What happens if an ingrown hair gets infected?

What happens if an ingrown hair gets infected?

Oftentimes, an infection of an ingrown hair can start off as a red bump. As the infection progresses, you may see pus and the bump may grow larger. The area around the infected ingrown hair may also: appear red and irritated.

What will happen if an ingrown hair goes untreated?

Ingrown hairs are not usually dangerous, but they can be intensely painful. If an infection is left untreated, it may worsen or travel to the blood.

What ointment is good for ingrown hairs?

Tretinoin (Retin A) cream can help decrease skin plugging or hyperkeratosis. Topical tretinoin cream may thin out the epidermis, reduce the buildup of dead skin cells, and decrease hair embedding into the follicles. Topical corticosteroid creams are applied to reduce inflammation of inflamed ingrown hairs.

Should you pop an infected ingrown hair?

You should never pop an ingrown hair cyst, as this can increase your risk for infection and scarring. You also shouldn't try to lift the hair out with tweezers like you might with a normal ingrown hair. This will help reduce inflammation and pain while also preventing the infection from spreading and getting worse.

How do you pop an ingrown hair cyst?

Keep the cyst and the area around it clean at all times. Avoid shaving areas around the cyst, as this can introduce bacteria and cause an infection. Apply warm compresses to the cyst for 10–15 minutes several times a day. These might bring the cyst closer to the surface, allowing it to drain.

What does an ingrown hair cyst look like?

As the name suggests, ingrown hair cysts start off as ingrown hairs. At first, you might notice a small pimple-like bump that has a hair at its surface. Over time — if the ingrown hair doesn't go away — the small bump can transform into a much larger one. The resulting cyst can be red, white, or yellow in color.

How do I get rid of an ingrown hair cyst on my pubic area?

An ingrown hair irritates the skin. It produces a raised, red bump (or group of bumps) that looks like a little pimple. Sometimes an ingrown hair can form a painful, boil-like sore. In men, ingrown hairs often pop up as a bunch of little bumps on the chin, cheeks, or neck after shaving.

How do I treat an ingrown hair in my private area?

Using a sterilized needle or tweezers, gently tease out the rest of the hair. When the entire hair is above the surface of the skin, use the tweezers to grab its base. Pull firmly upward to remove the hair. Wash the area again with warm, soapy water, and apply a warm washcloth if needed to help soothe any irritation.

How do you get a deep ingrown hair out?

Folliculitis: An infection or inflammation of the hair follicles of the skin. The symptoms vary and include small, red bumps or blisters around hair follicles, blisters filled with pus, or itching and tenderness of the involved area.