Many of us must have heard about “Ingrown Hair” and also have experienced this problem. This condition is also known as pseudofolliculitis, where the body aggravates foreign body reaction to implantation of one’s own hair into the skin. Sometimes, as a result of shaving hair starts to grow downward and grows through the skin that’s why its termed as ingrown. The reaction of the body, in this case, is similar to what coccus in the case of a foreign body, and it causes inflammation forming red itchy bumps on the skin surface. It is not only common in females but can happen in males due to regular shaving. Males are more prone to this problem as the hair in males is in close proximity to the skin. It can occur anywhere on the body area like face, bikini, underarms, legs, etc. It generally happens as a result of threading, waxing, plucking, and shaving.

Though ingrown hair can happen to anyone, and are more common in people who have thick coarse and curly body hair. This is because curly hair has more tendency to bend back and then re-enter the skin surface especially when they are shaved or cut from the surface. As the most common cause of ingrown hair is shaving so they are also commonly known as "razor bumps," this collection of little bumps is common on the beard area as a result of shaving, waxing or tweezing of the unwanted hair. The razor cuts the hair on the surface resulting in forming edges sharp and hence they can easily poke back into the skin where they get trapped below the surface. Except shaving, there are certain more causes that contribute to increased ingrown hair. This includes the sex hormone. People with high levels of certain sex hormones can have excessive hair growth, which makes them more likely to suffer from ingrown hair. Further genetics also play a major role in this condition, where a slight mutation in hair protein (keratin) increases the chances of having ingrown hair.

Sometimes hair follicles can get further infected making it itchier and pus-filled. The bacteria which are present normally on the skin surface helps in maintain the skin health but can cause a problem if it enters the body through a wound or cut. This is known as “Bacterial Folliculitis”.

In severe cases, in-grown hair can turn into a cyst. In the initial phase, it appears as a small red bump with a hair on its surface and slowly it increases in size forming a larger cyst that can be red, yellow or even white in color. It is generally painful to touch. Cysts are more likely to develop in areas like armpits, neck, legs, bikini, and face which are more prone to ingrown hair. Though ingrown hair cyst looks very similar to cystic acne in appearance they are not the same. Hair is the major cause in first whereas in cystic acne oil and dead skin cells start accumulating deep under hair follicle.

Unlike ingrown hair, cystic acne majorly occurs on the face and back. Hence, proper diagnosis is required to start the correct treatment for the condition. In either case, it is beneficial to get your condition checked by a dermatologist rather than making any wrong self-diagnosis which can at times lead to worsening of the condition.

If the cyst persists or its severity increases and it causes problems like, oozing of pus from the cyst, increase in pain or redness or any severe itchiness occur then one consult a dermatologist. The pus must be drained out of the cyst and hair must be removed.

Ingrown hair does not only cause red, itchy bumps but they can lead to much more skin problems if not treated timely. Dark spots or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is one such common after effect of this condition. This condition is more common in dark-skinned people. This occurs as a protective response of the skin to what it perceives as an injury and leads to an excess of melanin production. Hence, persistent and uncontrolled ingrown hair can lead to dark spots and in certain conditions, it can also form a scar and keloid which can be difficult to treat.

There are a few preventive measures that one can follow to avoid the havoc caused by ingrown hairs. These are:

1. Give shaving at least 30 days break. Shaving less frequently can be very helpful in reducing the chances of getting an ingrown hair. Working professionals who cannot avoid this can also opt for laser hair reduction treatments to solve the excessive hair growth problem along with minimizing any chances of ingrown hair. If shaving is performed, so before shaving always cleanse the skin surface with mild cleanser preferably the one which contains ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients help in softening the hair before shaving as they have keratolytic properties. Thus they reduce the chances of ingrown by reducing a hair’s tendency to creep into the skin

2. Secondly, apply a good amount of shaving cream or moisturizer, which contains similar ingredients as a cleanser to soothe the skin and soften up the hair.

3. Disposable razors can be used to avoid any chances of infection.

4. Also, avoid stretching skin whilst shaving to reduce the chances of ingrown hair.

Treatments: There are many treatment options available in the form of oral medication, topical medication, and lasers. To reduce inflammation and itching, creams containing hydrocortisone can be applied. In-order to suppress follicular hyperkeratosis topical medications containing benzoyl peroxide or tretinoin can be used. It is always advisable to meet a dermatologist and get the skin condition diagnosed before starting any treatment as they can add on medications to prevent the problems caused by ingrown hair, in the form of production of dark spots which may include a combination of tretinoin, low potency topical corticosteroid, and hydroquinone. This combination will also help in reducing inflammation and hyperkeratosis. Further to reduce inflammation oral tetracyclines can also be incorporated in the treatment plan.

Today, advanced laser hair removal options are available to reduce excessive hair growth and eliminate the chances of ingrown and its related problems. These are pain-free procedures which are performed at expert dermatology clinics to give about 80% reduction or more in the hair growth.

It is best advised to get your skin condition analyzed by an expert dermatologist if the problem persists to rule out the underlying cause and start the treatment accordingly. Timely treatment can help treat the problem and prevent its re-occurrence.

Keep Healthy! Keep Glowing!