Causes and risk factors
Ingrown hair is more commonly seen in people who have tendency of curly thick hair. Normally the hair grows in straight direction through the hair follicle. In cases where the hair follicle is curved, it leads to eruption of a curled hair, this hair then tries to re enter the skin. Even shaving can cause sharpening of the edges of the hair, the hair that erupts from these sharp edges try to re-enter the skin back. Waxing can also cause such growing back of the hair causing inflammation and irritation .Ingrown hair is also more commonly seen in people who have tendency for excessive hair growth due to high levels of sex hormones.
Clinical Presentation:
Ingrown hair can usually occur anywhere on the body it is more commonly seen in beard areas, pubic region or on lower extremities (leg).It causes inflammation and irritation at the affected areas. Rash can be seen. Either a simple raised red bump can occur or tiny eruption filled with pus. Pain and itching are the other complaints seen. Ingrown hair are at visible areas e.g.: beard areas can be matter of embarrassment. Usually ingrown hair can occur along with infection of the hair follicle. Occasionally it can lead to secondary infection.
Investigations
The diagnosis is done on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and physical examination carried out. No investigations are required for ingrown hair.
Treatment
Adoption of proper method of shaving is the most important measure for prevention and treatment of ingrown hair. The skin should be properly prepared before shaving and proper methods of shaving should be adopted. Retinoid are the first line of treatment along with it corticosteroid and certain antibiotics in cases of secondary infection are also advised.
Other modes of treatment:
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating ingrown hair. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms.
