Beautiful, soft and smooth, hair-free skin? Yes, please, that's what we all want! And ingrown hairs are not a pleasant affair. I consulted with a dermatologist about how these mini inflammations actually occur, how to prevent them and how to treat them.
"They can arise either when shaving or by natural means - due to an accidental twisting of a growing hair under the skin," explains dermatologist Nina Koutná, MD, of the GHC Prague Clinic. Inflammation in the follicles and ingrown hairs can also be encouraged by natural depilation with sugar paste, and can also occur more often when sweating in tight elastic clothing, for example during sports or long periods of sitting.
The overall state of the body (such as innate disposition, hormones or psyche) has an impact on the strength of the hair and the rate of its growth, but also on perspiration, the microbiome of the skin and immunity. "As a preventive measure, I recommend hair removal with lasers or IPL, because these modern methods cause hair to grow back less often than with shaving, hair plucking or sugar paste," explains our dermatologist.
How is that even so? With both waxing and luminous devices, the hair is gradually thinned, while reducing its growth and frequency. Hair growth retardants can also help.
- Nina Koutná, Dermatologist
Minor inflammation occurs at the site of the ingrown hair immediately, even though you may not see it. When the hair still can't break through, the inflammation can become painful. "At this point, if you open the tiny pustule with a sterile needle or tear the surface with tweezers and disinfect the area, it's usually more than enough for healing," explains our dermatologist.
Applying antibiotic solutions can also help if you have any of these medications at home, such as for acne. A suitable disinfectant is also Silvertan paste for the night, which can be gently swabbed on, while for during the day use any disinfectant in solution or spray without iodine.
- Nina Koutná, Dermatologist
Is the inflammation more pronounced, the site red and painful? Apply "black ointment" (Ichtoxyl®) at night and cover. "The ointment will draw out any inflammation, and if in the morning there is a pus cap at the site, you can open it on the surface with a sterile needle or tweezers, gently squeezing the pus out with pressure from deep down, not just on the surface, about three centimetres from the manifestation," advises our dermatologist. Disinfect the site and, if necessary, treat with ointment and dress again.
Depending on the site of the inflammation, contraction of the muscles in the area may also help. "For example, try contracting the muscles on your thighs or buttocks at least five times, this can be done several times during the day, it's just a matter of remembering to do it," says Nina Koutná. Contraction will improve metabolism and blood circulation in the area and contribute to healing.
Now do you know how to prevent ingrown hairs? You can dance your way into the spring and summer months with beautiful, smooth and above all healthy skin.