Ingrown Hair on Nipples
Those annoying hairs found around the nipples are a common occurrence that plagues both men and women. Whether you choose to use a razor to remove unwanted strands or prefer the quickness of plucking with tweezers, keep in mind that the threat of ingrown hairs is just around the corner. This condition can cause an irritation that has the potential to worsen when dealing with sensitive skin (as found in the nipple region). However, gaining a better understanding on why ingrown hairs occur in the first place is a good way to stay ahead of looming irritation.
Appearance
When hairs grow out of the follicle at an angle, curl back into the skin, or become trapped under the epidermis – the result is the common skin irritation known as ‘ingrown hairs.’ Typical symptoms soon follow, which include constant tenderness, itchy skin, small bumps, tingling sensations, and pain that varies from mild to severe [1]. In the worst cases, pus accumulates under the skin forming a pustule – a sign that infection has settled in. When disturbed, the pustule may erupt and cause bleeding, scabs, and scarring.
Causes
The type of clothes you wear to the way you hold and move your razor can all affect your chances of suffering ingrown hairs after a fresh shave. To stay one step ahead of this well-known condition, consider the main causes listed below:
a) Plucking:
When plucking hairs from the nipple region, it is important to take special care, as this method has been known to actually cause ingrown hairs to form on this part of the body.
b) Didn’t Take Enough Time:
Rushing through removing hairs from the nipples region and you could place yourself in danger for suffering ingrown hairs.
c) Uncomfortable Shirt or Tight Bra:
Friction is a main cause of ingrown hairs. Men that wear tight shirts may face a higher chance of suffering ingrown hairs after shaving the nipple region. For women, slip into a bra that is way too small for your bust and you may cause ingrown hairs to decorate the skin.
d) Blunt or Dull Razor:
Using a blunt razor to shave the nipple region will not only irritate the sensitive skin of this region, but also increase your chances of developing ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
e) Unclean Razor:
A dirty razor will cause irritation and ingrown hairs to develop, but can also spread bacteria to your shaving site. Unfortunately, many people learn the hard way when they encounter infected pustules and bumps due to unsanitary shaving practices.
Resources