An ingrown hair, known medically as pseudofolliculitis, develops when a hair strand that has been cut or removed curves back and grows into the skin instead of rising out of the follicle. This triggers an inflammatory reaction because the body treats the trapped hair as a foreign object. While ingrown hairs can occur anywhere, the pubic area is particularly prone to this condition. Naturally coarse hair and common hair removal practices in this sensitive region increase the likelihood of a hair becoming trapped beneath the skin’s surface.
Identifying the Appearance
An ingrown hair on the penis or surrounding pubic skin presents as a small, raised lesion that can be mistaken for a pimple. These lesions, called papules, are small, round, and may be skin-colored, reddish, or hyperpigmented. The redness results from the body’s inflammatory response to the trapped hair shaft.
Often, a tiny dark spot or a visible loop of hair is coiled beneath the surface of the bump. This dark point is the actual hair that failed to exit the skin pore and indicates the lesion is an ingrown hair. The affected area might feel itchy or tender, and minor swelling may surround the follicle.
If inflammation progresses, the papule can evolve into a pustule, a small, pus-filled bump resembling a whitehead. Pus indicates that the blocked follicle has been colonized by bacteria, leading to a secondary infection known as folliculitis. Pustules are more tender and prominent than simple bumps. Ingrown hairs are usually isolated lesions, though multiple occurrences may follow a hair removal session.
Common Causes in the Pubic Area
The characteristics of pubic hair make the genital region susceptible to this condition. Pubic hair is naturally thicker, coarser, and more tightly coiled than hair found elsewhere. This curly structure means the hair is more likely to bend and penetrate the skin after being cut short.
Hair removal techniques are the primary contributing factor, with close shaving being the most common cause. When a razor cuts the hair too short, especially against the grain, the severed end is left with a sharp tip. This angled tip can easily pierce the skin or the hair follicle wall as the hair regrows, leading to an ingrown hair.
Friction also plays a role in exacerbating the problem. Wearing tight underwear, restrictive athletic gear, or snug pants can rub against the skin, mechanically forcing hair tips back into the skin. This pressure prevents the hair from growing freely outward. Furthermore, the buildup of dead skin cells can block the hair follicle opening, creating a physical barrier that forces the regrowing hair inward beneath the skin’s surface.
Safe Management and Home Care
The safest initial step in managing an ingrown hair is to temporarily stop all hair removal methods in the affected area. Continuing to shave, wax, or tweeze will worsen the irritation and increase the risk of further hair becoming trapped. Allowing the hair to grow longer can sometimes resolve the issue naturally as the hair shaft may eventually free itself.
Applying a warm compress several times a day can help soothe irritation and encourage the hair to move towards the skin’s surface. The warmth softens the skin and opens the hair follicle, facilitating the release of the trapped hair. Gentle exfoliation using a soft washcloth or a mild product can also help remove dead skin cells clogging the pore. However, exfoliation should be avoided if the area is severely inflamed or has developed a pustule.
Resist the urge to pick, squeeze, or attempt to dig out the hair with non-sterile tools. This manipulation introduces bacteria into the irritated follicle, increasing the risk of infection and potentially leading to permanent scarring or hyperpigmentation. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory creams, such as mild hydrocortisone, can be used sparingly to reduce redness and itching while the ingrown hair resolves.
Signs of Complication and Medical Consultation
While most ingrown hairs resolve on their own with proper home care, certain signs indicate the condition has become complicated and requires professional medical attention. Any bump that shows signs of spreading infection, such as increasing redness, warmth radiating from the area, or swelling that extends beyond the immediate lesion, should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider. Thick, yellow, or green pus draining from the bump suggests a bacterial infection requiring treatment.
If the ingrown hair is accompanied by a fever or general feeling of illness, this may signal a systemic infection that needs immediate attention. Bumps that do not improve or persist for several weeks despite conservative home management should also be evaluated by a doctor. A medical professional can accurately differentiate an ingrown hair from other, more serious skin conditions, such as a localized infection (folliculitis) or certain sexually transmitted infections.