Ingrown Hair on Back
Contrary to popular belief, running a razor blade across your back is not the only reason that ingrown hairs appear on this part of the body. There are many different reasons why this condition can turn perfectly smooth skin into patches of irritation and discomfort. For example, common self-inflicted blunders and even the kinds of clothes you wear are to blame. In the end, learning the typical causes of ingrown hairs on the back can give you an edge the next time you approach hair removal.
Appearance
When ingrown hairs attack the back, it is usually because a coarse hair has burrowed into the skin, a strand emerges out of the follicle at an angle, or a wayward strand has curled back to the point of penetration. The overall outcome is localized inflammation that brings redness to the site and at times – a bump that can become infected. When left untreated, pus generally gathers at the surface of the skin and forms a pustule in severe cases. Mild to severe pain, itchiness, and tingling sensations are additional smptoms of ingrown hairs.
Causes
Pick up the rusty razor stashed in the back of your medicine cabinet or stubbornly fuss with a dull blade and you run the risk of developing ingrown hairs in the future. Other causes to keep in mind include:
a) Poor Waxing Experience:
Rush through the process of waxing the back or pull in the wrong direction and you can suffer ingrown hairs on the back during the regrowth process.
b) Different Kinds of Infection:
Suffer a bacterial infection, fungal infection, or acne outbreak and you may develop or worsen ingrown hairs as a result.
c) Tight Clothing:
Wearing tight clothing creates the type of environment that can lead to the development of ingrown hairs.
d) Embedded Oil:
Make sure to scrub your back when in taking a shower so that you don’t encounter embedded oil waiting in the wings to spoil a fresh shave. Oily skin creates the perfect environment for ingrown hairs to attack due to clogged pores.
e) Coarse Hair:
If your back is covered in coarse or curly hairs, prepare for new growth that has the potential to curl back into the skin.
f) Your Shaving Habits:
The way you choose to shave your back can contribute to your chances of developing ingrown hairs. Improper shaving techniques can easily cause hairs to grow sideways into the skin or curl back. If you shave in the wrong direction of hair growth, you will increase your risk for ingrown hairs because of the jaggedly sharp tips that are left behind. A dry shave will also cause irritating results.
Resources