What Is an Infected Ingrown Hair?
South_agency / Getty Images
Medically reviewed by William Truswell, MD
An ingrown hair, also known as folliculitis, occurs when a hair that has been shaved, waxed, plucked, or otherwise removed, grows back into the skin instead of growing outward. This can lead to inflammation, redness, irritation, and the formation of tiny, irritated, and painful bumps. Ingrown hairs commonly occur in areas where hair is frequently removed, such as the face, neck, armpits, legs, and groin area.
Ingrown hairs typically resolve on their own, but they might require treatment to reduce the risk of possible complications. Practicing certain skincare habits can help prevent ingrown hairs from developing.
Types
Infected ingrown hairs can vary in severity and appearance. They can lead to increased inflammation, pain, and the formation of pustules or cysts.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is a term used to describe inflammation of a hair follicle. Hair follicles are tiny openings on the skin through which hairs grow. Types of folliculitis include:
Superficial bacterial folliculitis: This is caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (Staph). It's the most common type of folliculitis.
Gram-negative bacterial folliculitis: Also known as "hot tub rash," this is often caused by the bacteria pseudomonas aeruginosa after exposure to contaminated pool or hot tub water.
Viral folliculitis: This type is most commonly caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
Contact your healthcare provider if an ingrown hair appears inflamed or infected. It may need to be tested for fungus or bacteria.
Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB)
Razor bumps that emerge after shaving, known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, can become pustules, papules, or cysts resulting from ingrown hairs. While some cases resolve on their own, there is a possibility of infection, which requires treatment.
PFB is commonly found in areas that people shave, including the face, legs, armpits, and pubic area.
Pustules
An infected ingrown hair can develop into a pustule, which is a small, raised bump filled with pus. Pustules are typically red and may be painful or tender to the touch. They're most commonly found on the back, face, shoulders, upper chest, and areas prone to sweating, like armpits.
Papules
Infected ingrown hairs can also manifest as papules, which are small, solid, raised bumps that may be red or pink in color. Papules can grow up to 1 centimeter (cm) in size. Unlike pustules, they are not filled with pus.
Cysts
Although technically not an "infection," a pilar cyst is a type of slow-growing, non-cancerous growth that forms within a hair follicle. Pilar cysts are typically located on the scalp, but they can develop on other parts of the body.
Symptoms
An infected ingrown hair can cause various symptoms that indicate inflammation and the presence of infection. Symptoms may include:
The appearance of "razor bumps"
Pain within one or two days of shaving, followed by the emergence of papules and pustules
Increased redness in the area surrounding the ingrown hair
Swelling that appears puffy or raised
Tenderness
Itching or irritation
Seek medical attention if you observe or suspect any of these symptoms. An infected ingrown hair can potentially lead to complications if left untreated.
What Causes An Infected Ingrown Hair?
An ingrown hair occurs when a hair that has been shaved, waxed, or plucked begins to grow back into the skin. This causes inflammation.
Several factors contribute to the development of ingrown hairs:
Curly or coarse hair is more prone to becoming ingrown. Curved hair follicles make it easier for hair to re-enter skin as it grows.
Shaving, waxing, and plucking can alter natural hair growth direction, increasing the likelihood of hair regrowth beneath the skin.
Shaving too closely or against the grain of hair growth can cause the hair to be cut beneath the skin's surface.
Dead skin cells and debris can clog the opening of a hair follicle, causing the hair to grow sideways or curl back into the skin.
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider or a dermatologist (a medical doctor who specializes in skin, hair, and nails) can often examine your skin and make the diagnosis with a focused, visual examination. They will also ask questions regarding:
Symptoms like itching
Recent increased sweating
Corticosteroid or antibiotic use, as these medications can increase the risk of infected hair follicles
Pool or hot tub use
Shaving in the area of infection
They may also use diagnostic testing, such as:
KOH preparation: Your healthcare provider will gently scrape off a skin sample and add it to a microscope slide along with a few drops of a potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution. This solution dissolves any non-fungal cells, revealing fungi.
Skin biopsy: Your healthcare provider will remove a small portion of skin using a scalpel or punch tool. They will view the skin cells under a microscope, which can help confirm the cause of infection.
Treatments for Infected Ingrown Hair
Treatments for an infected ingrown hair vary based on the type and severity of the infection. Your healthcare provider can help you decide how to address your ingrown hair directly.
Possible options include:
Warm compresses to help open pores and release the ingrown hair
Avoiding shaving until the infection clears, which can take up to about 12 weeks
Hair extraction (removal) using a sterile needle
An oral antibiotic (taken by mouth)
Prednisone (a corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation) in more treatment-resistant cases
A procedure to drain pus from the infected area
Possible topical treatments (applied to the skin) include:
Benzyl peroxide, an antiseptic that treats acne by reducing bacteria on the skin
A prescription antibiotic cream
A steroid cream to alleviate swelling and irritation
Salicylic acid, which helps the skin shed dead skin cells
How to Prevent Infected Ingrown Hairs
Preventing ingrown hair infections involves adopting a careful approach to hair removal and skincare routines. Along with shaving less frequently, specific techniques can minimize the risk of conditions like ingrown hairs, razor burn, and skin rashes and help you maintain smoother, healthier skin.
Here are 10 prevention tips:
Minimize close shaving—for example, by using electric hair clippers or an electric razor on milder settings
Use antibacterial soap or benzoyl peroxide wash before shaving
Wet your skin and use shaving cream or gel
Don't pull at or stretch your skin while shaving
Shave in the direction of hair growth
Replace razor blades often
Rinse the blade often while shaving
Don't scratch, pick at, or squeeze ingrown hairs
Use an exfoliating scrub to help remove dead skin and release trapped hairs
Keep the infected area clean
Related: The 15 Best Face Washes for Acne of 2023, Researched and Tested
Complications
Some ingrown hair infections resolve naturally, while others require intervention to reduce the risk of complications. Possible complications include:
Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: This condition results in darkened patches of skin at the site of the ingrown hair due to the skin's natural healing response.
Secondary bacterial infection: This occurs when bacteria enter the irritated area and cause infection, increasing redness and discomfort.
In more severe cases, repeated or untreated ingrown hairs may contribute to:
Scarring
Alteration of skin's texture and appearance
Keloid formation, a healing process that leads to a raised, thickened scar that extends beyond the original site of the ingrown hair
Related: What Is Silicone Scar Tape and Does It Work?
A Quick Review
An ingrown hair occurs when a hair that you've shaved, waxed, or plucked grows back into your skin. This can cause red, swollen, and infected hair follicles. Ingrown hairs most commonly occur in places where you often remove hair, such as your face, neck, underarms, legs, and around your bikini area. Symptoms include "razor bumps," swelling, tenderness, and itching.
Treatment for an infected ingrown hair depends on the type and severity of the infection. Your healthcare provider, often a dermatologist, will offer treatment options like hair extraction, ointments, and oral medications as needed.
You can prevent ingrown hairs by using gentler hair removal methods and resisting the urge to scratch or pick at them. Exfoliating scrubs can also help release trapped hairs and smooth skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you pop an infected ingrown hair?
Popping or squeezing can lead to further irritation and inflammation. It can also potentially introduce more bacteria into the area. Seek advice from a healthcare provider if you suspect you have an infected ingrown hair. They can provide appropriate guidance and treatment options to safely address the infection and prevent complications.
Can you get sepsis from ingrown hair?
While it's rare, it is possible for an infected ingrown hair to lead to a more serious condition like sepsis. Sepsis happens when an existing infection sets off a cascading response across your entire body. A small break in the skin can cause sepsis. Bacterial infections are the most common cause.
How can you tell the difference between an ingrown hair and a cyst?
Distinguishing between an ingrown hair and a cyst can be challenging due to the fact that they can have a similar appearance. Consult a healthcare provider or a board-certified dermatologist if you experience symptoms like pain, itching, skin infection, or unusual growth. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate guidance.
For more Health.com news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Health.com.
