An ingrown hair occurs when a hair strand, often after being cut by shaving, tweezing, or waxing, curls back and re-enters the skin instead of growing outward. This results in a small, raised, discolored bump that can resemble a pimple. While many ingrown hairs resolve on their own, a dermatologist is the primary expert for diagnosis and treatment when home care fails or complications arise.
Determining When to Consult a Dermatologist
Most ingrown hairs are temporary irritations that resolve within a few days to a week without specific intervention. However, professional medical attention becomes necessary when certain signs of severity or complication appear. A primary sign for concern is evidence of a secondary infection, which includes increased pain, pronounced swelling, warmth to the touch, and the presence of pus-filled pustules.
If the bumps persist for several weeks despite stopping hair removal and trying over-the-counter treatments, a specialist visit is warranted. Chronic or recurring ingrown hairs, particularly in the beard area of men, are often diagnosed as Pseudofolliculitis Barbae, a condition that requires a specialized management plan. Repeated trauma and inflammation can also lead to long-term skin changes that a dermatologist can address.
These lasting effects include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which are dark spots left behind after the inflammation subsides, and the formation of keloidal scars. Keloids are raised, thickened scars resulting from an overgrowth of tissue during healing. Any ingrown hair that is very painful, hot, severely swollen, or causes a fever should prompt an immediate medical consultation.
Professional Treatment Options for Ingrown Hairs
When an ingrown hair is symptomatic and close to the skin’s surface, a dermatologist can perform a manual extraction using sterile instruments. This involves using a sterile needle or small scalpel blade to gently lift the exposed hair loop or free the embedded tip from the skin. This technique releases the hair without causing further trauma or introducing bacteria.
For inflamed or infected lesions, a dermatologist may prescribe specialized topical medications. Mild topical corticosteroids, for instance, are commonly used to quickly reduce the localized redness, swelling, and irritation. If a bacterial infection is present, a topical antibiotic cream or, in more severe cases, an oral antibiotic may be necessary to clear the infection.
To address the underlying cause and resulting skin damage, retinoids such as tretinoin are often prescribed. These prescription-strength creams promote skin cell turnover and exfoliation, which helps prevent the hair follicle from becoming clogged and encourages the trapped hair to grow out. Retinoids also play a role in helping to fade the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that can occur after a bump heals.
For patients who experience severe, chronic ingrown hairs, laser hair removal is frequently recommended as a long-term solution. The laser targets the hair follicle, reducing hair density and slowing regrowth, which significantly decreases the likelihood of hairs curling back into the skin. Chemical peels utilizing agents like glycolic acid or salicylic acid can also be performed in-office. These peels provide deeper exfoliation, helping to smooth the skin’s texture and lighten dark spots.
Long-Term Prevention and Management
A dermatologist’s guidance is focused on creating a personalized regimen to prevent the recurrence of ingrown hairs. This often begins with an assessment of current hair removal methods, leading to tailored recommendations. For instance, a specialist may advise switching from a multi-blade razor to an electric shaver or clipper to avoid cutting the hair too short, which reduces the chance of the sharp tip re-entering the skin.
They will also provide specific instructions on shaving technique, such as always shaving in the direction of hair growth and avoiding pulling the skin taut during the process. The use of maintenance products, like washes containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, is often incorporated to keep the hair follicles clear of dead skin cells and debris. These chemical exfoliants help maintain a smooth skin surface, making it easier for the hair to grow outward.
In some instances, a dermatologist may prescribe a topical cream containing eflornithine. This medication works to slow the rate of hair growth, thereby reducing the frequency of hair removal needed and decreasing the chance of ingrown hairs forming.