A pimple caused by ingrown hair usually develops when a hair grows under the skin, causing the formation of an infected wheal, although it can also sometimes occur due to some fungal, bacterial or yeast infection. This pimple can become filled with pus, appear red and infected. in most cases the problem resolves itself spontaneously, but it can take several days. Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do to treat such pimples. If you notice that they form frequently or if personal hygiene practices do not help or even aggravate the situation, you should go to a dermatologist; however, there are steps you can take to get rid of these pimples yourself.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: with a Hygiene Routine
Step 1. Choose a mild cleanser
Dermatologists recommend using a neutral product to clean the skin because it involves less risk of irritation; this is an important aspect, as an irritated pimple can appear larger and more visible. However, if you are concerned that the ingrown hair has been caused by bacteria, you need to use an antibacterial soap.
- Look for a cleaner that says "non-comedogenic" on the label; this term indicates that the product does not favor the obstruction of the pores.
- Benzoyl peroxide products have antibacterial properties and promote healing of infected follicles; apply them to the affected areas twice a day.
Step 2. Use a non-comedogenic oil
There are some body oils that do not block pores and you can use them to cleanse the epidermis. They are on sale in the cosmetics department of supermarkets and natural products stores; here are some suggestions:
- Argan;
- Hemp seeds;
- Sunflower;
- Shea butter;
- Safflower.
Step 3. Wash the skin with a soft-bristled toothbrush or soft cloth
The consistency of both elements favors the elimination of the layer of dead cells and frees the hairs left under the skin. When cleaning your skin, apply a small amount of cleanser or non-comedogenic oil to your toothbrush or cloth and gently scrub it in circular motions.
- At the end, rinse with warm water.
- Do not scrub your face with a rough sponge, abrasive cloth or some other tool, but only use a soft cloth or fingertips to wash your face.
Step 4. Then dry the skin with a cotton towel
Just dab it so as not to irritate the pimples that have developed; when using the towel avoid rubbing it, but simply pat it on your face.
Method 2 of 3: Get Medical Help
Step 1. Ask your doctor for more details about using a sterile needle and tweezers to remove an ingrown hair
Then proceed in this way by inserting the needle into the pimple and grabbing the hair under the skin with tweezers to extract it. Be careful though, as the needle could cause an infection if it is not sterile; you should therefore ask your doctor for advice before proceeding with this method.
- However, it is best to try to keep the ingrown hair clean before trying to remove it with the use of a needle; if they are found on the face, you could risk causing scarring or even disfiguring the face.
- If you are concerned about proceeding with this technique, ask your doctor to take care of removing the ingrown hair for you.
Step 2. Learn about retinoids
Dead skin cells can build up on top of the pimple and make the skin appear thicker and darker; retinoids are able to eliminate these dead cells, making ingrown hair pimples disappear more quickly. Usually, these drugs are only available by prescription, so you should ask your doctor if you want to use them.
Step 3. Ask for more details about using steroid creams to reduce inflammation
This type of pimples can become red and inflamed, thus becoming more visible. However, keep in mind that the use of these medications does not rid you of pimples, but can reduce the redness and swelling, making them less visible and blending them better with the rest of the complexion.
Step 4. Talk to your doctor about using antibiotic ointments
Since these pimples tend to become infected, an antibiotic ointment can control bacterial growth; if you develop a severe infection from this condition, your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic.
Make sure you follow the directions it gives you about using such cream or tablet medications
Step 5. Try to be patient
Most ingrown hairs go away on their own, and your doctor may simply advise you to leave it undisturbed. If the pimple is a source of discomfort, cover it with a loose patch until it heals.
While you are waiting for the pimples to subside on their own, do not use tweezers or waxes and do not shave the surrounding area, otherwise you can increase the irritation
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Pimples from Ingrown Hair
Step 1. Shave after taking a shower
Hair is softer right after you wash your hair, so you should avoid shaving until then. To hydrate your beard hair, try washing your face with warm water or treat yourself to a very hot towel.
If you opt for this second solution, place a towel or cloth under hot running water until it is completely soaked, squeeze it to remove the excess liquid and place it on your face; leave it in place for about 5 minutes
Step 2. Use shaving cream
This product also helps soften the hair and reduces the chances of ingrown hair developing; leave a layer of cream on the beard for a few minutes before starting to shave.
Step 3. Apply gentle pressure
If you shave by pressing the blade too hard, you increase the risk of ingrown hairs, so it's best to avoid being too vigorous; proceed gently and be careful not to pull or stretch the skin when shaving.
Step 4. Slide the razor along the direction of hair growth
Perhaps you have been taught to shave "against the grain", but this habit favors the growth under the skin of the hair and therefore of the wheals; instead, respect the direction of the beard (usually downwards) to minimize the problem of shaving pimples.
Always use a sharp razor and try to minimize the number of strokes
Step 5. Buy an electric razor
This tool reduces the risk of pimples from ingrown hair; However, make sure not to set the minimum height of the blade to the skin and not to exert excessive pressure.
You should also use it on damp skin to minimize the risk of ingrown hairs
Step 6. Use a depilatory cream
This product also reduces the chances of shaving wheals; However, remember that it can always irritate the skin, so you must test it on a small area before applying it on larger areas.
Choose a cream suitable for the part of the body you want to depilate; for example, on the face you should only use those for facial hair
Warnings
- Do not squeeze or squeeze pimples caused by ingrown hair in an attempt to remove them; this makes the situation worse, causes infections and could leave scars.
- Do not use tweezers to remove hair; if you tear them in this way, you increase the chances that they will incarnate again.
