Are you getting raised, red bumps on your skin after shaving, waxing, threading or plucking? Have they become itchy or even a bit swollen? If so, it’s likely that you have some ingrown hairs.
Are you getting raised, red bumps on your skin after shaving, waxing, threading or plucking? Have they become itchy or even a bit swollen? If so, it’s likely that you have some ingrown hairs.
If you get ingrown hairs, they could affect your body confidence, leaving you feeling embarrassed about showing your skin.
But while they can be an annoying skin problem to deal with, they’re common, and usually clear up on their own. Plus, with a bit of know-how, you can avoid getting them again.
So read on to discover what causes ingrown hairs, how to get rid of them, and how to stop them coming back.
Sometimes also known ‘pseudofolliculitis barbae’, an ingrown hair usually happens when a hair that’s been removed curls into the skin as it grows back, and gets trapped there.
Things that you might notice include:
Ingrown hairs are often found in places where you remove hair – such as your underarms, neck, chin, top lip, legs or bikini line. You’re more likely to get ingrown hairs if you have thick, curly or coarse hair.
Causes include:
In most cases, ingrown hairs are nothing serious and should get better on their own if you allow them to grow out – this often happens once they get to about 10mm long.
Treatments that may help include:
If you stop shaving, plucking and waxing, you’re much less likely to get ingrown hairs.
But if that isn’t a realistic option for you, try some of these tips to help keep ingrown hairs at bay:
Sometimes with ingrown hairs, you can get an ingrown hair cyst. This is usually a spot that’s turned into a pus-filled lump. The good news is that most ingrown hair cysts are nothing to worry about, and they often get better on their own.
In the meantime, treat the area gently while it heals – avoid shaving it, and keep it clean and moisturised. And don’t try to squeeze or pop the cyst, as this can cause irritation and increase the risk of infection. It’s best to see your doctor (see below) if you have a lump you’re not sure about, before trying any home remedies.
You might need to see a doctor about an ingrown hair or an ingrown hair cyst if:
Your doctor might give you [antibiotics](yourmd:/condition/ or a cream to help clear up an infection. In some cases, a cyst may need to be removed with surgery.
Ingrown hairs can look very similar to spots – red, swollen, itchy and sometimes filled with pus. But if these pimple-like spots are only on your body where you shave or wax, they’re more likely to be an ingrown hair.
Ingrown hairs can be frustrating, but try to avoid scratching, picking, squeezing or tweezing them. This could make the ingrown hair (and the area around it) more red and sore, and make you more likely to get an infection.
Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health.