Overview
Ingrown cheek hairs are sometimes known as razor bumps or pseudofolliculitis barbae. This condition primarily affects men who are African American or Hispanic. According to the Mayo Clinic, ingrown hairs are most common in African American men who are 14 to 25 years old. However, anyone who removes cheek hair can suffer from ingrown cheek hair.
Symptoms
An ingrown cheek hair is usually noticeable because of the raised, red bump that forms over the ingrown hair. The bump may contain pus. Because an ingrown hair causes irritation, you may notice that the area is painful or that it itches. In some cases, the skin may darken in the area.
Causes
Anytime hair is removed from the cheek area, there is a chance that you will get an ingrown hair. As the hair begins to grow, it will sometimes begin to grow into the hair follicle. This is one cause of ingrown cheek hair. Another cause of ingrown cheek hairs is when the hair grows out of the hair follicle and then curves around and grows into the skin. Having curly hair or a partially blocked hair follicles are the most common reasons an ingrown hair occurs.
Treatment
When an ingrown cheek hair is first noticed, a hot compress should be applied to the area. After this is done, the itchiness can be treated with an over-the-counter (OTC) hydrocortisone cream. When you see that loop of hair that extends from the ingrown end of the hair back into the hair follicle, you can use a sterilized needle to pull it gently through out of the skin. To minimize the risk of infection and scarring, apply over-the-counter 9OTC) antibiotic ointment to the area once the hair is out of the skin.
Prevention
Preventing an ingrown cheek hair begins when you are getting ready to shave. You can use either a single-blade razor or an electric razor to shave. You should apply either shaving gel or pre-shave lotion before shaving. Pulling your skin taut and shaving against the grain of your hair, and shaving an area multiple times all increase your risk of getting an ingrown hair on your cheek.
Warning
If you get severe or chronic ingrown hairs on your cheek, you should contact your doctor. There are prescription medications that may help to control the number of ingrown hairs you get. Also, there is a risk of infection if you pick at an ingrown hair that is still under the skin, which is called an embedded hair. You can also get an infection by scratching the ingrown hair. If you think you have an infected ingrown hair, which is extremely painful and irritated, contact your doctor.
