How does ingrown hair look like

You can treat these conditions with chemical peels or other skin-care regimens. If you have a darker complexion, you likely will have more problems with scarring or marks left behind from ingrown hairs than those with lighter skin.

But there are some things you can do to increase your chances of keeping it at bay:. So keep the area clean and dry and avoid shaving there until it clears up. If, however, you have ingrown hair that recurs frequently, creates hyperpigmentation particularly on the face , or feels like a deeper or worsening sore, consult with a skincare professional for treatment options.

Having problems with inflamed, ingrown hair? Should you try to pull them out or do your best to ignore them? An expert answers your questions. However, once an ingrown hair cyst has become inflamed and starts to fluctuate in size, incision and drainage may be required to shrink the cyst and remove the ingrown hair. Never pop an ingrown hair cyst, as this can increase your risk for infection and scarring.

At this point, the hair is embedded far too deep underneath the bump or cyst for you to pull it out. Instead, you should encourage the bumps and cysts to go down and the hair to straighten upward by gently scrubbing them with a warm cloth a couple of times a day.

If you develop an infection, a healthcare professional will prescribe either topical or oral antibiotics. Antibiotics will help reduce inflammation and pain while also preventing the infection from spreading and getting worse.

OTC treatments can usually help coax the hair out. They can drain the cyst and remove the ingrown hair. You can book an appointment with a dermatologist in your area using our Healthline FindCare tool. You should also see a healthcare professional if you suspect an infection. Signs of infection include:. Razor bumps and ingrown hair cysts can take several days or even weeks to fully clear up on their own. Timely treatment can help get rid of them and prevent them from returning.

If ingrown hairs continue to form, see a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying causes. They may also recommend more permanent hair removal methods , such as laser hair removal , to help reduce your risk for ingrown hairs and bumps. The only way you can prevent ingrown hairs from occurring at all is to refrain from hair removal altogether.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview An ingrown hair occurs when a shaved or tweezed hair grows back into the skin.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Pseudofolliculitis barbae Open pop-up dialog box Close. Pseudofolliculitis barbae Razor bumps pseudofolliculitis barbae affects men with curly beards. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary.

Here's how to prevent them from happening. Razor bumps are most likely caused by friction from your razor and ingrown hairs. Treat existing bumps and prevent more from developing with these…. But there are skin care blogs that can answer your…. When it comes to hair removal, you have options. Read on to learn the differences between two long-term options: laser hair removal and electrolysis. You are what you eat. Make sure your skin is at its best with these top tips for healthy skin, from the inside out.

Skin with too much sebum may develop…. Here are 16 of the best sunscreens on the market in spray, lotion, and solid forms, and for different needs. They're tried and true. Everyone can benefit from a good facial cleanser, and many products are specially formulated for dry, sensitive skin. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Causes Identification Pictures Treatment Staph infection Removal Other complications See your doctor Outlook Tips for prevention We include products we think are useful for our readers.

Overview An infected ingrown hair is the result of a grown-out hair that has curled back into the skin and become infected. Causes of an infected ingrown hair. How to identify infected ingrown hair. Ingrown hair infection: Pictures. Infected ingrown hair treatment. Ingrown hair and staph infection: Is there a link? Infected ingrown hair removal. Other possible complications.