Why is my ingrown hair bleeding

Yes, ingrown hairs often get confused with warts and herpes. So before you jump to the worst possible conclusion, here's how to ID an ingrown hair. When an ingrown hair forms, a red bump usually appears along with some slight discomfort. But it's nothing too serious and shouldn't be causing you any severe pain. You'll usually feel pressure in the area, similar to a pimple, Dr. Dweck says, those are likely ingrown hairs. Herpes, on the other hand, is very painful and usually a sharp pain.

A herpes lesion can also feel tingly at times because it could be irritating your nerves. Another case of mistaken identity? Warts have a very distinct appearance, though, Dr. Ingrown hairs will generally go away without treatment. But there are a few things you can do to make yourself more comfortable until one heals.

Some of her patients like to do an Epsom salt soak using warm water and plain Epsom salt no fragrance! Over-the-counter pain meds can also be pretty helpful. Try Advil for pain and hydrocortisone cream for swelling and redness. And if a cyst forms on top of the ingrown hair, try a little benzoyl peroxide. And remember, ingrown hairs appear on your vulva, not your vagina—so nothing should be entering your vag.

If you're noticing that the bumps are continuing to grow, they're bleeding, or you have inflamed or swollen lymph nodes in your groin, those are all signs you should call your doctor, Dr. It might be a sign the ingrown hair is infected to the point where you'll need an antibiotic to kick it.

Although some ingrown hairs can cause discomfort, they are usually harmless. In this article, learn how to get rid of an ingrown hair near the vagina, as well as some tips for prevention. Most ingrown hairs will resolve without treatment. However, if a bump becomes too itchy or painful, there are a variety of home remedies that people can use to help them heal. The best way to encourage an ingrown hair to come out of the skin is by applying a hot compress or cloth soaked in warm water.

Taking a warm bath can also help. To remove an ingrown hair, a person should use sterilized tweezers, grasp the ingrown hair in the center of the loop and gently twist both ways. This should loosen the hair and encourage the tip of the hair to come out of the skin. Alternatively, a person could try inserting the edge of the tweezers under the loop and gently pulling it upward. Once the tip of the hair is out of the skin, use the tweezers to carefully pluck the hair and remove it.

A person should then wash the area with warm, soapy water, pat it dry, and apply an antibiotic ointment. People who shave, wax, or use another method to remove pubic hair may be more prone to ingrown hairs. People with curlier or coarser pubic hair are also more likely to experience ingrown hairs.

If the bumps look infected, a person should make an appointment with a doctor to get appropriate medical treatment. A doctor will examine the area and may prescribe an antibiotic ointment or wash. For severe infections, they may recommend antibiotics. They can determine whether conservative or more aggressive management is appropriate. Staph infections are treated with antibiotics to prevent other serious complications, such as blood infection. Learn more: Staph infection ».

Digging for the hair only increases the risk of infection. Picking or popping an infected ingrown hair also increases your risk of complications. Instead, gently scrub the area with warm water and soap. This can help ease the ingrown hair out of the skin on its own. Learn more: How to handle: Ingrown hair on the legs ». Most of these complications can be avoided by taking measures to prevent ingrown hairs and treating any infections promptly. Mild ingrown hair infections often clear up on their own without treatment.

Your doctor can identify an infected ingrown hair through a physical examination of the skin. No other tests are typically needed for diagnosis.

Antibiotics may be prescribed in severe cases. These are used if you have large, pus-filled, or open sores. Your doctor can also provide tips for lifestyle changes that may reduce your likelihood of ingrown hairs. Picking or popping the ingrown hair will only increase your risk of infection because it exposes the follicle to bacteria. Picking the skin can also cause scars. Many cases clear up on their own without any interference.

Mild cases of infection may clear up on their own after a few days, but severe cases can take a couple of weeks. After the infection has cleared, you may have a scar or discolored skin that can last for several months.

Learn more: Treating and preventing ingrown pubic hairs ». Preventing ingrown hairs in the first place can decrease your risk of related infections. When shaving or waxing, try the following tips:. If you continue having infected ingrown hairs in the same area, such as the face, you might consider ceasing at-home hair removal.

Talk to your doctor about whether you may benefit from laser skin treatments and other long-term hair removal methods. Ingrown hairs on your face are painful and annoying. Here's how to prevent them from happening.

Razor bumps are most likely caused by friction from your razor and ingrown hairs. Treat existing bumps and prevent more from developing with these….