Many of us have been plagued with Ingrown hairs
These pesky little bumps occur when a shaved, or use of tweezers or waxed hair grows back into the skin. Ingrown hairs happen in both men and women occur on the face, beard, bikini line, hips, underarms and other areas of the body. They can be painful, itchy, unsightly and inflamed.
According to Dr. Andrea Cambio of Cambio Dermatology in Cape Coral, ingrown hairs are also more common in individuals of African American, Latino or Mediterranean decent likely because these individuals often have thicker or curlier hair.
If you are dealing with ingrown hair, a method of treating the condition includes permanent removal of the hair with electrolysis. With electrolysis, a very fine probe is inserted into the hair follicle at the surface of the skin. A small amount of electricity is applied to the base of the follicle. This process destroys the dermal papilla and the supporting structures where the root of the hair begins to grow and kills the hair for good. The hair is then removed with tweezers. An expert electrologist can release ingrown hairs before they become more problematic.
Other simple methods to help avoid ingrown hairs includes applying preparations with ingredients such as salicylic acid, lactic acid or glycolic acid. Tend Skin and Bumpcology serum are good choices. These products works best when applied after electrolysis, shaving or waxing. Application should be continued on the individual bumps on a daily basis helping them to heal. Another effective method in the battle against ingrown hairs is to exfoliate the skin gently with a loofah or wash cloth two days prior to a wax then 2-3 days after waxing and continuing a few days each week.
Cambio says that applying an on over the counter containing benzoyl peroxide for a few days also is helpful. If the area is red, hot, swollen and painful seek medical attention. An ingrown hair can form an abscess, which may need to be drained by a physician.