave, always moisturize with a soothing hydrator.

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People with high levels of certain sex hormones can have more hair than usual. This can make you more likely to get ingrown hairs, especially after shaving. In the days before your medical appointment, if possible, stop shaving or using any form of hair removal. Ingrown hairs are sometimes called razor bumps, shave bumps or barber bumps. If bacteria or other pathogens enter the skin, an infection can develop, leading to a painful bump.

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It is a benign condition, which usually appears as a small tan or sometimes pink bump under the skin. Often, a small pinpoint (often dark) part of the underlying hair may be seen under the skin bump. In severe cases, multiple small red or pink bumps at hair follicles may be seen on any skin area that normally grows hair. Ingrown hairs typically don’t cause serious complications or health concerns. However, they can affect your quality of life and self-esteem if they keep coming back.

How do healthcare professionals diagnose an ingrown hair?

Pulling the skin taut during shaving can also cause ingrown hairs since this action permits the cut hair to draw back into the skin and re-enter the skin without first growing out. Other times, dead skin cells cause a hair follicle to become clogged, which leaves the hair no choice but to grow sideways beneath the skin’s surface. An ingrown hair forms when a hair follicle becomes trapped under the skin, causing inflammation and irritation. A common reason the hair becomes trapped is because the follicle is clogged with dead skin. Thick and/or curly hair is more likely to become ingrown, which is why ingrown hairs commonly form in the pubic area. In fact, ingrown hairs can sometimes look like genital or vaginal pimples as they are often covered by a red bump, and there can white pus visible below the surface.

An ingrown hair starts growing in its follicle normally, but after emerging into the world, it doubles back and reenters your skin. Compared to other hair-removal methods, this happens most often when you’re shaving. “The razor leaves the end of the hair sharp, making it more likely to pierce back into the skin,” Dr. Hayag says. Start by applying a warm compress to the area, since the heat will soften the skin, says Dr. Solomon. "Move a washcloth or clean, soft-bristled toothbrush over the area in a circular motion for several minutes," she suggests.

The easiest way to do this is through proper hair and skin hygiene. Antibacterial washes, such as benzoyl peroxide (Clearasil, Proactiv) or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens), can be used once or twice a day to control the infection. Topical eflornithine HCl 13.9% cream (Vaniqa) is a prescription that can reduce the rate of hair growth when applied to the skin twice a day over one to two months.

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How to treat an ingrown hair at home

Instead, a hair keeps growing, but under the skin, either in a curl, in a downward direction, or to the side under the surface of the skin. Usually an ingrown hair looks like a red bump, but sometimes you can see the hair through the skin, and it may have a white pus-filled head. The beard area of your face (neck, cheeks and chin), legs, armpits and pubic area (bikini line and inner thigh) are most likely to develop ingrown hairs.

An ingrown hair can also turn into a more painful, pus-filled sore. All the derms we spoke with advise against popping or tweezing an ingrown hair bump, warning that this ups the likelihood of infection and isn't a guaranteed way to remove the hair. Patience is a virtue when it comes to ingrown hair removal; your best bet is to simply do a few things that will help the hair come out on its own faster. Use topical treatments on the affected area only, as they can cause dry skin and other side effects.

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If you see signs of infection, you should visit your healthcare provider. Laser hair removal may be an option for preventing ingrown hairs. Laser treatments applied to an area help to permanently decrease the number of hairs.

Sugar and salt are considered to be natural mild exfoliators that can be applied to an ingrown hair to help reduce redness or irritation. My homemade body scrub with sugar and sea salt is a great combination of these two amazing exfoliators. Without exfoliating, you run the risk of trapping oil, dirt, and debris between hairs, leading to infection.

The structure of the hair and direction in which they grow also play a role in ingrown hair development. For instance, tightly curled hair will have a curved hair follicle, which is believed to encourage the hair to reenter the skin once the hair is cut and starts to grow back. Most ingrown hairs will subside fairly quickly if you leave them alone. However, if an ingrown hair is really bothering you or lasts more than a couple of weeks, make an appointment to see your primary care doctor or a dermatologist.

We've all been there—you're admiring a silky smooth shave or wax job when suddenly, there it is. A red, raised, (often painful) bump, ruining the landscape of your otherwise flawless skin. Ingrown hairs happen, but before you reach for the tweezers or get to squeezing, read this. We asked top dermatologists for their best advice on how to get rid of ingrown hair, and, more importantly, how to prevent these pesky bumps from cropping up in the first place.

As an alternative to aggressive or chemical-laden waxing, you may want to try this DIY sugar wax recipe, although you can also find sugar waxing available at non-toxic salons. If an ingrown hair becomes infected, the person may need to visit the doctor for treatment. A doctor may prescribe antibiotic ointments, steroid creams, or medicated washes to use on the area. In severe cases, a doctor may refer a person to a skin specialist. However, if the problem is persistent, people should see their doctor for other preventive measures.

Or, you can swap out razors entirely and use electric clippers or hair removal creams instead. Scarring is another potential complication of ingrown hairs. You can also try to release the trapped hair at home if you can see the hair shaft just under the skin surface.

If you’re aiming for a smooth, hair-free look, ingrown hairs can ruin the effect. These unsightly bumps can be an annoying side effect of hair removal. The good news is ingrown hairs can be treated effectively at home. The simplest way to prevent ingrown hair is to allow hair to grow without cutting it too short. Chemical depilatories like Neet or Nair can loosen the structure of hair, resulting in blunt tips of shaved hairs at the follicular opening.

Why is my hair falling out? Learn the causes of hair loss

Table Of Content

• Cosmetic options for hair loss
• Causes and treatments for hair loss
• Special Health Reports
• Living with hair loss?
• Hair loss

But there are risks, including infection or shock that can cause hair to fall out of the transplanted areas. It can be helpful to keep a hair diary to track any changes you notice or symptoms you experience and to look for patterns. Hair loss can occur if you wear pigtails, braids or cornrows, or use tight hair rollers. With minoxidil, you might also see hair growing in places other than your scalp (cheeks and forehead, for example). Wash your face after you apply minoxidil and make sure you avoid other areas when you apply it. Always talk to a healthcare provider before discontinuing any medication.

Cosmetic options for hair loss

This involves carefully removing several small sections of skin for laboratory testing. These patches, sometimes called a kerion, can cause scarring as well. For the purposes of this article, we use “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth. It is typical for a certain amount of hair — usually around 100 strands — to fall out every day. Below are some frequently asked questions about hair loss.

Causes and treatments for hair loss

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Male and female pattern baldness are the main cause of hair loss. However, lifestyle factors, such as frequent tight hairstyles, and medical conditions, such as alopecia, can also cause hair loss. The most common cause of female hair loss worldwide is female pattern baldness, which is also called androgenetic alopecia . This type of hair loss has a strong genetic component and can be inherited from either your mother or father. Unlike male-pattern balding, women often experience an overall thinning, which maintains the normal hairline.’ Explains Dr Balwi.

Special Health Reports

It usually happens when you're in your late 50s or 60s. But you may start to notice it as early as your late teens -- and the earlier it starts, the more serious it tends to be. Hormone changes during menopause can also contribute to this type of baldness. A healthcare provider might recommend using minoxidil (Rogaine®). You can purchase the 2% or 5% solution over the counter (OTC). However, you have to follow directions exactly and use the product indefinitely.

Hair regrowth usually begins within a few months after you finish treatment. Female-pattern baldness typically starts with scalp hairs becoming progressively less dense. Many women first experience hair thinning and hair loss where they part their hair and on the top-central portion of the head. ‘Telogen effluvium is a type of hair loss resulting from the disruption of the hair growth phase. When more hairs are in the resting phase than in the growing phase, extensive hair shedding and sudden hair loss in women can occur. Baldness is often hereditary, and is activated by a shift in your hormones.

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Treatments include hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to restore hormonal balance, minoxidil to promote hair growth, and supplements like biotin and iron to support hair health. Additionally, lifestyle changes and stress management can help mitigate hair loss symptoms,' says Dr. Balwi. Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a topical medication (the type you apply to your scalp) approved by the FDA for female pattern hair loss. It's is available over the counter as 2% and 5% solutions.

Call Your Doctor About Hair Loss If:

But there may be a more significant reason for your hair loss when you start seeing your scalp or bald spots. If a person notices they are losing more hair than usual, they may have an underlying condition. It is important to consult a doctor to learn what the possible cause and best treatment may be. Other forms of birth control that affect the hormones, such as implants and skin patches, may also cause hair loss.

If the stress stops, your body will readjust and the excessive shedding will stop. When the shedding stops, most people see their hair regain its normal fullness within 6 to 9 months. This is true for damaged hair follicles from too-tight hairstyles, damaged hair follicles from chemicals applied to the hair, and damages caused by certain autoimmune diseases. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes your immune system to attack hair follicles, resulting in bald patches that can range from small to large. Anagen effluvium causes large amounts of hair to rapidly fall out during the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. It may cause hair to fall out from the head, as well as from other parts of the body, including the eyebrows and eyelashes.

Hair loss

While most causes of hair loss are treatable, some may not be. Having excessive hair fall out, or shed, can be upsetting and stressful. However, it is common, and in most cases, it is also temporary. It's important to see a healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Moisturizing creams or ointments may be used to help with dryness or itchiness.

Here are some of the best treatments for female and male hair loss. On average, most people lose about 100 strands of hair a day. And with new strands growing to take place of the ones lost, most won’t notice a difference. Skin conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis can occur on the scalp and interfere with hair growth. Infections such as ringworm of the scalp and folliculitis can also cause hair loss. Physical and psychological stress can cause hair loss.

Anagen effluvium is just as likely to happen to women and men exposed to a medication or toxin that causes hair loss. Hair shedding is different than hair loss, which is when hair stops growing. Reasons for hair loss include male or female pattern baldness, certain medications, and harsh chemical hair products. Depending on the cause, hair loss may or may not be temporary. Traction alopecia is the result of environmental factors, such as wearing your hair in tight hairstyles, Agbai says. Telogen effluvium refers to the excessive shedding of hair follicles, and it occurs when hair follicles prematurely skip to the end of the hair growth cycle, she adds.

Other ways to hit your daily protein requirement include eating beans and legumes, eggs or Greek yogurt. Most of us shed hair a little at a time — pretty much all the time. A scalp infeciton can lead to scaly and sometimes inflamed areas on your scalp. You can search by location, condition, and procedure to find the dermatologist that’s right for you. Use these professionally produced online infographics, posters, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer. It can smooth out deep wrinkles and lines, but the results aren’t permanent.

Some people prefer to let their hair loss run its course untreated and unhidden. Others may cover it up with hairstyles, makeup, hats or scarves. And still others choose one of the treatments available to prevent further hair loss or restore growth. There's a chance you're genetically predisposed to hair thinning, which means you may see a progressive, gradual reduction in hair volume.

Hair Loss in Women: When Should You Worry?

Table Of Content

• Follow Mayo Clinic
• Hair Loss in Women
• Why am I losing my hair and can I stop it?
• What’s The Most Common Cause Of Female Hair Loss?
• Itchy Scalp and Hair Loss: What Causes Both Symptoms?
• Alopecia areata

Treatments for hair loss are more likely to be successful if started early. This type of hair loss typically resolves on its own once the underlying cause is addressed. A 2018 review suggests that a vitamin D deficiency may link to hair loss. The authors also suggest that to help prevent hair loss, people low in iron would benefit from iron supplementation and making sure they get enough vitamin C.

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But low-level laser light therapy devices, which include wands and helmets, can be time-consuming and expensive, with options costing $200 to $1,000. Available as a solution or foam that’s applied to your scalp, the medication has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at a 5% strength.

Hair Loss in Women

Essentially, this means there’s temporary hair loss where more hairs enter the telogen phase than what’s typical. Around 90 percent of your hair is in the anagen stage at once, and this growth phase can last for years. To understand hair loss, you need to understand hair growth. It can help to address the physical aspects of hair loss. Try to find out everything you can about hair loss and the treatment options available to you. Hair loss is a well-known side effect of chemotherapy.

Why am I losing my hair and can I stop it?

And in the case of alopecia, the sooner you start, the better. “The longer the hair is gone, the harder it is to get back,” she says. Hair loss can be a side effect of anemia (low iron levels). It can also be caused by shortages of other nutrients, including B vitamins and vitamin D. “Our body needs certain vitamins and nutrients to build hair,” notes Dr. Khetarpal.

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"Research shows that at least 1 in 3 women will suffer from hair loss or reduced hair volume at some point in their lifetime," says Anabel Kingsley. So, if you are losing strands, it's important not to freak out, your mane will recover. In the meantime, here's everything you need to know... No matter which term you use, it means that you’ve inherited genes that cause your hair follicles (what each hair grows out of) to shrink and eventually stop growing hair.

But in the UK, 8 million women are affected by hair loss, according to Harley Street London hair transplant clinic. If you love a protective style, make sure you’re giving your hair a break in between. “The most common cause of hair loss in this hair type is traction alopecia. "When I experienced telogen effluvium, combined with alopecia, my hair was falling out in clumps," says Nosheen Choudhry, founder of Nosheen Hair Oil. This means your hair loss is the result of a trigger.

Itchy Scalp and Hair Loss: What Causes Both Symptoms?

A biopsy may also be taken if it is initially very unclear what the root causes may be. Tinea capitis, also called ringworm of the scalp, is a fungal infection that can affect the scalp and hair shaft. It causes small bald patches that are scaly and itchy. Over time, if not treated early, the size of the patch or patches will increase and fill with pus. In addition to losing hair on the scalp, some people with alopecia areata lose hair from their eyebrows, eyelashes, or other parts of the body.

Alopecia areata

Don’t use this product if you’re pregnant, if you plan to get pregnant or if you’re breastfeeding (chestfeeding). Hair grows on almost all of your skin surfaces — not the palms of your hands, soles of your feet, lips or eyelids. This article looks at what happens when hair falls out excessively, why this can occur, and where to seek treatment. Treatment depends on the cause but may include topical medications and shampoos, oral or injected medications, and lifestyle practices. Medicated shampoo may be recommended for conditions such as dandruff or psoriasis.

Male-pattern baldness

If ringworm does not heal by itself, a doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication such as griseofulvin. Treatment for this condition depends on the cause but may include a topical solution of minoxidil (Rogaine). For this test, they gently pull on a chunk of your hair to see how many strands come out. Your doctor may use a lighted microscope to look for any hair shaft disorders.

Taking hormones can change hair growth all over your body. Masculinizing hormone therapy (taking testosterone) may cause hair loss within a year, and the effects aren't reversible if you stop hormone treatment. And any medical conditions that lead to hair loss should be treated directly to address the condition, not just its symptoms.

The search for causes and potential treatments by people experiencing hair loss is understandable. Research has tied hair loss to lower self-esteem, body image issues, and increased anxiety. The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology recommends assessing for anxiety and stress when diagnosing hair loss. This works well for people with inherited baldness since they typically lose hair on the top of the head. Because some hair loss can be progressive, you may need multiple procedures over time.

Trans women and trans men who have used HRT may have additional risk factors for hair loss that are not covered here. In the type of patchy hair loss known as alopecia areata, hair loss occurs suddenly and usually starts with one or more circular bald patches that may overlap. While hair loss isn’t itself dangerous, losing your hair is an emotional experience. Unwanted changes to your appearance can influence your self-esteem and social life. Some people find comfort in talking with a mental health professional if their hair loss causes discomfort.