How To Get Rid Of Ingrown Hair Scars

Most people have heard of ingrown hairs but not too many actually know what they are and how they can affect your skin. Ingrown hairs are a common phenomenon that occurs when a hair burrows into the skin rather than growing outside of it. Sometimes, this will happen after hair has been removed from shaving, tweezing, or other hair removal procedures. You can identify an ingrown hair by its appearance and symptoms. They will look like small, solid bumps or small puss-filled blisters. Anyone can be affected by ingrown hairs but they most commonly develop in people with thick, curly hair. Most cases of ingrown hairs are mild but occasionally can lead to scarring if they are not cared for properly.

In this article we will explore in greater detail how ingrown hairs can affect your skin and what you can do to treat them.

Ingrown hair formation and prevention

Most people will endure an ingrown hair at some point during their lifetimes. Many people mistake them for pimples because they often appear to be puss-filled. There are two main categories of ingrown hairs. The first is called a papule. Papules are small, round bumps on the surface of the skin containing no visible fluid. Papules can be as small as a pinhead or slightly larger at about one centimeter in length. When they form in clusters, they become a papular rash which can be itchy or even painful. It is not wise to scratch papules because they can pop open and become infected. The second type of ingrown hair is called a pustule. As the name suggests, pustules are small bumps that are puss or fluid-filled. Often they appear as white bumps surrounded by red skin and can look very similar to pimples. Pustules can form anywhere on the body but are most commonly found of the back, chest, and face.

Ingrown hairs are generally considered a mild condition that will go away with time or treatment. It is important not to pick at or pop ingrown hairs because this can lead to scarring down the road. To prevent the formation of ingrown hairs, you may want to change the way you shave. Avoid close shaves if possible and try shaving in the direction of the hair growth. Don't pull your skin tight while shaving and rinse the blade after each stroke. After your shave, rinse your skin and apply a moisturizer. If you are currently struggling with ingrown hairs, you may try some self-care methods such as gently scrubbing the affected area with warm water and soap. You can also apply creams to help soothe the skin. If the ingrown hair is close enough to the surface of the skin, you may be able to pluck it with tweezers. If these methods are ineffective, a trip to your dermatologist or skincare specialist may be required.

Scarring caused by ingrown hairs

Scarring can sometimes occur in the presence of ingrown hairs if proper care isn't observed. The best method for treating scars is medical silicone gel. Topical silicone gel has been used for over 30 years by dermatologists and surgeons and is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of hypertrophic and keloid scars. Silicone scar therapy works through the mechanisms of dermal hydration and collagen regulation to flatten and reduce the discoloration of old and new scars. Silicone gel comes in a variety of forms to treat all scar types, including silicone gel sheeting and silicone scar sticks. All medical silicone products can be attained through your physician or online at biodermis.com.

Biodermis is an innovative market leader with 30 years of expertise in the medical silicone industry. Visit Biodermis.com today to explore a complete range of scar management and post-operative care solutions.
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