Redden, swollen and itchy skin with small pustules can warn not only about the development of skin diseases, but also about the problem with caring for it – Ingrown hairs are sometimes the cause of inflammation. Typically, such a manifestation of skin inflammation occurs in places on the body that are shaved or where hair removal is done. Localization of itching, hyperemia and pustules in certain places – shins, armpits, bikini area, face and neck, as well as a detailed patient survey about how long the rash has been bothering him and after what manipulations it arose, will help the doctor to correctly diagnose and recommend treatment.
Ingrown hairs on the body are those that, under certain specific conditions, change the direction of their growth. This usually happens after shaving or breaking off the hair, after which its shaft remains under the skin, but cannot break through it and continues its growth intradermally.
Ingrown hairs (pseudofolliculitis) can occur in both men and women. Some experts believe that coarse hair is more prone to ingrowth and appeal to the fact that most often ingrown hairs are found in representatives of the Negroid race, which naturally has stiffer hair compared to Europeans. It is assumed that coarse hair changes direction of growth more often and develops intradermally. Other dermatologists believe that the stiff tip of the hair, on the contrary, is easier to make the right path through the skin even after breaking off or shaving off the rod. All experts believe that owners of curly hair are at the greatest risk of getting ingrown hair, & nbsp; whose hair is naturally coiled.
The reasons why ingrown hairs appear
It is believed that the main cause of ingrown hairs is improperly performed hair removal. In this case, the supercutaneous part of the hair is shaved off, and with each further shaving procedure (especially if the razor is often carried out in the same place), the hair follicle produces weaker and thinner hairs that cannot break through the skin and twist, causing inflammation.
When using wax strips for epilation, the hair often breaks off at the level of the skin, which leads to improper hair growth in subsequent and to the problem of ingrown hairs.
Ingrown hairs can be caused by improper skin care. If the skin is not peeled, if it is not cleansed, softened and moisturized, then it is more difficult for the hair to break through the dense barrier of the epidermis.
Epilation errors that can cause ingrown hairs:
- unprepared skin for epilation;
- neglect of shaving emollients;
- shaving hairs against their growth;
- pressing movements with a razor in the same place;
- using a razor with a dull blade.
Ingrown hairs happen to people with dry skin, with a specific arrangement of hair follicles at an inclination to the surface of the skin and at a great depth.
Characteristic manifestations of ingrown hairs, diagnosis and treatment
The essence of the inflammatory reaction during ingrown hair is that ingrown hairs are perceived by the body as a foreign body, and therefore cause an inflammatory reaction.
Ingrown hair must be differentiated from folliculitis, pyoderma, acne, follicular hyperkeratosis – diseases that have similar clinical manifestations.
Ingrown hairs first cause swelling and hyperemia of the skin where the epilation was performed. A few days later, papules appear on this site, painful and itchy, sometimes filled with pus. The tip of the hair may show through the papule. After the inflammation subsides, scars and traces of hyperpigmentation may remain at the site of the papules.
The most effective methods of treating ingrown hairs today are laser hair removal and photoepilation. With a strong inflammatory process, a local antibacterial ointment is recommended. The patient should be advised not to risk home hair removal methods in the future and to use hair removal procedures under the supervision of a beautician.
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