Ingrown Hair

Ingrown hair happens when, shaved, waxed or tweezed hair grows back into the skin. Ingrown hairs cause causes inflammation, irritation and can lead to infections. Ingrown hairs can happen anywhere. Most commonly found on the beard (including cheeks) and neck, legs, armpits, and pubic areas. When hair follicles are inflamed, red, round blister-like papules can occur. Sometimes, these red papules can be filled with pus causing possible further complications if left untreated. This can also cause painful scarring bumps.

The cause of ingrown hair is when hair is shaved, waxed or tweezed causing sharp edges of the hair to grow back into the skin. When hair grows back into the skin, the body reacts as if it is a foreign pathogen triggering an inflamed immune response.

Symptoms include:

• Red, round blister-like papules
• Lesions filled with pus
• Pain
• Irritation and itching
• Rooted hair in the skin

Risk factors for ingrown hair include men whose beards are naturally curly (it is believed curved hair follicles grows back into the skin once cut due to its direction of growth) and individuals who are often tweezing, shaving or waxing.

Complications can occur if the condition is not treated properly such as bacterial infections, hyperpigmentation (skin darkens from post inflammation), keloids can develop and pseudofolliculitis barbae (razor bumps) can occur.

At Center for Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Harold F. Farber, M.D. has over 30 years of experience in appropriately diagnosing and treating patients of ingrown hairs. Not only can Dr. Harold F. Farber, M.D. get to the root of the problem but he can also treat the after-effects such as scarring and hyperpigmentation giving our patients liberation from this skin disorder.

If you or someone you know is undergoing possible issues with ingrown hair, give us a call at Center for Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery to schedule your appointment with Dr. Harold F. Farber, M.D.