What to do if you have an infected ingrown hair

Why do we get ingrown hairs?

An ingrown hair happens when people shave or remove hair, and the new one grows and curls back into the skin. Rather than growing from the follicle through the skin, the hair grows inwards. There are several reasons why this happens. Sometimes dead skin clogs a follicle and forces the hair inwards, or the end of a cut hair can pierce your skin and begin to grow the wrong way.

Ingrown hairs mainly occur where you shave, such as the face and neck, legs, pubic region and armpits. If you regularly shave or have coarse or curly hair you're more likely to get ingrown and infected ingrown hairs². This is because shaving and waxing sharpen hair that gets trapped in the skin. And the hair types mentioned are much easier to curl back into your skin rather than grow outwards.

Ingrown hair swelling and redness

How to tell if your ingrown hair is infected?

An ingrown hair looks like an everyday spot or skin bump, varying in size and redness, and it may have swelling. Most ingrown hairs go away on their own if they're left alone and have time to heal. An infected ingrown hair looks similar, but there tends to be more swelling, redness and signs of pus.

Infected ingrown hairs can also be sore to touch. Mild infections are less noticeable and usually clear up without treatment. If you have a more serious infection that doesn't clear up quickly or worsens, you should contact your doctor.

What's the difference between ingrown hairs and infected ingrown hairs?

How long does an ingrown hair infection last?

Alongside pain and irritation, ingrown hairs can also make you self-conscious - so it’s understandable if you want it gone as soon as possible. Ingrown hairs tend to resolve themselves in a few days but this can take longer if you pick, scratch, or interfere with the healing process in any other way.

Infected ingrown hairs take a bit longer to heal as your body is busy helping the ingrown hair exit the skin while fighting the infection. But you should see signs of improvement after a few days.

Most mildly infected ingrown hairs heal on their own but it’s important to ensure you don’t miss any signs of a severe infection. Seek advice if you have redness that is spreading, the swelling is increasing, your pain is getting worse, or you develop a fever, as these are all signs of a worsening infection.

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Should you pop an infected ingrown hair?

When regular spots appear on your skin, especially those with a pus-filled head, it’s tempting to pop them. Dermatologists advise against it as it can lead to infection and scarring. You should treat ingrown hairs with the same caution and not pop them. If you have an infected ingrown hair, picking at it risks spreading and worsening the infection.

How to treat an infected ingrown hair

Regular ingrown hairs or mildly infected ingrown hairs can be left alone until the condition resolves. It also helps if you don't shave the area or try alternative hair removal methods and techniques. However, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic medication or creams if you develop more severe ingrown hair issues such as cysts or folliculitis.

You can try a few things at home to help your infected ingrown hair heal and soothe the affected area. These include:

• Keeping the area clean to prevent worse or prolonged infection.
• Applying anti-bacterial ointment such as tea tree oil to help the infection and ensure it doesn't get worse.
• Using over-the-counter products to relieve skin irritation and itching.

How to prevent ingrown hairs

Knowing how to prevent ingrowing hair helps you avoid the hassle it causes and more severe concerns like an infection..

Here are a few ways you can prevent ingrown hairs when shaving:

• Use warm water or shaving cream/gel to wet your skin when shaving.
• Exfoliate dead skin or moisturise if your skin is dry before shaving³.
• Always use a sharp razor and rinse after every stroke.
• Shave in the direction your hair is growing.
• Use aftershave or lotion to soothe and clean the area.
• Consider alternative hair removal methods such as laser hair removal, chemical hair removal, or electric clippers.

Although you can't guarantee that these methods will prevent ingrown hairs, they may reduce the likelihood of them developing and improve your skin's health overall.

Further reading

1. Alexis et al: Folliculitis Keloidalis Nuchae and Pseudofolliculitis Barbae: Are Prevention and Effective Treatment Within Reach?
2. NYU Langone Medical Center: Best practice for ingrown hair.