In males, the most common areas favoring development of ingrown hair include the chin, cheeks and the neck region. Males who shave off their head can also develop ingrown hair on scalp part [6].
In women, the common areas of ingrown hair are the regions of armpit, legs and area where pubic hair develops. Ingrown hair presents with the following signs and symptoms [7]:

• Development of bumps which are small, solid with a round shape – having same appearance as that of pimple
• Development of pus filled lesions
• The affected area undergoes darkening
• Inflammation of the affected area accompanied by itching and pain
• Presence of embedded hairs

• Pain

  Recurrent ingrown hairs with secondary scarring or signs of infection (pus, pain) require a visit to the dermatologist. [getbevel.com]

  This condition results in bumps after shaving that can be painful. To manage razor bumps, Gillette® has the tips needed to help minimize irritation and get a comfortable shave. [gillette.com]

  Ingrown hairs are big, red, and painful—exactly the kind of thing you don't want cropping up during bathing suit season. But eliminating them without pain or infection requires a little finesse. [prevention.com]

  Pain If the ingrown hair cyst becomes infected or inflamed, it can be painful and tender due to all of the skin stretching, or lack thereof, in combination with the inflammation. [doctorshealthpress.com]

  Fashion Tips for keeping your face smooth and pain-free after every shave As the shaving expert for grooming guru King of Shaves, Diane Wood knows how to keep your mug looking good. Here are her five secrets to keeping painful ingrown hairs at bay. [mensfitness.com]

• Inflammation

  Ingrown hairs also known as razor bumps, razor burn, hair bumps, shaving bumps or Psuedofolliculitis Barbae (PFB), is a condition where the hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin causing inflammation. [skinrenewal.co.za]

  Aspirin Aspirin can help reduce redness and inflammation, the two most common symptoms of ingrown hair. The anti-inflammatory property of aspirin reduces swelling, fights inflammation and treats mild infection. [top10homeremedies.com]

  Such a condition causes irritation and inflammation in the affected area. In males, the most common areas favoring development of ingrown hair include the chin, cheeks and the neck region. [symptoma.com]

  Apply directly to the bump to reduce inflammation or redness. If you are ready to extract the hair, and can see the hair is ready to be removed, grab a warm towel and gently press it against the bump. [essence.com]

• Swelling

  • Azulene and Allantoin will help reduce the redness and swelling. [menscience.com]

  The anti-inflammatory property of aspirin reduces swelling, fights inflammation and treats mild infection. Plus, the salicylic acid present in aspirin scrubs away dead skin to loosen the offending hair. [top10homeremedies.com]

  As your hair soaks up the water, it swells and softens, making it easier for your blades to cut. 3. Shave: Let the razor do the work. Shave with gentle strokes, and let your razor do the heavy lifting. [gillette.com]

  Repeat the process 2 times a day until the swelling and redness has disappeared completely. [healthyandnaturalworld.com]

• Falling

  Most ingrown hairs will naturally heal themselves and fall out within one week of the hair follicle becoming infected. [livestrong.com]

  If you fall off the bandwagon (nobody’s perfect) and pick, remember to blot the area with an antiseptic to prevent infection. No Bump or simply rubbing alcohol dabbed directly on the bump should help clear up the problem. [waxopolitan.com]

  Males who use the double blade razor also fall prey to ingrown hair. In double blade razor, the hair is pulled out by the first blade followed by cutting by the second one. [symptoma.com]

  You will need… -Baking soda -Fresh water -Coconut oil or mild moisturizer Directions Mix up enough baking soda and water to form a paste thick enough to be spread around, but not so thick that it just clumps up and falls off your skin. [everydayroots.com]

  Don’t make it so thick that it will just fall off, but just thick enough so that it adheres to the skin. Before applying the paste, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. [naturallivingideas.com]

• Short Stature

  stature syndrome Chronic folliculitis Chronic folliculitis of legs Collarettes of lash follicles Crandall's syndrome Deep bacterial folliculitis Demodex folliculitis Disseminate infundibulo-folliculitis Disturbance of hair cycle Eosinophilic pustular [emedcodes.com]

  The Short Description Is: Hair diseases NEC. [healthresearchfunding.org]

  stature syndrome Bockhart impetigo Chronic folliculitis Chronic folliculitis of legs Collarettes of lash follicles Crandall's syndrome Deep bacterial folliculitis Demodex folliculitis Disseminate infundibulo-folliculitis Disturbance of hair cycle Eosinophilic [icd9data.com]

• Dry Skin

  Just lift the end out from under the skin and remove them conventionally by shaving, waxing or electrolysis. Apply thin coat of Tend Skin Liquid twice daily to dry skin, once in the morning after showering and drying the skin. [tendskin.com]

  We've taken care of the science - all you have to do is apply BUMP DOWN to clean, dry skin immediately after shaving and to any affected areas twice daily. [getbarc.com]

  Ingrown hairs occur because the skin closes over the hair follicle after close shaving, waxing, or tweezing, making it difficult for the new hair to poke through this hard and dry skin. [dermaltherapy.com]

  Try exfoliating to remove any loose dead skin, which can block the ingrown hair from breaking through the skin’s surface. Apply a non-greasy moisturizer to help heal dry skin and remove any dead cells. [gillettevenus.com]

  Dab some rubbing alcohol on the skin after you shave to kill bacteria … then apply deodorant (an unscented Dove stick works best) liberally. This will keep you dry down there so you won’t chafe and prevents razor bumps. [stylecaster.com]

• Eruptions

  Cutaneous pili migrans and creeping eruption caused by parasitic diseases may present as a moving linear lesion in skin. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Individuals who have ingrown hairs may experience a painful acne-like eruption after shaving. The upper skin layers may have some dilation of the small superficial blood vessels, which gives the skin a red or flushed appearance. [lagunaskincenter.com]

  Less common mimickers include chickenpox, herpes, pustular psoriasis, molluscum contagiosum, viral warts, Fox-Fordyce disease, Graham-Little-Piccardi-Lasseur syndrome, pruritic papular eruption of HIV disease, and erythema toxicum neonatorum. [medicinenet.com]

  I have always struggled with ingrown hairs and unsightly razor bumps, meaning that I could only really shave my bikini line once in a blue moon only for my skin to immediately erupt a day later. [buzzfeed.com]

• Erythema

  After treatment with topical mupirocin ointment, the erythema and folliculitis improved and 2 hairs of the beard with hair follicles were pulled out from the skin. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Frequently reported AEs for benzoyl peroxide include erythema, dry skin, and contact dermatitis. Patients should be informed that benzoyl peroxide may bleach the hair and clothing. [uspharmacist.com]

  Less common mimickers include chickenpox, herpes, pustular psoriasis, molluscum contagiosum, viral warts, Fox-Fordyce disease, Graham-Little-Piccardi-Lasseur syndrome, pruritic papular eruption of HIV disease, and erythema toxicum neonatorum. [medicinenet.com]

  Less common mimickers include chicken pox, herpes, pustular psoriasis, molluscum contagiosum, viral warts, Fox-Fordyce Disease, Graham-Little-Piccardi-Lasseur Syndrome, pruritic papular eruption of HIV disease, and erythema toxicum neonatorum. [lagunaskincenter.com]

• Pruritus

  Items here include everything from Skin rash to Pruritus. Many of the symptoms of Pili incarnati may be related to other illnesses or conditions, so if you're experiencing any of these symptoms don't automatically assume you have Pili incarnati. [ranker.com]

  Daily shaving reduces papules/pruritus. [unboundmedicine.com]

  Pain on shaving; pruritus of shaved areas, irritated “razor bumps” Tender, exudative, erythematous follicular papules or pustules in beard area (less commonly in scalp, a... [5minuteconsult.com]

  Mild pruritus, tenderness, and pain may be present. The etiology is unknown. [aafp.org]

  Local skin reactions (e.g., dryness, erythema, pruritus, scaling, hyper- or hypopigmentation, blistering, and stinging) are the most commonly reported AEs. Retinoid creams cause less drying than gels. [uspharmacist.com]

• Skin Rash

  Items here include everything from Skin rash to Pruritus. Many of the symptoms of Pili incarnati may be related to other illnesses or conditions, so if you're experiencing any of these symptoms don't automatically assume you have Pili incarnati. [ranker.com]

  Pictures of Skin Rashes, Bumps and Lumps Ingrown Hair See pictures of common lumps, bumps, and rashes, including ingrown hairs. View photos of diseases and conditions that may be mistaken for ingrown hairs. [emedicinehealth.com]

  It also contains antiseptic properties known to heal cuts, burns and skin rashes while also keeping the skin moisturized. All you need to do is apply a thin layer of coconut oil to your razor bumps, and repeat when necessary. 5. [naturallivingideas.com]

• Irritability

  To manage razor bumps, Gillette® has the tips needed to help minimize irritation and get a comfortable shave. For tips on managing non-PFB (razor bumps) irritation from shaving, see our article on razor burn and irritation. [gillette.com]

  Shaving typically ends one of two ways: (1) soft and smooth perfection or (2) red, angry irritation, with the worst being a first sighting of an ingrown hair. [blog.mariobadescu.com]

  If irritation develops, discontinue use and consult a doctor. Using topical acne medication at the same time or immediately following use of this product may increase dryness or irritation of the skin. [ulta.com]

  Barc's repair and relief lotion treats and prevents razor bumps and ingrown hairs as well as other skin irritations that can sometimes be down right...well, irritating. [getbarc.com]

  But they can be irritating and embarrassing. What Does an Ingrown Hair Look Like? An ingrown hair irritates the skin. It produces a raised, red bump (or group of bumps) that looks like a little pimple. [webmd.com]

Diagnosis of ingrown hair consists of thorough physical examination of the affected area. The pustules are analyzed for presence of secondary infections. In addition, a complete history of hair removal habits is gathered from the patients.
Biopsy of the affected area is not indicated in such cases unless signs of secondary skin infections are evident.

Medications are given to effectively manage the condition. The following types of medicines are administered for treating ingrown hair [8].

• Retinoids: Retinoids such as tretinoin are administered which would help in the process of exfoliation and also aid in prevention of skin darkening and thickening. 
• Corticosteroids: These are administered so that inflammation can be effectively controlled.
• Antibiotics: In case of severe infections, oral antibiotics may be administered to combat the infection. In addition, ointments containing antibiotics may also be given to relieve symptoms of itching and irritation caused due to ingrown hair.

The prognosis of ingrown hair is good and the accompanying bump generally fades away with proper treatment. Individuals are prone to get recurrent bouts of ingrown hair if proper care and preventive measures are not taken. In addition, several treatments may be required in order to prevent recurrence of the condition.
Untreated or chronic ingrown hair can lead to development of bacterial infections and permanent scarring of the affected area.

Ingrown hair develops when the hair curls and grows back into the skin due to use of improper shaving or hair removal techniques. Individuals with coarse or curly hair are at an increased risk of developing this condition. Activities such as shaving, waxing, electrolysis and wearing tight fitting clothing can promote development of ingrown hair. When there is an ingrown hair, the skin reacts as it would to a foreign body and throws out various uncomfortable signs [2].

The exact incidence of ingrown hair is not known. It is thought to commonly strike males between the age group of 14 – 25 years. Individuals with ingrown hair are more prone to develop pseudofolliculitis barbae. The occurrence of ingrown hair is common amongst Blacks. It has been estimated that about 45 – 83% of black and 3% of white individuals develop pseudofolliculitis barbae due to removal of facial hair [3].

The pathogenesis of ingrown hair involves two main processes, namely extrafollicular penetration and transfollicular penetration. The incidence of ingrown hair is a common phenomenon in males who have curly hair. While shaving, sharp edges are created in the hair which when grows again, gets curled and re-enters the skin. This process is known as extrafollicular penetration.

In the other process, the cut hair re-enters the skin without growing out. This phenomenon is known as the transfollicular penetration. Males who use the double blade razor also fall prey to ingrown hair. In double blade razor, the hair is pulled out by the first blade followed by cutting by the second one. Such an activity causes the hair to retract favoring development of ingrown hair [4, 5].

Ingrown hair occur as a result of various hair removal technique that causes the improperly cut hair to re-enter the skin. Individuals are therefore advised to use those kinds of hair removal techniques that would help prevent the development of ingrown hair. The following precautionary methods can be used to avoid ingrown hair:
Always follow the practice of shaving after wetting the facial hairs. Shaving off dry hairs leads to development of ingrown hair and therefore such a practice should be discouraged.Electric razor should be preferred over other variants [9].

Individuals are advised to shave in the direction of hair growth and avoid skin taut.
The practice of using a single blade razor should be encouraged and males are also advised to apply cool compresses to the area after shaving [10].

It is a common condition amongst the males aged 14 – 25 years. However, the condition can affect any individual who practice hair removal by waxing, shaving or tweezing. Use of electrolysis to remove hair can also predispose an individual to develop ingrown hair [1]. Any activity that promotes uneven breaking of hair using sharp pointed objects can cause ingrown hair.

• Definition: Ingrown hair is a condition wherein shaved hair re-enters the skin causing development of bumps and inflammation in the affected area. Such a type of condition is common amongst individuals aged 14 – 25 years. Ingrown hair can strike any individual who practice hair removal techniques to shave hair.
• Cause: Several hair removal techniques like shaving, waxing, use of electrolysis and tweezers to remove hair predispose an individual to develop ingrown hair. Individuals with coarse or curly hair are more prone to develop this condition.
• Symptoms: Symptoms of ingrown hair include development of small, solid, round shaped bumps in the affected area followed by inflammation and irritation. The lesions are small and filled with pus. In many cases, individuals may also experience pain and darkening of the affected area.
• Diagnosis: The condition is diagnosed with a thorough physical examination of the affected area. In addition, the pustules may be checked for signs of secondary inflammation. Skin biopsy may seldom be required.
• Treatment: Ingrown hair is treated with medications such as antibiotics, corticosteroids and retinoids. Antibiotics are administered to treat the bacterial infection and corticosteroids are given to reduce the inflammation. Retinoids help in darkening of the skin and also help alleviate hyperkeratosis characterized by thickening of the skin.

1. Richards RN, Meharg GE. Electrolysis: observations from 13 years and 140,000 hours of experience. J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 33(4),662–666 (1995).
2. Kligman AM, Peters L. Histologic changes of human hair follicles after electrolysis: a comparison of two methods. Cutis. Aug 1984;34(2):169-76.
3. Kelly AP. Pseudofolliculitis barbae and acne keloidalis nuchae. Dermatol Clin 2003; 21:645.
4. Winter H, Schissel D, Parry DA et al. An unusual Ala12Thr polymorphism in the 1A α-helical segment of the companion layer-specific keratin k6hf: evidence for a risk factor in the etiology of the common hair disorder pseudofolliculitis barbae. J. Invest. Dermatol. 122(3),652–657 (2004).
5. Lynfield YL, Macwilliams P. Shaving and hair growth. J Invest Dermatol 1970; 55:170.
6. BHAKTAVIZIAM C, MESCON H, MATOLTSY AG. SHAVING. I. STUDY OF SKIN AND SHAVINGS. Arch Dermatol 1963; 88:874.
7. McCabe J, Blades Z, McGrath EE. A spontaneous skin lesion. Can. Med. Assoc. J. 179(12),1297–1299 (2008).
8. Cohen JL. Pain management with a topical lidocaine and tetracaine 7%/7% cream with laser dermatologic procedures. J Drugs Dermatol. Sep 1 2013;12(9):986-9.
9. Nanni CA, Alster TS. Long-pulsed alexandrite laser-assisted hair removal at 5, 10, and 20 millisecond pulse durations. Lasers Surg Med. 1999;24(5):332-7.
10. Vachiramon V, Brown T, McMichael AJ. Patient satisfaction and complications following laser hair removal in ethnic skin. J Drugs Dermatol. Feb 2012;11(2):191