Yes, an ingrown hair can turn into a cyst in rare cases. An ingrown hair occurs when the hair starts to grow downwards into the skin instead of out of the hair follicle, resulting in a swollen, red bump.
Over time the bump may become infected and lead to an abscess, which is a deeper, larger lump with a collection of pus. If not treated, the abscess can form into a cyst filled with a thick, yellowish fluid.
Ingrown hairs usually can heal on their own and may not cause any further complications. However, if the bump becomes painful, changes in color, and oozes pus, then it may be a cyst and should be treated by a medical professional.
Table of Contents
How do you get rid of an ingrown hair cyst?
If you think you may have an ingrown hair cyst, the first step is to consult with your physician, as they may recommend over-the-counter treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or topical antibiotics. If these treatments do not work, your physician may decide to perform minor surgery to remove the cyst.
Alternatively, they may suggest it be drained with a lancet or scalpel. The incision site should be thoroughly cleaned and dressed with an an antiseptic to guard against infection. Keep an eye on the area and contact your physician immediately if you notice any increased inflammation, fever, or pus.
If the cyst is particularly large or painful, they may refer you to a dermatologist for further treatment.
It is possible to cure an ingrown hair cyst at home as well. Start by soaking a cloth in warm water and placing it directly over the cyst for 15–20 minutes. This will soften the area and help remove the hair.
After that you can use tweezers to carefully remove the hair. Be sure to clean the tweezers with rubbing alcohol to avoid any infections. After the hair has been removed, you can apply a warm compress over the cyst and use a topical antibiotic cream to reduce pain and redness.
If you notice any signs of infection such as pus or a foul odor, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Do ingrown hair cysts go away?
It depends. In most cases, minor ingrown hair cysts tend to go away on their own after a few days. This can be sped up with proper care, such as cleaning the area with a gentle cleanser, avoiding picking at the skin, and applying a warm compress to the swollen area.
More serious and deep-seated ingrown hair cysts may need to be treated with antibiotics or topical treatments to dry out the cyst and promote healing. In cases where the cyst is very large, recurrent, or painful, a doctor may need to surgically remove the cyst.
After removal, the cyst should not come back. However, it is important to take precautionary measures to prevent ingrown hairs in the future, such as not shaving or waxing too close to the skin, exfoliating regularly, and using a shaving cream or gel.
Can an ingrown hair cause a hard lump?
Yes, an ingrown hair can cause a hard lump. An ingrown hair develops when a hair strand curls back or grows sideways underneath the skin, which can cause inflammation and block the hair follicle. When this happens, a lump or lump filled with pus can form.
The lump ranges in size from small and barely noticeable, to large and very painful. If the ingrown hair occurs in the beard area, the lump can be especially hard and feel like a lump that has been there for a long time.
Treating the ingrown hair can help reduce the hard lump. To treat an ingrown hair, you can try gently exfoliating the area, which can help free the hair from the skin. Additionally, removing the hair with tweezers or using a sterilized needle may be necessary.
Applying a warm compress can also encourage the hair to break the surface and help drain the infection, if any.
Can you squeeze an ingrown hair bump?
No, it is generally not recommended to squeeze an ingrown hair bump as it can cause further irritation and potential infection. You should instead keep the area clean, apply a warm compress for up to 20 minutes at a time, and gently exfoliate the surrounding skin.
If the area remains swollen and painful, you should consult with a doctor to determine if antibiotics might be necessary.
How do I get rid of a cyst on my pubic area?
If you have a cyst in your pubic area, it is important to get it checked out by a medical professional. Depending on the cyst, it may need to be treated with antibiotics or a course of medication. In some cases, it may require surgery, such as removal of the cyst.
If you have a regular, healthy cyst, you may be able to treat it at home. This can be done using special creams or ointments that are sold over the counter or obtained with a prescription. Before using any cream or ointment, it is important to consult your doctor.
They may ask you to submit a sample of the cyst so they can diagnose it.
In some cases, lifestyle changes may help reduce the size or severity of the cyst. Eating a balanced, healthy diet and drinking plenty of water helps boost your immune system and can also reduce inflammation in the area around the cyst.
Finally, regular hygiene practices are important for preventing cysts from forming and for helping them to heal. Applying a warm, damp cloth to the area for up to 10 minutes several times a day can help reduce swelling and pain.
Be sure to keep the area clean and dry, and wear only cotton clothing in the area to prevent irritation.
If you have tried some of these techniques and the cyst persists, do not hesitate to go to a doctor for assistance. Depending on the size, location, and other characteristics of the cyst, they may be able to suggest further treatments.
How do I know if its a lump or ingrown hair?
It can be difficult to determine if a lump is an ingrown hair or something else. If the lump is a raised bump that is round and firm with a pointed tip, it is likely to be an ingrown hair. Other signs of an ingrown hair include redness and irritation in the area around the lump.
If there is no redness or irritation, it could be a blocked pore or some other type of lump. If the lump is hard, doesn’t move, and causes pain or discomfort, it is important to seek medical advice. Your doctor can properly diagnose the lump and recommend the best treatment option.
What does an ingrown hair lump look like?
An ingrown hair lump typically appears as a small, red bump that may be tender to the touch. It may have a tiny visible dark spot in the center, which is actually the hair that has become embedded in the skin.
In some cases, the lump may be filled with pus or may have a white head. The area can be quite itchy, but you should avoid picking or scratching as this can lead to infection. The lump will typically start to heal on its own, but if it is particularly itchy or inflamed, you can apply a warm compress or an over-the-counter topical cream to reduce the discomfort.
How long does it take for an ingrown hair cyst to go away?
The answer to how long it takes for an ingrown hair cyst to go away is not an exact one. In most cases, an ingrown hair cyst will go away on its own in a few weeks, though the time varies depending on how deep the cyst is and the severity of the condition.
To speed up the healing process, it is important to take measures to reduce inflammation such as using a warm compress to help reduce swelling, keeping the area clean, and using lotions or creams to reduce discomfort.
Additionally, if the cyst is very large or painful, a doctor may recommend draining it or prescribing medication such as antibiotics to reduce inflammation and help clear up the cyst.
What kind of doctor treats ingrown hair cysts?
An ingrown hair cyst is typically treated by a dermatologist, who is a medical doctor specialized in skin care, or a general practitioner or family medicine doctor. Depending on the severity, a cyst may need to be treated with antibiotics or topical medications, or may need to be lanced and drained in order to reduce inflammation and/or prevent an infection.
A doctor will determine the best treatment plan for an ingrown hair cyst on an individual basis, depending on the size and severity of the cyst.
Can a dermatologist remove an ingrown hair cyst?
Yes, a dermatologist can remove an ingrown hair cyst. This will usually involve a minor surgical procedure, such as an excision. This involves a local anesthetic being used to numb the area, followed by a dermatologist utilizing a scalpel or other small tool to make a small incision in the skin and a pair of tweezers to remove the hair follicle and the surrounding cyst.
Afterward, the area may need to be stitched up, covered in a sterile bandage, and the patient may require antibiotics to start the healing process. After the procedure is complete, the patient may need further treatments in order to address any additional infection or inflammation.
Additionally, if the cyst recurs, a course of low-dose oral antibiotics may be recommended.
How serious is an infected ingrown hair?
Ingrown hairs can be a very serious health concern, depending on the severity of the infection. If left untreated, an infected ingrown hair can lead to complications such as folliculitis, which can cause redness, swelling, and pain around the hair follicle.
In extreme cases, folliculitis can develop into a more serious condition called cellulitis, which can cause fever and even sepsis, or a life-threatening infection. An infected ingrown hair can also result in permanent scarring or even necessitate in-office medical treatment.
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible upon discovering an infected ingrown hair, as infections can worsen with time and cause more serious issues. Over-the-counter topical antiseptic creams and antibiotics may help with treatment, but a doctor’s opinion should always be sought for any infection.
Taking care of your ingrown hairs can also help reduce the risk of infection. This includes thorough cleansing and exfoliation at home, and complete removal of the hair with professional tweezing or waxing, to ensure all the hair is properly removed.
Additionally, wearing loose-fitting clothing and avoiding shaving can decrease irritation and infection.
When should I be concerned about an ingrown?
If you notice signs of an ingrown hair, it’s important to pay close attention to the area and take action to avoid any further irritation or infection. Signs of an ingrown hair can include redness, pain, swelling, a pus-filled bump, or sometimes a dark spot or patch of thickened skin.
If you have any of those symptoms, it’s best to seek the help of a healthcare professional or skin specialist. They can assist in determining the best course of action, which may include medications, removal of the ingrown hair, or use of a topical cream to help reduce inflammation.
If the ingrown is infected, you should be seen by a healthcare professional as soon as possible as antibiotics may be required to help clear the infection.
