Removal of the ingrown whiskers
introduction
Ingrown hairs appear after hair removal by shaving, waxing or epilation. They can occur on different parts of the body, but in men mainly affect the facial region, as this is usually shaved daily. The ingrown hairs often go unnoticed at first until symptoms manifest themselves.
Causes of an ingrown beard hair
An ingrown whisker is caused by the hair growing in the wrong direction after shaving. That means, not up to the skin surface, but away from the skin surface. People with very thick, curly hair are more likely to be affected, as this hair tends to take a different direction than fine and thin hair. After shaving, the hair has a very sharp edge that makes it easier for it to penetrate deeper layers of the skin. Ingrown whiskers appear more often the first time you shave, especially after a long period in which you haven't shaved.
Another cause is clogged pores. Here, dead skin cells are often responsible for the fact that the hair roots become clogged and the hair cannot grow in the desired direction.
Overproduction of certain sex hormones in men can also lead to ingrown whiskers, as this triggers excessive beard growth.
Symptoms of an ingrown whisker
Symptoms are not inevitable in all cases of ingrown whiskers. Often the ingrown hair is not noticed at all and at some point comes back to the surface of the skin by itself.
In other cases, however, the body recognizes the ingrown hair as a foreign body and encapsulates it. This then creates a purulent inflammation. This manifests itself in the form of a pustule or a pus pimple. The skin area is red, swollen and often overheated. The cheeks, chin and neck are mainly affected in men. If the inflammation spreads to the surrounding tissue, it can lead to an abscess that must be surgically opened.
If inflammation occurs, permanent discoloration of the tissue may occur after it has healed. Scarring is also possible if the person concerned touches or scratches the affected area a lot.
The inflammation caused by an ingrown whisker
As a rule, an ingrown beard hair does not become infected directly. This is only the case if it is recognized by the body as a foreign body, is encapsulated and an inflammatory reaction is triggered. The inflammation manifests itself in the fact that the affected skin area is reddened, swollen and often overheated. Depending on the extent of the inflammation, anti-inflammatory creams or antibiotics (in the case of bacterial infestation) may be necessary.
Abscess due to an ingrown whisker
An abscess can form if the inflammation spreads further into the skin. This is a larger collection of pus that, in most cases, has to be opened by a dermatologist with a scalpel so that the pus can drain away. An abscess should not be opened by yourself, as a lot of pressure can cause the bacteria contained in the pus to get into the bloodstream, spread throughout the body and lead to blood poisoning (sepsis).
Read more on this topic at: Therapy for an abscess.
Bump due to an ingrown whisker
The formation of a bump on the face is the first sign of an ingrown beard hair. Often this occurs before the other signs of inflammation appear. It indicates that the ingrown hair cannot reach the surface of the skin by itself and should therefore be removed using a disinfected needle.
Pus on an ingrown whisker
Pus forms when the body recognizes the ingrown hair as a foreign body and rejects it. Pus occurs when tissue is broken down by the body. In this case it is the hair. The pus then collects and appears as a pus pimple.
Pimples caused by an ingrown whisker
An ingrown hair can also manifest itself with the appearance of a pimple. It is important not to tamper with it, as this runs the risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream. Not only can this cause scarring, but it can even cause blood poisoning.
The diagnosis of an ingrown whisker
An ingrown whisker does not require any special diagnostic methods. This can be seen with the naked eye. The typical symptoms of swelling, redness, and a pimple-like appearance suggest a diagnosis of ingrown whiskers.
Treatment measures for an ingrown beard hair
Often no treatment is necessary and the ingrown beard hair is carried back to the surface of the skin by the body itself. It is important not to press or scratch the affected area with your hands as this can inflame the area and cause boils to form on the face. These are pus pimples that are caused by a bacterial infection and, in the worst case, can spread into the bloodstream and cause blood poisoning (sepsis) there.
Attempts can be made to remove dead skin with the help of facial scrubs or a massage sponge and to open the way for the hair to the surface of the skin. A warm rag on the face or a steam bath can also be useful as this will open up the pores.
If this does not bring the hair to the surface, other methods must be used. However, this should only be initiated after a while or when pain occurs. The affected area of skin should then be opened with a disinfected needle so that the hair can reach the surface of the skin. The needle can be disinfected with alcohol, boiling water, or tea tree oil. Your hands should also be clean. Zinc ointment and tea tree oil have a healing effect and can be used after removing the hair. If the inflammation has spread a lot, a dermatologist should be consulted, who will then open the pus collection with a scalpel.
If the inflammation is severe, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics to counteract it. Steroids, such as cortisone, may also be necessary in ointment form if the inflammation is severe.
The train ointment
Pull ointment has a blood circulation, pain and anti-inflammatory effect. It can be used if the ingrown whisker has developed inflammation and possibly even an abscess has developed from it.
Read more on this topic at: Application of pull ointment.
When do you have to go to the dermatologist with an ingrown beard hair?
In principle, you do not have to go to the dermatologist immediately if you have ingrown beard hair, as the hair usually resurfaces by itself. Even with the formation of a small pimple, this is not necessary, as this can be opened with a disinfected needle. However, if the inflammation spreads and there is severe swelling, reddening and accumulation of pus, a dermatologist should be consulted, who then opens the affected area with a scalpel so that the pus can drain away.
Prevention
The easiest way to prevent ingrown whiskers is to not to shave anymorebut just shorten the beard. However, this is out of the question for many men. It is helpful to just keep your hair to shave in the direction of growth, as the whiskers are then not directed in another direction. Since this is not the same result smoother skin achieved, like shaving against the direction of growth, this is often not feasible either.
The skin of the face should regularly maintained be so they enough moisture Has. Dry skin namely reacts much more sensitively to the demands of a shave. Also putting one on to warm, damp compress before shaving can prevent ingrown hair, as this opens the pores and allows the hair to find its right path. Regular use of a facial scrub opens the pores and this also reduces the risk of ingrown hairs.
Laser hair removal is a permanent solution to avoiding ingrown hairs.
Further topics from this area
Remove ingrown hair
Ingrown hairs are not only an aesthetic problem but are often accompanied by itching or inflammation. Various measures are available to remove the annoying hair.
Here you get to the topic: Remove ingrown hair
Hair follicle inflammation
Inflammation of the hair is often accompanied by reddening of the skin and pustules. The inflammation is usually caused by bacteria, which can be caused by injuries such as shaving.
Here you get to the topic: Hair follicle inflammation
Depilation
Many people find hair on the legs, armpits or face bothersome. A variety of means or methods are available to get rid of those annoying hairs.
Here you get to the topic: Depilation
