How to get rid of infected ingrown hair

In general, ingrown hairs look like small red bumps on the skin that center on a hair follicle. These bumps can contain pus, which may sometimes signify an infection that doctors call folliculitis.

Use Acid

There are a few ways you can exfoliate, but exfoliation via acids (like glycolic, salicylic, and lactic) is the easiest and fastest route. Acids in topical products loosen the outermost layer of skin cells and work to both prevent and treat ingrown hairs at the same time.

When hair follicles are damaged, they may be invaded by viruses, bacteria and fungi, leading to infections such as folliculitis. Superficial folliculitis affects the upper part of the hair follicle and the skin directly next to the follicle.

The Absolute Best Ingrown Hair Products

“Salicylic acid is really effective at breaking through and dissolving excess skin cells, and it’s not usually irritating,” she says. Dab it on morning and night (if the ingrown hair is on your body; if it’s on your face, stick to once a day), and be patient.

Sometimes the ingrowth may get infected so make sure you use anti-bacterial soaps to keep it clean. You can dab the area with hydrogen peroxide and remove the ingrowth with a pair of tweezers. Sometimes your ingrowth develops puss and looks a lot like a pimple.

A dab of antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin) can also help. But if redness forms around the ingrown hair or it starts to ooze with pus and becomes tender, visit your dermatologist, stat. Step three: Prevent them for next time. Defense is the best offense.

Start by applying a warm compress to the area, since the heat will soften the skin, says Dr. Solomon. Then, very gently, exfoliate the skin trapping the hair. … Also important: If you’re dealing with a very inflamed, painful ingrown hair bump, avoid tight clothing and synthetic fabrics.

For recurring ingrown hair sufferers, a prescription for a mild antibiotic cream may be worth the doctor’s visit. You can find other products right in the pharmacy aisle. Like antibiotics, rubbing alcohol or salicylic acid—the active ingredient in many acne treatments—will help prevent and reduce post-shave infections.

Apply warm compresses to the cyst for 10–15 minutes several times a day. These might bring the cyst closer to the surface, allowing it to drain. If the hair is trapped under the skin, warm compresses may help it grow out. Apply an antiseptic solution, such as tea tree oil, to the cyst to prevent infection.

Never pop an ingrown hair cyst, as this can increase your risk for infection and scarring. You also shouldn’t try to lift the hair out with tweezers like you might with a normal ingrown hair.

Get into the habit of applying cold water or witch hazel to your face immediately after shaving or waxing. Both can reduce irritation, tighten pores, moisturize, and help treat ingrown hairs. Witch hazel also stops bacteria from growing in hair follicles.

Epsom salt bath is beneficial for those who have ingrown hair on legs or bikini area. The tiny granules of salt help slough off the deceased cells which may be causing clogged pores and draw the ingrown hair out by exfoliating the skin and cleansing.

Never squeeze a cyst

Most cysts are nearly impossible to squeeze out with your fingers alone. Plus, you can send bacteria and sebum deep below the hair follicles, causing the materials to spread and make even more cysts. Picking at your skin also increases the risk of scarring.

This can happen in any area with hair, including the pubic area. An ingrown pubic hair cyst is usually no cause for concern. A person may choose to have a cyst drained, or a doctor may make a small incision to free the trapped hair. These cysts may go away on their own.

Apple cider vinegar:

Let it dry naturally for 15 minutes, and then wash it off with plain water. The antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar will bog the deceased skin cells away, thus opening up your clogged pores, allowing the ingrown hair to grow out.

Baking soda can be used as a gentle exfoliator to remove ingrown hair from skin. There’s no data baking up this use for baking soda, but lots of people swear by its effectiveness. Try making a paste with water or a non-comedogenic oil. Then gently scrub the area of skin containing ingrown hairs in a circular motion.

Natural healers suggest using a combination of 20 drops of tea tree oil in 8 ounces of warm distilled water. This mixture may reduce inflammation and should also open pores, which can then loosen ingrown hairs.