Introduction:
The common skin condition is where the hair follicle is trapped and goes back into the skin instead of growing out. Some cysts are present near the skin surface, and some are present deeper in the skin. The situation leads to cyst formation. The fluid-filled structures are filled with fluid, pus, or dead cells. The structure can be painless, harmless, large, and infected. Sometimes it can be painful and needs treatment because it might travel to the blood. It can resemble other skin conditions or boils. It usually occurs after shaving, waxing, or tweezing. The ingrown hair cyst usually occurs on the face, armpits, legs, and pubic area. The condition is also called shave, razor, or barber bumps. The article discusses ingrown hair cysts, their causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Who Does an Ingrown Hair Cyst Effect?
The common skin condition can affect anyone. The person who shaves, waxes, or tweezes their hairs are more likely to develop these cysts. If an individual shaves or uses a razor continuously, then more likely to get ingrown hairs. If an individual's skin is thick or has curly hair is more prone to the condition.
What Are the Causes of Ingrown Hair Cysts?
The causes of ingrown hair cysts are as follows:
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Shaving: Too often, shaving increases the chances of getting hair in the skin instead of coming out.
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Forcefully Plucking Hair Out: When an individual forcefully plucks or removes the hair out by using tweezers or a plucker can lead to the breakage of the hair. The hair can be broken at different angles. The hair can go deep into the skin.
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Curly Hair: Individuals with curly hair are more likely to develop the condition because the hair can curl back into the skin.
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Skin Conditions: Skin diseases such as acne lead to hair moving inside the skin.
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Tight Clothing: Wearing tight clothing in areas such as the armpits can cause pressure leading to the growth of hair into the skin.
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Improper Shedding of the Hair: During waxing or shaving, there may be improper shedding of the hair leading to the deposition of dead skin cells. These dead skin cells stop the hair from growing and cause ingrown hair cysts.
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Sex Hormones: An individual with a high level of sex hormones has more amount of hairs on their body. After shaving, these people have more chances of getting ingrown hair.
How Does an Ingrown Hair Cyst Develop in the Body?
Normally, the hair grows and moves outward from the hair follicle. Curly hairs, excessive use of razors, or any skin conditions can cause curling of the hair back into the hair follicle. This can cause irritation and inflammation of the surrounding skin. There may be pain, redness, or swelling. The deposition of dead skin cells can cause obstruction. An increase in inflammation can lead to the formation of a fluid-filled structure. With time this cyst forms a large bump on the skin's surface.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of an Ingrown Hair Cyst?
The signs and symptoms of ingrown hair cysts are as follows:
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A pink or red-colored raised bump appears on the skin.
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The ingrown hair cyst can cause pain and tenderness.
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Discomfort.
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The affected skin can cause redness, swelling, or inflammation.
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Itching.
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The pus may be discharged out through the raised bump.
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There may be warmth around the skin.
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Due to constant infection and irritation, there may be hyperpigmentation or scarring.
How Is an Ingrown Hair Cyst Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of an ingrown hair cyst can be done by physical examination and diagnostic tests. The diagnostic tests are as under:
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Medical History: The healthcare provider may ask the patient about the patient's symptoms and medical history of any previous occurrence of ingrown hair cysts. The doctor may ask an individual about ways of removing the hairs, like by using razors. How often does an individual use razor?
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Visual Examination: The healthcare provider may physically inspect the affected area by looking at the ingrown hair cyst and its symptoms, such as redness, inflammation, and any pus discharging from the affected area.
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Physical Examination: The healthcare provider may palpate the affected area by physically assessing the size and tenderness.
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Ultrasound: The healthcare provider may prescribe an ultrasound to check for the internal structure of the cyst.
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Biopsy: The doctor may advise biopsy in case of any underlying medical condition.
How Is an Ingrown Hair Cyst Treated?
The ingrown hair cyst can be treated in the following ways:
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Maintenance of Good Hygiene: An individual must clean the area with warm water. It helps in cleansing the area and prevents bacterial invasion. It prevents further inflammation and irritation.
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Warm Compress: The doctor may advise an individual to warm compress to the affected area. It helps in reducing inflammation. The warm compress can be done by soaking a clean cloth in warm water and applying it to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes.
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Avoid Squeezing: Squeezing can puncture the cyst and worsens the condition. By avoiding squeezing the cyst, the infection and scarring can be prevented.
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Topical Ointment: The doctor may prescribe over-the-counter medications such as Retinoids.
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Antibiotics: The doctor may prescribe antibiotics to decrease pain and swelling.
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Surgical Removal: The doctor may drain the cyst by making a small incision to release pus and fluid.
How Is an Ingrown Hair Cyst Prevented?
The ingrown hair cyst can be prevented in the following ways:
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Regularly remove the dead skin by using a scrub. Harsh scrubbing can irritate the skin.
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An individual must follow a proper hair removal procedure. Always shave in the direction of the growth of the hairs.
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Always moisturize the skin.
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Avoid tight clothing.
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Avoid over-waxing.
Conclusion:
An ingrown hair cyst is the growth of the hair inside of the skin and the hair does not rise out of the skin. The condition can lead to the formation of a fluid or pus-filled sac. Generally, these cysts are painless and harmless. People who frequently use razors might develop these cysts. The doctor may drain the pus from the cyst or may prescribe antibiotics. Maintainance of good hygiene can prevent the occurrence of ingrown hair cysts.
