What is an ingrown hair?
- Cause
- Hair growing back into the skin
- Triggers
- Shaving, waxing, plucking
- Most effective fix
- Changing hair removal habits
- Can lead to
- Infection, dark spots or scarring
An ingrown hair grows back into the skin instead of up and out. The skin treats it like a foreign object, causing inflammation and a red bump. In the beard area this is called pseudofolliculitis barbae, or razor bumps.
Ingrown hairs are most common where hair is removed often, such as the face, neck, armpits, legs and bikini area, and in people with tightly curled hair.
Ingrown hair symptoms
You may notice:
- Small red or skin-colored bumps
- Itching or tenderness
- Pus-filled bumps that look like pimples
- A visible hair trapped under the skin
- Dark spots after bumps heal, especially on darker skin
Signs of infection
Contact a provider if you notice:
- A bump that becomes a large, painful, swollen lump
- Spreading redness or warmth
- Fever
Treating ingrown hairs
Most ingrown hairs clear on their own once you stop removing hair from the area for a while. For persistent bumps, a provider may recommend creams to reduce inflammation and help the skin shed, or treatment for infection.
| Treatment creams | Your provider recommends the right option |
|---|---|
| Laser hair removal | A long-term option for frequent ingrown hairs, done in person |
Gentle care for irritated skin
- Pause shaving or waxing the area if you can
- Apply warm compresses to soften the skin
- Gently exfoliate with a washcloth
- Don't pick or dig at hairs with tweezers or needles
Is an online visit right for you?
Online care is often a good fit if you:
- Have frequent razor bumps or ingrown hairs
- Have bumps that aren't improving with home care
- Want prescription treatment options
Get in-person care if you:
- Have a large, painful lump that may need draining
- Have fever or spreading redness
- Want laser hair removal
How PulseCareMD can help
A PulseCareMD visit lets a licensed provider review your symptoms and grooming routine and recommend treatment that fits your skin and hair. Your visit fee covers the consultation.
Describe your symptoms
Tell us where the bumps are, how you remove hair and what you've tried.
A provider reviews it
A licensed provider looks at your bumps and how you remove hair. Many visits are reviewed within 2–3 hours.
Get your plan
Your provider will explain your treatment plan, plus grooming tips.
Preventing ingrown hairs
Small changes to how you remove hair make a big difference:
Shave with the grain
In the direction the hair grows.
Use a sharp, single-blade razor
Or an electric trimmer that leaves a little stubble.
Prep the skin
Wet the skin with warm water and use shaving gel.
Don't stretch the skin
Pulling the skin tight lets hairs retract below the surface.
Frequently asked questions
When to get prompt care
Seek in-person care if you have:
- A rapidly growing, painful lump
- Fever with spreading redness
- Red streaks spreading from a bump