Ingrown hair in the armpit

introduction

The armpit represents a region of the body that, like the gluteal fold or the pubic area, is often affected by ingrown hair. This area may be painful, itchy or noticeable by redness. A tangible bump can also be an indication of an ingrown hair. See also: Skin itches after shaving

With a few tips and tricks, however, the risk of ingrown hairs in the armpit can be minimized. There are also some measures that can be taken if a hair should become ingrown. In the following article you will find some answers to interesting questions about the topic of "ingrown hair in the armpit".

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Causes of an ingrown hair

Especially people with very thick, curly and unruly hair tend to have ingrown hair more often. This is because such hair is more likely to curl in a way that encourages it to grow into the skin than, for example, fine and thin hair. Unfortunately, those affected cannot do anything about this. The hair structure as such cannot be changed.

Waxing is mainly done through various methods of Hair removal, above all the shave, favored. The hair that grows back usually has one after shaving or epilation sharper edge and grows thereby more easily into the armpit skin. Incomplete hair removal also promotes hair growth. Same goes for that Pluck or the Hair removal with wax.

Hair roots passing through dead skin blocked, can also mean that hair cannot grow straight out of the skin, but grow laterally back into the skin.

Next to the armpit are also other parts of the body More often affected by ingrown hairs due to shaving. This includes, for example Pubic area, at Men that too chin, the Cheeks and the neck.

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diagnosis

Ingrown hairs lead to one slight inflammation of the skin. Mostly they appear as small pimples or lumps in which pus collects. A dermatologist or family doctor can usually tell by looking at the skin that it is an ingrown hair. More about this at: Inflammation in the armpit

However, this is usually not necessary because of the ingrown hairs in the armpit by itself after a few days heal. In a few cases, especially on dark skin, scars may remain that are lighter pigmented than the rest of the skin.

Symptoms of an ingrown hair

Ingrown hairs in the armpit are usually very uncomfortable for those affected. Growing into the skin leads to inflammation, as the hair is recognized as foreign and does not belong there. Pus forms and collects in a kind of pimple or lump. This lump is usually painful and red. A slight shimmer of the hair through the skin is also possible. You see a kind of dark material, which is the hair that shows through the skin. The skin around it may be slightly red.

Read on here: Redness after epilation - what to do?

Pus formation in ingrown hair

The ingrown hair in the armpit can cause it to grow pus forms. The reason for this is that the hair that grows into the skin doesn't actually belong there Goal of the body Is that it Break down hair. It is made by the cells in the tissue recognized as foreign and thereby leads to a Inflammatory response. As a result of this reaction, pus forms, which causes a type of lump to form. The skin looks tense and can shine.

With pressure on the affected area the pus emptieswhich usually leads to an improvement in pain. The pus has a white-yellowish color and is somewhat thicker than water.
That too Immigration of bacteria in the skin that through the ingrown hair be kidnapped, leads to Formation of pus, which is why antibiotic creams can help with healing in some cases. Basically, these are germs that are part of the natural, bacterial colonization of the skin and are carried into the skin through the small wound that occurs when the hair grows in.

Can an abscess arise from an ingrown hair?

Abscesses usually arise not through ingrown hairs in the armpit. Abscesses often develop in people with a certain predisposition or in wound healing disorders. However, the exact reason why some people develop abscesses more often than others is not clear. However, ingrown hairs are not, as such, the cause of an armpit abscess, although this is often wrongly suspected or claimed.

However, ingrown hairs play a role in the development of the so-called Pilonidal sinus. However, this rarely occurs in the armpit and is mainly found in the region of the gluteal folds. It is about a Inflammation of adipose tissuethat lies beneath the skin. In addition to ingrown hairs, genetic and other factors also play a role in the development of the pilonidal sinus. This can in the further course to one Abscess.

Swelling or lump as a symptom

An ingrown hair in the armpit often leads to a small knob forms. The hair grows crooked into the skin instead of growing straight out of the skin. As a result, the hair is recognized as foreign by the cells in the body, since it doesn't actually belong there. This activates the immune system and leads to an inflammatory reaction, in the course of which pus forms. As the pus Takes up spacethat is actually not there, a small one arises swellingthat can be felt as a lump or pimple. Touching the knob is usually painful and uncomfortable. Rubbing tight clothing against the armpit is also perceived as uncomfortable. The knob is mostly slightly reddened and can shine easily.

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Pain from an ingrown hair

An ingrown hair in the armpit causes mild pain. It is especially painful to touch the affected area. Wearing tight clothing can also irritate the armpits and lead to pain. Until the ingrown hair heals by itself, clothing that is too tight should therefore be avoided so that there is no pain to touch. Cooling has a pain-relieving effect.

Read more about the topic here: Armpit pain

Treating an ingrown armpit hair - what to do?

Usually heals an ingrown hair within a few days by itselfso that there is not necessarily a need for action. Cooling compresses can also help relieve pain.

• If you notice after a shave that the skin is irritated and hair could possibly grow in, you can try to counteract this with a peeling. This is also useful before hair removal to get rid of the dead skin cells.
• The dermatologist or family doctor can help with ingrown hair that is inflamed and very annoying. With a sterile needle or a scalpel, he makes a very small incision in the skin, which is also not painful. This will allow the pus to drain and remove the ingrown hair.
• In the course of therapy, medication can also contribute to healing. Light cortisone creams help reduce inflammation. Retinoids remove dead skin cells and prevent pigmentation disorders.
• Last but not least, antibiotics can be prescribed for severe inflammation. However, this is rarely necessary.

Can pull ointment help with an ingrown hair?

Draft ointment is said to promote the maturation of an abscess and help in getting rid of the pus. However, it is very controversial whether it works at all and whether it is beneficial for those affected. With an ingrown hair, however, the use of pulling ointment is not necessary, so one should refrain from it.

Which creams are suitable for treatment?

There are various creams that can help relieve the symptoms of an ingrown hair in the armpit. Light cortisone creamsPrescribed by a dermatologist or family doctor will help reduce inflammation and promote healing. you will be thinly on the affected area in the armpit applied. The duration of use must be discussed with a doctor.

Creams with retinoids are also prescribed by the doctor and help to remove dead skin and also to remove the inflammation.

At advanced inflammation and bacterial colonization can also Creams with antibiotic additives be prescribed. These kill the bacteria and thus promote healing.

At a slight inflammationFor example, that occurs after shaving can also be calming Creams with aloe vera or other additives as well Wound healing creams help. The best thing to do is to seek advice from a pharmacy.

If the inflammation is pronounced, you should consult one before using your own creams Consult a doctor.