Having an ingrown hair can be uncomfortable, but it's rarely a cause for concern. They usually cause small lumps to appear at the site, which can be papules or pustules (when there is pus). Even if they are inconvenient, nothing more than the usual care will be needed for the condition to improve; if you want to speed up the process, on the other hand, you can try removing the hair. Do not pull the fur from the base, but bring it to the surface so that it can be removed; when you notice signs of infection, see your doctor.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Taking Care of Ingrown Hair
Step 1. Stop shaving and shaving the pubic area until the ingrown hair improves
It is necessary to let this part of the body “recover itself”, avoiding irritation or infections; do nothing and wait.
- Even if you don't want the hair to grow, be patient; in this way, you will be able to remove what is stuck more easily.
- Usually nothing else will be there after about a month. However, it may be simpler to remove it by bringing it closer to the surface.
Step 2. Don't poke at the ingrown hair; there is a risk of infections
Although contamination is rare, any wound to the skin increases the chance that bacteria will enter the body. So don't move the pubic area too much so you don't accidentally hurt the skin.
While there is a temptation to try and pull the fur out at once, it will only make the situation worse
Step 3. Apply a little hydrocortisone cream to reduce the itching (if there is no possibility of an infection)
It is common for ingrown hairs to show itching, but avoid poking so as not to irritate the skin. Instead, take a thin layer of hydrocortisone cream (over-the-counter) and apply it to the spot to ease the discomfort. It is possible to apply it up to four times a day.
- It is not recommended to use hydrocortisone in cases of hair infection. Make an appointment with a doctor if you notice signs of pus, redness or swelling.
- Read and follow the instructions on the package insert so as not to overuse this product.
Variation:
Instead of hydrocortisone cream, you can try witch hazel, aloe, or benzoyl peroxide, which also reduce itching but may not be as effective as hydrocortisone.
Step 4. Apply antibiotic cream to ingrown hair every day to prevent infections
Any contamination will delay the improvement of the ingrown hair; over-the-counter antibiotic creams, when applied up to twice a day, will leave the area very clean.
Buy an antibiotic cream at any pharmacy
Part 2 of 4: Making the hair stay on the surface of the skin
Step 1. Put a hot compress for 15 minutes so that the hair “rises” to the surface
Dip a cloth into hot water and wring it out, leaving it just damp, then press it against the ingrown hair for up to 15 minutes. Repeat this procedure up to four times daily so that the entire coat is close to the surface.
A hot water bottle will also serve as a hot compress
Step 2. Massage some soap and hot water over the area
Moisten the area around the fur with hot water; soap your fingers and gently massage the ingrown hair for 10 to 15 seconds. Finish by rinsing it with hot water to remove the soap.
This light massage, along with the heat of the water, can cause the hair to "go up."
Step 3. Apply a natural scrub for 10 minutes to remove dead skin cells
It removes dead cells and covers the ingrown hair, making it easier for it to reach the surface. Apply the product over the area and let it stand for 10 minutes; then moisten the scrub with hot water and rub it slowly over your skin as you rinse it off. See some easy-to-prepare natural exfoliants:
- Prepare a paste with 1/2 cup of white or brown sugar and about 3 tablespoons of oil.
- Mix 3 tablespoons of ground and used coffee with 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Take 1 tablespoon of oil and pour over 3 tablespoons of salt.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with enough water to make a paste.
Variation:
Use a body scrub if you don't want to prepare one.
Step 4. Ask your doctor about the possibility of using retinoids to remove the top layer of skin
When ingrown hair is too tight, retinoids can be prescribed by a doctor to remove the top layer of skin cells, which should cause the hair to come to the surface. Go to the dermatologist and get better information; use topical treatment as directed by the specialist.
Retinoids can only be obtained with a prescription
Part 3 of 4: Removing the Hair
Step 1. Place the tweezers over the part where the fur bends
It should be well curled or appear to be growing to one side; as it is difficult to see which end is the top of the hair, always pull it through the middle until the inside of the skin comes out.
Variation:
Use a sterile needle to pull it out by the tip instead of tweezers. Insert the tip of the needle under the part where the hair turns to one side and gently lift it up. The tip should come out; never stick the needle into the skin.
Step 2. Move the tweezers back and forth until the hair end comes out
Grasp it and pull it to the right and left, continuing with the movement until the tip of the fur comes out.
- Pulling the hair straight up will cause a lot of pain, even if it is removed. The ideal is to make it "climb" little by little until you can pull it closer to the surface.
- Be careful not to push the tips of the tweezers into the skin.
Step 3. Pull the fur at once as soon as the tip comes off the skin
Use the tweezers to pull it by the base; make a quick, dry movement.
- The ingrown hair should completely come out of the skin.
- Pulling it should cause some pain, but nothing exaggerated.
Step 4. Wash the area with soap and hot water to sanitize it
Wet the place with hot water and apply a little soap; then, with hot running water, rinse it so that dirt and bacteria do not enter the body through the hair follicle.
Do not rub the skin with the towel; just give it light touches or just let it dry naturally
Step 5. Apply an antibiotic cream to accelerate hair follicle healing
With your finger or a cotton swab, pass it over the place where the ingrown hair was; it will protect you from infections and accelerate healing. Also, the presence of scar tissue will be less.
Step 6. Change your shaving routine to lessen the chance of getting another ingrown hair
Before using the razor, trim the hairs with scissors; get into a hot bath (tub or shower) or simply put a warm compress on the spot for five to ten minutes before shaving your hair. It is recommended to use a neutral cream, without odor, and use the razor in the same direction as the hair grows.
- After shaving the pubic area, moisten it and wear cotton underwear.
- You can use a machine to trim your pubic hair, just making it shorter instead of shaving it off completely.
- Laser hair removal can be done by a dermatologist if you frequently suffer from ingrown hairs.
Part 4 of 4: Treating an infected ingrown hair
Step 1. See a doctor after you notice signs of infection
There is always the possibility of contamination of the site, especially if the skin is injured. In case of infection, it is necessary to carry out the proper treatment as soon as possible for better healing. Go to the specialist when you notice the following signs, which indicate contamination:
- Presence of pus.
- Pain.
- Redness.
- Swelling.
Step 2. Use an antibiotic as instructed by your doctor
When there is an infection, he can prescribe that category of medication; in light contaminations, the antibiotic should be topical. In more severe cases, it is more likely to be oral. Either way, follow the doctor's recommendations to quickly improve the problem.
- Do not stop taking the antibiotic when you feel better. Strictly follow the usage time indicated by the doctor or the infection may return.
- Antibiotics will only fight the microorganisms that caused the infection, not affecting or improving the ingrown hair.
Step 3. Wait for deinflammation to try to remove the ingrown hair in the pubic region
During the treatment of the infection, do not touch it; trying to pull it can make the infection worse. Your doctor will be able to tell you at what point you can try to have it removed again.