Identifying and Treating an Ingrown Hair Cyst
Ingrown hairs occur when the tip of a hair curls back into the skin instead of growing straight out of the follicle. The ingrown hair can cause inflammation, irritation, and sometimes a painful cyst or bump under the skin's surface.
Cysts from ingrown hairs often resolve on their own. But its helpful to be able to identify what an ingrown hair cyst typically looks like. Becoming familiar with ingrown hair cyst pictures can help you determine if thats what is causing your bump or lesion.
Read on to learn what an ingrown hair cyst is, what it looks like, and how to get rid of it faster for relief from discomfort.
What is an Ingrown Hair Cyst?
An ingrown hair cyst refers to an area of inflamed tissue that forms around an ingrown hair trapped under the skin. The medical name for these cysts is pseudofolliculitis barbae.
When an ingrown hair grows into the skin, it triggers irritation and inflammation. The body responds by trying to protect the area by forming a cyst wall around the ingrown hair. Fluid fills the cyst, creating a raised bump or closed pocket under the skins surface.
Ingrown hairs can occur anywhere on the body. But they tend to be most common on the face, neck, legs, armpits, and pubic area where hair is thick and coarse.
The cysts vary in size but often remain less than 1 centimeter wide. The lumps sit just under the skin and have a white or yellowish appearance from the fatty deposits or dead skin cells trapped within.
What Causes Ingrown Hair Cysts to Form?
Ingrown hairs form when the growing hair follicle becomes obstructed. Common causes include:
- Having naturally curly or coarse hair that is prone to curling back on itself.
- Shaving, waxing, plucking or aggressively scrubbing the skin, which can uproot hairs.
- Clogged pores and dead skin blocking the hair follicle opening.
- Wearing tight clothing that presses hairs back into the skin.
- Hormonal changes associated with puberty or menopause impacting hair growth.
- Genetic factors that affect the growth pattern and shape of the hair follicle.
When an ingrown hair forms cysts repeatedly, its referred to as pseudofolliculitis barbae. This chronic condition creates skin irritation, scarring, hyperpigmentation, and potentially infected cysts if bacteria enter through open lesions.
Where Do Ingrown Hair Cysts Develop?
Ingrown hairs can occur anywhere on the body where hair grows. But the locations prone to more frequent or severe ingrown cysts include:
- Face - Shaving often causes hairs to curl back into the skin along the jawline and neck in men.
- Legs - Ingrown hairs commonly affect the thighs and lower legs in women from shaving or waxing.
- Underarms - The folds and moisture in the armpits make this location susceptible to ingrown cysts.
- Pubic area - Coarse pubic hairs are prone to becoming ingrown after shaving, waxing or electrolysis hair removal.
- Scalp - In some cases, ingrown hairs develop on the scalp and can mimic bumps from other conditions like acne.
What Does an Ingrown Hair Cyst Look Like?
Ingrown hair cysts have a distinct appearance that helps set them apart from other common skin bumps. Familiarizing yourself with pictures of ingrown hair cysts can help with self-diagnosis.
Typical signs and characteristics of an ingrown hair cyst include:
- Small, rounded bump or lump under the skins surface
- White or yellow color from trapped dead skin cells and oil (keratin)
- Black or dark dot at the center where the curled hair is embedded
- Raised, hard or fluid-filled nodule vs. a whitehead pimple
- Oval or circular shape, like a closed comedone (closed pore)
- Painful to the touch or when pressure applied
- Bump appears red and inflamed with possible pus if infected
- May feel itchy or irritated with prickly hairs growing back
The location, size, and level of pain can vary. Not all ingrown cysts become red, swollen and filled with liquid. But the darkened dot at the center remains one of the hallmark characteristics of an ingrown hair.
How to Treat an Ingrown Hair Cyst
In many cases, an ingrown hair cyst resolves on its own within a few weeks. The body reabsorbs the trapped fluid and substances while the hair eventually grows out or falls out.
But its understandable to want faster relief from the discomfort and unsightly appearance of a cyst. There are several remedies to help speed up healing:
1. Warm Compresses
Applying something warm to the area can help encourage an ingrown hair cyst to drain and shrink faster. The warmth also increases blood flow to expedite healing.
Try a warm washcloth compress for 10 minutes 2-3 times per day. Just moisten the washcloth with warm water, wring out excess, and hold gently over the cyst.
2. Exfoliating Scrubs
Gently sloughing off dead skin cells around an ingrown hair can help release it. Use an exfoliating cloth, brush, or body scrub 1-2 times per week to remove debris so the hair can emerge.
Avoid harsh, aggressive scrubbing which could further embed the hair. And steer clear of exfoliating if the cyst appears inflamed or infected.
3. Salicylic Acid
Chemical exfoliants with salicylic acid can also dissolve the glue trapping an ingrown hair. Salicylic acid cleansers and pads help soften and lift away dead skin cells clogging the follicle.
Swipe a salicylic acid pad over the bump 1-2 times daily after cleansing. Look for pads containing around 2% salicylic acid to avoid excess drying and irritation.
4. Retinol Creams
Retinol (vitamin A) applied topically helps unblock hair follicles by exfoliating the skin. It also stimulates collagen production to even out any indentations and reduce future ingrown hairs.
Use a pea-sized amount of over-the-counter 0.1% retinol cream on the cyst nightly. Limit to once a day to avoid excess dryness. Avoid sunlight while using retinol.
5. Steroid Creams
Low-dose hydrocortisone creams can help reduce inflammation and itching from an ingrown cyst. The anti-inflammatory effects help calm irritation and shrink the cyst.
Apply a thin layer 1-2 times per day for 3-5 days max. See your dermatologist for stronger steroid prescriptions if OTC options inadequately control discomfort.
6. Antibiotics
If an ingrown cyst becomes infected with bacteria, your dermatologist may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics. This clears bacteria and prevents the spread of infection to surrounding skin.
Take antibiotics according to dosage directions until the full course is complete. Topical antibiotics also help prevent secondary infections.
7. Lancing and Drainage
For severely inflamed and painful cysts, a dermatologist may recommend lancing and draining the lesion. This involves using a sterile needle to pierce the cyst and allow the trapped fluid and hair to drain out.
The area will then be bandaged while it heals. Lancing provides immediate relief but proper aftercare is vital to avoid complications.
8. Oral Medications
Prescription medications may be beneficial for recurring ingrown hairs if topical treatments arent effective enough. Oral medications help reduce inflammation and regulate hair growth.
Oral steroids, retinoids like Accutane, anti-androgen drugs, and spironolactone may be prescribed in stubborn cases under a doctors supervision.
9. Laser Hair Removal
Long-term laser hair removal treatments can prevent ingrown hairs by permanently destroying the follicle so hair can no longer grow. This option may be considered for areas prone to repeated cysts.
Multiple treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart provide the best results. Some discomfort can be expected with each session. Avoid sun exposure between treatments.
When to See a Doctor
You should make an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist if you experience:
- Severe swelling, redness, pain or pus, signaling a possible infection.
- No improvement within 2-3 weeks despite home treatment.
- Cysts that recur frequently and wont heal.
- Scarring or dark marks left after a cyst heals.
- Cysts appearing in new places where hair doesnt typically grow.
A doctor can properly diagnose the cause, provide prescription-strength treatments, and assess if any complications are developing.
Preventing Ingrown Hair Cysts
Once a cyst develops, prompt treatment helps clear it faster. But its also helpful to try preventing ingrown hairs in the first place.
Some tips to avoid ingrown hairs include:
Avoid Close Shaves
Shaving too close leaves stubble trapped under the skin. Use a new, sharp razor. Shave in the direction of hair growth. Leave hair slightly longer instead of a close shave.
Exfoliate Regularly
Removing dead skin cells keeps pores clear for hair to emerge. Use a scrub, dry brush, or washcloth to gently exfoliate problem areas a few times a week.
Apply Aftershave Products
Post-shave gels and balms with glycolic or salicylic acid help prevent ingrowns. Witch hazel-based toners also treat inflammation and help shrink cysts.
Consider Laser Removal
If ingrown cysts are a recurring problem, laser hair removal can permanently prevent regrowth. Multiple sessions spaced a month apart provide the best results.
Avoid Tight Clothes
Tight collars, underwear elastic, and snug shorts put pressure on hair follicles. Wear looser fitting clothing to allow hair room to grow freely.
Use Alternate Hair Removal
Waxing, electrolysis, epilation, and depilatory creams pluck or dissolve hair to reduce the chances of developing ingrown cysts.
Keep Skin Moisturized
Dry skin tends to have more debris that traps hairs. Use gentle scrubs to exfoliate, but follow with a hydrating moisturizer to keep skin smooth.
Avoid Picking or Scratching
Its tempting to pick at cysts, but this pushes the hair further into the skin. Leave ingrown cysts alone aside from warm compresses and medicated treatments.
When to Seek Medical Treatment
Recurring ingrown cysts or ones that become severely inflamed require a doctors care. Signs of infection also warrant medical treatment.
See your dermatologist for cysts that:
- Wont heal after 3 weeks of home treatment
- Cause swelling, extreme tenderness, redness, or oozing
- Result in skin darkening or scars
- Appear in unusual locations
For chronic or widespread pseudofolliculitis barbae, prescription antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and laser hair removal provide relief. Properly treating ingrown cysts reduces the chances of lasting marks or blemishes on the skin.
When to Consider Removal
Most individual ingrown hair cysts disappear relatively quickly on their own. But cysts that are troublesome, painful, or slow to heal may require removal and drainage.
Consider seeing a dermatologist for cyst removal if:
- The cyst persists longer than one month despite home treatment
- Signs of infection develop like pus, redness, fever, or streaking
- The cyst continues growing larger
- The location causes significant discomfort
- Scarring or dark spots remain visible after healing
A dermatologist can safely lance and drain the cyst contents. The procedure provides immediate relief. Proper follow-up care helps prevent future ingrown hairs and cysts from developing.
The Bottom Line
Ingrown hair cysts are benign but painful bumps that occur when hairs re-enter the skin. The most common locations include the bikini line, underarms, legs, and face.
Look for key characteristics like a round bump with a dark dot at the center. Warm compresses, exfoliating scrubs, and OTC creams help clear cysts faster. For recurring or infected cysts, see a dermatologist for prescription treatment options.
Paying attention to the typical appearance and causes of ingrown hair cysts allows you recognize and treat them promptly for relief.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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