Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Treating Ingrown Hair
• Method 2 of 3: Treating the infection
• Method 3 of 3: Treat ingrown hairs with untested folk remedies
• Tips
• Warnings

Ingrown hair is a condition where hair grows into the skin instead of outward. Ingrown hairs are common in adolescents and adults, but are more common in people with thick, curly hair as the curl tries to push the hair back into the skin. Ingrown hairs tend to develop in areas of the body where hair is shaved, plucked, or waxed. The hairs can create itchy and infected swellings that can hurt and even scar, especially if the person has tried to pick out the ingrown hair with a needle, pin, or other object. The next time you have an ingrown hair, do not pick it out, but try other methods.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Treating Ingrown Hair

1. 1 Never try to remove an ingrown hair. If ingrown hairs are a chronic problem for you, trying to pick them out can lead to scarring. Do not self-medicate or use tweezers, needles, pins, or other objects to remove an ingrown hair. Such methods increase the risk of scarring and the spread of infection.
2. 2 Stop shaving, plucking, or removing hair from the infected area with melted wax. Postpone hair removal on the affected area until the infection is clear. Ingrown hairs occur where hair is cut at and below the skin, leaving behind a sharp edge that then grows sideways into the skin. Continuing to remove hair from this area will result in more ingrown hairs or subsequent irritation of the affected area, which should be avoided.
3. 3 Moisturize your skin. Make sure your skin doesn't dry out. After each treatment, the infected hair should be moisturized. This will help soften the skin and reduce the risk of skin damage and scar formation.

Method 2 of 3: Treating the infection

1. 1 Soak the infected hair. Take a clean towel, soak it in very warm water, and place it on the infected area. Leave the towel on for three to five minutes, or until the towel has cooled. Apply the towel three to four times, twice a day. The heat will help the infection "reach the critical point" and flow out.
   • The advantage of this method is that it minimizes the likelihood of scar formation.
   • Take a clean, fresh towel each time and remember to wash your hands before and after the procedure. This will help prevent bacteria from entering the skin at the site of the infection.
2. 2 Use topical antibiotics (applied to the skin). Rinse and dry thoroughly before applying antibiotic.Topical antibiotics usually contain three different antibiotics and are sold as a gel, cream, or lotion. The composition may contain different antibiotics, but, as a rule, these are bacitracin, neomycin and polymyxin.
   • Use the antibiotic as directed and remember to wash your hands before and after application.
   • Do a drip test first, as some people have adverse reactions to topical antibiotics. Apply the antibiotic to a small area of ​​your skin (the skin on your wrist is great if you are going to apply the antibiotic to a delicate area, such as your pubic area) and make sure you don't get a rash or other adverse reaction.
3. 3 Call your doctor if the infection gets worse. If you don't see any improvement within five to seven days, or if the infection gets worse or spreads, make an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist right away. Your doctor may need to cut the skin open to drain the wound.
   • Do not try to uncover the infection by yourself or at home. The doctor knows how to properly make an incision, he uses sterile equipment, such as a clean scalpel, and will perform the procedure in a clean room.
4. 4 Follow your doctor's recommendations for treatment. Your doctor will advise you to wait for the infection to heal on its own, or prescribe medication for this. Your doctor may prescribe a prescription oral antibiotic, a retinoid to remove dead skin and discoloration around an ingrown hair, or steroids to be applied directly to the infected area.
   • Follow the instructions for use of the medication exactly. Always take your medication exactly as instructed, even if the problem goes away before you finish your treatment.
   • Your doctor can advise you on how to prevent future ingrown hairs.

Method 3 of 3: Treat ingrown hairs with untested folk remedies

1. 1 Treat skin infection with antibacterial essential oils. Apply your chosen essential oil with a cotton swab or cotton swab directly to the infected ingrown hair, but if you have sensitive skin, you may need to dilute the essential oil with a “base” oil such as coconut oil (this is especially true for oils such as tea tree oil which may be too harsh on the skin). Leave the essential oil on your skin or wash it off with warm water after 30 minutes. Find a homeopath to help you choose the right oil. Here is a list of essential oils to try:
   • Tea tree oil
   • Eucalyptus oil
   • Peppermint oil
   • Orange oil
   • Garlic oil
   • Clove oil
   • Lime oil
   • Rosemary oil
   • Geranium oil
   • Lemon oil
2. 2 Use a “spot exfoliator” to help remove ingrown hairs. Mix 5 grams of baking soda or sea salt with 15-30 ml of olive oil, which has antibacterial properties. Apply the mixture to the infected ingrown hair with a cotton swab or cotton swab.
   • Using your fingertips, gently massage in the exfoliating mixture in a circular motion. First, do three to five rotations clockwise, and then the same amount counterclockwise. Rinse the area with warm water and pat dry. Wash your hands and throw the towel into the wash to prevent the spread of infection. Repeat the procedure twice a day.
   • Remember, in order to move the hair, you need to be very careful and use smooth and circular motions. Exfoliating too vigorously can scar, irritate and damage already sensitive skin.
   • Also, do not forget that it takes time to counteract the infection. If the condition of the ingrown hair improves, continue treatment until the gaps are completely gone.If your ingrown hair does not improve, see your doctor.
3. 3 Use honey as an antibacterial and anti-infection agent. The most extensive research has been done with manuka honey, but any organic honey will work. Apply honey to infected ingrown hair with a cotton swab and leave it on for 5-10 minutes. Rinse the area with warm water and dry it dry. Also, remember to wash your hands and put the towel in the wash to prevent the spread of infection. Repeat the procedure twice a day.
   • Do not use this remedy if you have a sensitivity to honey.

Tips

• African American men may have problems with ingrown hairs on the face and scalp, especially after shaving.
• In women, ingrown hairs most often appear under the armpits, in the pubic region and on the legs.

Warnings

• Do not use products that you are allergic to for treatment.
• If the ingrown hair does not improve or the infection has spread to other areas of the body within five to seven days, see your doctor immediately.