If you’re like most people, you probably don’t know too much about ingrown hair cysts. In fact, you may not even know what they are! Ingrown hair cysts are a type of abscess that can form when hair becomes trapped beneath the skin’s surface. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as improper shaving techniques or wearing tight clothing. If left untreated, an ingrown hair cyst can become quite large and painful. In this article, we will discuss all the basics you need to know about ingrown hair cysts in 2022!
Treatment
Cysts caused by ingrown hairs frequently fade away on their own. Home remedies are frequently effective, but occasionally a person has to see a doctor.
The following advice can hasten the healing process:
Home remedies
- Gently clean the area with mild soap and water. Doing this multiple times a day can help reduce bacteria on the skin’s surface.
- Apply a warm compress to the area for 20 minutes at a time. This can help draw out the pus and speed up healing.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen, to help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment to the area if it is open and draining. This will help prevent infection.
- Use a topical retinoid cream or gel, such as tretinoin, to help unclog hair follicles.
Medical treatment
- If the cyst is large or painful, a doctor may drain it. This can be done in a medical clinic or hospital.
- A doctor may prescribe antibiotics if the area is infected.
- If home remedies and medical treatment do not improve the condition, a person may need surgery to remove the cyst.
Causes
Ingrown hair cysts are most commonly caused by one of the following:
- Improper shaving techniques, such as shaving too close to the skin.
- Wearing tight clothing, such as jeans or underwear, that irritates the skin.
- Waxing or plucking hair instead of shaving it.
- Having curly hair that grows back into the skin.
Prevention
There are a few things you can do to help prevent ingrown hair cysts:
- Use a sharp razor when shaving and avoid going over the same area multiple times.
- Shave in the direction of hair growth.
- Avoid tight clothing if you are susceptible to ingrown hairs. Wearing loose-fitting clothes made from soft fabrics can help reduce irritation.
- Exfoliate regularly. This will help remove dead skin cells and unclog hair follicles.
- Use a topical retinoid cream or gel on a regular basis. This can help prevent Ingrown Hair Cysts from forming in the first place.
Risk factors
Ingrown hair cysts are more common in people who have certain risk factors, such as:
- Having curly hair.
- Shaving too closely to the skin.
- Wearing tight clothing.
- Waxing or plucking hair instead of shaving it.
If you have any of these risk factors, you may be more likely to develop an ingrown hair cyst.
Symptoms
Ingrown hair cysts can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Redness and swelling around the affected area.
- Pain or tenderness when touching the area.
- A small bump that resembles a pimple.
- A large, painful lump.
- Pus or drainage from the lump.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you may have an Ingrown Hair Cyst.
When To See A Doctor
Ingrown hair cysts are usually not serious and will go away on their own. However, if the cyst becomes infected, it can lead to more serious complications. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor:
- Increased pain, redness, or swelling around the affected area.
- Fever or chills.
- Pus or drainage that is foul smelling or contains blood.
So, there you have it – the basics of ingrown hair cysts. Now that you know a little more about them, what are you going to do if one pops up on your skin? The best course of action is always to call your doctor and schedule an appointment. But in the meantime, there are some home remedies that may help to speed up the healing process. Keep in mind though that if symptoms persist or get worse, it’s always best to seek medical attention right away. And as always, if you have any questions or concerns about your skin health, please do not hesitate to call Simply Skin Esthetics! They would be happy to help.
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