Ingrown Hair – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
A healthcare provider usually checks your skin for signs like redness, papules, or pustules around hair follicles.
They’ll probably ask about your hair removal habits and look for related concerns such as secondary infection, folliculitis, or skin infections—especially if you have risk factors like diabetes or obesity.
In most cases, diagnosis is based on visual inspection. Doctors can often tell it’s an ingrown hair just by seeing a curled hair trapped under the skin, often with irritation or swelling around it.
If the area is swollen, painful, or draining pus, they might also check for signs of infection.
In rare cases where the diagnosis isn’t clear, or the bumps don’t improve, they may take a skin sample or order further tests to rule out conditions like acne, cysts, or keratosis pilaris.
Treatment
Prescription and Over-the-Counter Creams
Doctors often recommend different medications to help heal or prevent ingrown hairs.
Some of the most common treatments include:
| Treatment Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Retinoid cream (tretinoin) | Exfoliates, helps fade dark marks |
| Glycolic/salicylic acid | Reduces hair curling into skin |
| Topical steroid | Reduces skin irritation |
| Antibiotic ointment or pills | Treats or prevents infection |
Hair Growth–Reducing Cream |
Slows hair regrowth |
Retinoid Creams: These exfoliate your skin by getting rid of dead cells. This might lower the risk of hairs growing back into the skin and can help fade dark spots left behind by old ingrown hairs.
Glycolic or Salicylic Acid Lotions: These gently exfoliate and help hair grow out straight instead of curling back into the skin.
Topical Steroid Creams: They calm swelling, redness, and itching in irritated spots.
Antibiotic Ointments or Pills: If you spot infection—like pus, redness, or pain—antibiotic ointments can treat mild cases. If things get worse, doctors may prescribe pills.
Hair Growth–Reducing Cream: This prescription can slow down hair growth when you use it with other hair removal methods, making future ingrown hairs less likely.
Permanent Hair Reduction and Other Procedures
If you keep getting ingrown hairs, you might want a more lasting solution.
Laser hair removal: A specialist uses focused light to destroy hair at its root. This can really cut down on hair growth for the long haul. Fewer hairs means fewer ingrown hairs. Side effects might include temporary redness, blisters, or changes in skin color.
Electrolysis: A trained professional uses a thin needle and electric current to destroy hair follicles. After several sessions, this can permanently remove hair.
Both options usually take more than one treatment. People who have tried everything else or want to avoid constant hair removal often turn to these solutions.
Everyday Tips and At-Home Care
If you’re dealing with bumps or irritation from shaving, changing up your daily habits can really help with symptoms and lower your chances of inflammation, infection, or scarring.
Try not to shave too close to the skin. Shaving super close often leads to hairs growing back into the skin, which is a major cause of ingrown hairs—especially on the neck, beard, and armpits.
Individuals with tightly curled hair tend to get these more often.
Good Skincare Routine:
Keeping up a steady grooming routine can help minimize issues like folliculitis and pseudofolliculitis barbae.
Wash the Area: Clean your skin with warm water and a gentle cloth or soft-bristled toothbrush. Use small circles for a few minutes before shaving.
Warm Compress: Press a warm, wet cloth to the area to soften hair and skin.
Use Shaving Cream: Always use shaving cream or gel. Don’t let it dry out on your skin.
Single-Blade Razor: Use a sharp, single-blade razor to cut down on pulling and irritation.
Shave with the Grain: Go in the direction your hair grows to help prevent ingrown hairs and irritation.
Do Not Stretch Your Skin: Try not to pull your skin while shaving.
Rinse After Each Stroke: Wash off the razor after each stroke.
Post-Shave Care: When you’re done, rinse your skin and press on a cool wet cloth for a few minutes. Use a calming aftershave or, if you need it, a mild hydrocortisone cream for a short time to help with itching or inflammation.
Other Helpful Actions:
Don’t tweeze ingrown hairs. Plucking often makes things worse and can lead to scarring.
Remove visible ingrown hairs carefully. If you see a hair trapped under the skin, use a sterile needle to gently lift the tip. Never dig into your skin.
Avoid close shaving. Try electric clippers set to leave a little stubble to lower the risk of irritation.
Consider depilatory creams. Chemical hair removers might work for some, but always test a small spot first and watch for irritation.
Exfoliate gently. Use products with mild exfoliating ingredients to help prevent clogged follicles and cut down on new bumps.
Keep skin hydrated. Use emollient lotions after shaving to soothe and moisturize your skin. This can help prevent pigmentation changes and irritation.
Watch for infection. If you notice redness, pain, warmth, or pus, you might have an infection caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. See a doctor if you notice these symptoms.
| Problem | Helpful Step |
|---|---|
| Inflammation | Use a cool compress and over-the-counter anti-itch cream |
| Bacteria/Infection | Clean tools, watch for redness or swelling |
| Scarring/Pigmentation | Avoid plucking, moisturize, use gentle products |
| Pseudofolliculitis | Shave less closely, use proper technique |
| Acne & folliculitis | Clean regularly, avoid irritants, consider professional help if persistent |
Following these simple steps can help you prevent and manage razor bumps, infections, and changes in skin color.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
Getting organized before you see a doctor or dermatologist can make your appointment go smoother. Write down your symptoms—even the ones that don’t seem related.
It’s helpful to note any big changes or stressful events in your life. Make a list of all the medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take.
Think about questions you want answered, such as:
- What might be causing the problem?
- Are there other reasons for these symptoms?
- Will any tests be necessary?
- Could this issue last a while, or is it just temporary?
- What treatment options are out there?
- Are there any lifestyle restrictions to follow?
Bring your notes to the appointment.
A table can help you stay organized:
| Item | Note/Details |
|---|---|
| Symptoms | Rash, itchiness, pain, etc. |
| Stressful events | Moving, job change, etc. |
| Medications/supplements | Names and doses |
| Questions for the provider | See the list above |
Questions Your Healthcare Provider May Ask
Your healthcare provider or dermatologist will probably want a full history of your symptoms.
They might ask:
- When did you first notice the problem?
- How often do the symptoms show up?
- Do the symptoms come and go, or are they always there?
- Has anything made it better or worse?
- What kind of shaver or hair removal method do you use, and how often?
Give honest, detailed answers—this helps your provider suggest the best care. It’s totally normal if they ask follow-up questions based on what you share.
Actions To Take While Waiting
If you’re waiting for your appointment, try not to shave or use hair removal products. That way, you can help prevent more irritation.
Honestly, it might look like things are getting worse at first as the hair grows back in. But usually, the skin starts to calm down after a bit.
Keep the area clean, and whatever you do, don’t pick or squeeze any bumps. If the spot gets more painful or you notice signs of infection, reach out to your healthcare provider for advice.
