How can I get rid of ingrown hairs?

Many individuals are affected by ingrown hairs. In all cases, the stub of hair starts to grow, then curls inwards and back into the skin. While ingrown hairs can occur in everyone, some individuals are more predisposed to this disorder.

Who develops ingrown hairs?

Individuals who are obese, those who are always sitting and have a sedentary life style are more prone to ingrown hairs. Ingrown hair typically occur on body parts which have constant external pressure/friction- e.g. buttocks and back of thighs from prolonged seating. However, the rare ingrown hair can occur almost anywhere on the body.

Individuals who have curly hair are more prone to ingrown hairs. These days ingrown hairs are also seen in women who wear tight fitting undergarments and pants. Ingrown hairs around the pubis and groin are more common in women whereas men tend to get them around buttocks and back of the thigh.

Another common cause of ingrown hair is poor shaving technique. Always shave in the direction of hair growth and not against it.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ingrown hair are irritation, itching, and rarely infection.