Ingrown hairs can be painful, but they are usually not a major problem. Ingrown hairs often result in small bumps called papules, or pus-filled bumps called pustules. Although very annoying, ingrown hairs usually go away on their own over time. To speed up the process, you may want to remove the hair. Even if you don't need to pick it up, make an effort to get the hair out of the skin so you can pull it out. Go to the doctor if there is an infection.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Dealing with Ingrown Hairs
Step 1. Stop removing pubic hair if the ingrown hair has not healed
Do not handle the area to avoid irritation and infection. If you notice ingrown hairs, stop shaving, waxing, and plucking pubic hair. Allow the hair to grow until the ingrown hairs disappear first.
- While you may find it annoying to allow the pubic hair to continue growing, this will speed up the loss of the ingrown pubic hair.
- Ingrown hairs usually go away on their own in about a month. However, you can speed up the process by removing the hair from the surface of the skin.
Step 2. Avoid picking the ingrown hairs to avoid infection
While ingrown hairs usually don't cause infection, tearing the skin can increase the chance of infection. Do not disturb the area so that the skin is not accidentally damaged.
You may be tempted to pick or pull out your hair, but doing so makes the condition worse
Step 3. Apply hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching if you don't have an infection
Ingrown hairs are usually itchy, but don't scratch as they can damage your skin. It's a good idea to apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching. Use this cream a maximum of four times a day.
- The use of cortisone is not recommended if you have an infection. Go to the doctor if the area has pus, redness, swelling or other signs of infection.
- Read and follow the directions on the product packaging so you don't overuse hydrocortisone cream.
Variation:
Instead of hydrocortisone cream, try using witch hazel, aloe vera, or benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients can reduce itching, although they are not as effective as hydrocortisone cream.
Step 4. Apply an antibiotic cream daily on ingrown hairs to prevent infection
If infected, ingrown hairs take a long time to heal. You can prevent this by applying an over-the-counter antibiotic cream to the area once or twice a day to keep the area clean.
Antibiotic creams can be found at drug stores or the internet
Part 2 of 4: Removing Hair to the Surface of the Skin
Step 1. Remove the hair by applying a warm compress for about 15 minutes
Dip the washcloth in hot water, then squeeze out the excess water so the washcloth is damp. After that, place the washcloth on the ingrown hair for about 15 minutes. Repeat this step 4 times a day, as needed. This allows the hair to come out onto the skin's surface.
You can also use a bottle filled with hot water to make a warm compress
Step 2. Massage soap and warm water on ingrown hairs for about 10 to 15 seconds
Wet the area around the ingrown hair with warm water. Next, spread the soap on your fingers and massage the ingrown hairs for about 10 to 15 seconds. After that, clean the soap that sticks by rinsing it with warm water.
Gentle massage and hot water can make the hair come out to the surface of the skin
Step 3. Apply a natural exfoliant for about 10 minutes to remove dead skin cells
This exfoliating material can remove dead skin cells that cover ingrown hairs so that the hair can come out to the surface of the skin. Rub the exfoliant on the area, and leave it on for about 10 minutes. After that, moisten the exfoliant with warm water and gently rub it on the skin while rinsing it off. Some natural exfoliants that can be used include:
- Make a paste of cup (110 grams) white or brown sugar and 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil.
- Mix 3 tablespoons (15 grams) of coffee grounds with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil.
- Mix 3 tablespoons (40 grams) of salt with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil.
- Make a paste by mixing 1 tsp (5 grams) of baking soda and enough water.
Variation:
Use a commercial body scrub or exfoliant if you don't want to make your own.
Step 4. Talk to your doctor about retinoids to remove the top layer of skin
To treat ingrown hairs that are difficult to treat, you may need a prescription retinoid to remove the upper skin cells. This can usually bring the hair out to the surface. Talk to your doctor to find out if this option is right for you. Next, use this topical medication as directed.
Retinoids can only be obtained through a doctor's prescription
Part 3 of 4: Hair Removal
Step 1. Place the tweezers on the circular section of hair
The hair will look like a circle or grow sideways. Since you'll have a hard time figuring out where the ends of the hair are, pull the middle section so that the ends of the hair stick to the surface of the skin.
Variation:
If tweezers are not available, you can use a sterile needle to remove the ends of the hair. Insert the needle into the coiled hair, then gently lift the needle. The ends of the hair will stick out of the skin. However, do not scrape the skin.
Step 2. Twist the tweezers back and forth until the ends of the hair come out
Pinch the hair with tweezers, then pull the hair to the right slowly. After that, pull the hair to the left. Keep turning the tweezers until the ends of the hair come out.
- If the hair is pulled straight up, you may feel pain when the hair comes out. You should remove the ends of the hair first, then pull out the hair.
- Do not scrape the skin with the tip of the tweezers.
Step 3. Pull out the hair once the ends stick out to the surface of the skin
Once the ends of the hair are out of the skin, pull out the hair using tweezers. Place the tweezers at the base of the hair, then pull the hair quickly.
- At this point, the ingrown hair will disappear.
- Pulling out your hair may make you feel a little uncomfortable. However, it's not too painful.
Step 4. Wash the area with soap and warm water
Wet the area with warm water, then massage the soap there. After that, rinse off the soap with a stream of warm water. This is to keep bacteria and dirt from entering the empty hair follicles.
Dry the skin by patting it with a clean towel, or let it dry on its own
Step 5. Apply an antibiotic cream on the area to help it heal
Apply the antibiotic cream using your fingers or a cotton swab to the empty hair follicles. This is useful for preventing infection and speeding healing. The use of antibiotic creams can also prevent the appearance of scar tissue.
Step 6. Change your shaving routine to reduce the risk of future ingrown hairs
Before shaving, cut pubic hair short using scissors. Next, take a hot shower or bath, or apply a warm compress for about 5 to 10 minutes before shaving. Choose a gentle, unscented shaving cream, then shave using motions in the direction of hair growth.
- After shaving pubic hair, apply moisturizer and wear underwear to reduce friction.
- You can use an electric trimmer that can cut your hair very short, without having to shave it all the way through.
- Consider using a laser at a dermatologist's office for permanent hair removal if you experience frequent ingrown hairs.
Part 4 of 4: Treating Infected Ingrown Hairs
Step 1. Go to the doctor if you see any signs of infection
Ingrown hairs can become infected, especially if you tear the skin. If your skin has an infection, get the right treatment to cure it. Consult a doctor if you have any of the following signs of infection:
- festering
- Painful
- Redness
- Swollen
Step 2. Use antibiotics as directed if your doctor prescribes them
If you have an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. If the infection is mild, you may need to use a topical antibiotic. If the infection is severe, the doctor may give you oral antibiotics. Take the medicine as directed so that the infection heals quickly.
- Continue to take the antibiotics given until the medicine wears off. Otherwise, you could get the infection again.
- You don't need antibiotics if you don't have an infection. This medication is not used to remove ingrown pubic hair.
Step 3. Avoid removing pubic hair if the area has not healed
Do not handle hair while you are treating an infection. If you try to pull out the hair, the infection can get worse. Ask your doctor when you can remove ingrown pubic hair.
