Ingrown hair is a condition when a hair curls back into its follicle and grows into the skin. Ingrowing of hair on the chest is not very uncommon. The condition is quite painful and is also referred to as razor bumps. While shaving too closely is considered to be one of the leading factors for the development of ingrown chest hair, other factors like genetics may also play a role in the occurrence of the condition. Fortunately, there are some simple home remedies and treatment options to deal with the problem.
Chest is one of the most common sites for the development of ingrown hair. Since the condition is frequently linked with close shaving, they are also referred to as razor bumps. It is also observed that inadequate hygiene while using hair treatments like waxing, plucking and shaving, etc increase the risk of ingrown hair on the chest. Certain individuals who have curly and thick hair are at a higher risk of ingrown hair on the chest compared to others.
How To Prevent Ingrown Hairs On Chest?
Here are some tips that are considered to be beneficial in preventing ingrown hair on the chest. Some of the common tips include,
- Shaving too closely is considered to be critically linked with development of ingrown hair. Always shave hair in the direction of the growth of the hair. Wet hairs are easier to shave compared to dry hair. Also keep the skin moisturized after a shave to prevent ingrown hair.
- Don’t shave too close to the skin surface. Shaving too close to the skin surface may alter the direction of growth of the hair, which in turn increases the risk of ingrown hair.
- Maintain hygiene. Poor skin care regimen and lower hygiene levels increase the risk of ingrown hair on the chest. Regular bath and gentle scrubbing of the chest is recommended to prevent infection and ingrowing of hair.
Natural Remedies For Ingrown Hairs
While it is easy to prevent ingrown hair on the chest, what do you do if you have an ingrown hair on the chest? Here are some tips that can help in the management of ingrown chest hair promptly,
- Hot pack application at the site of ingrown hair is very beneficial. This improves the circulation of blood at the site and hastens healing process.
- Salt and Sugar skin packs are considered to be helpful in treating ingrown hair on the chest. These packs help release the ingrown hair from the skin.
- Use tweezers or needle to release the hair from the skin. Use this technique only if you can see the ingrown hair. Make sure that the tweezers or the needle is sterilized, to avoid infections.
- There are certain homeopathic remedies that are very useful in the management of ingrown hair. Low and repeated doses of Silecia and Hepar Sulph, result in a prompt inflammatory reaction at the site, which in turn releases the ingrown hair from the skin. However, don’t use this therapy for more than 3 days, as it can result in excessive suppuration on other sites in the body.