Ingrown Hair

It is an infection caused by hair growing under the skin. It is usually seen in the coccyx area and can cause a small swelling or pain in this area. When infected, redness, discharge and intense pain can occur, and as this condition progresses, surgical intervention may be required. Ingrown hairIt is triggered by factors such as lack of hygiene, sitting for long periods of time and excessive sweating. Surgical methods, drainage and regular cleaning of the hairs are important in its treatment.

Causes of Ingrown Hair

It is a skin problem caused by hairs that grow inward in the coccyx area. It can be seen in both men and women, but is more common in men. This disorder, which is mostly seen in young adults, negatively affects the quality of life. It also requires surgical intervention.

The most basic reason is the accumulation of hair follicles under the skin and the formation of an infection. Thick and hard hairs can cause this by growing under the skin instead of moving towards the skin surface. This risk is especially high in people who tend to have dense hair.

Sitting for long periods of time, especially positions such as desk jobs and driving, can increase the risk. The skin area that is constantly exposed to pressure in the sitting position becomes more prone to ingrown hairs. Friction, sweating and skin irritation in the area can also trigger this condition.

Lack of attention to personal hygiene is one of the common causes. Oil, sweat and dead skin cells accumulated on the skin surface can cause hair to accumulate under the skin. Failure to keep the coccyx area clean, in particular, increases the risk of infection.

Some people are more genetically predisposed. Family history ingrown hair Individuals with this problem are more likely to experience this disorder. It may be related to factors such as genetic predisposition, skin structure and the direction of hair growth.

Wearing tight clothing can increase sweating by preventing the skin from breathing. It can also cause hair to be directed under the skin. Tight pants, sportswear or clothing that puts pressure on the coccyx area increases skin irritation. Thus, it prepares the ground.

Injuries, traumas or local irritations to the skin cause the hair to move towards the subcutaneous tissue. The risk increases especially after blows or accidents to the coccyx.

Sweating increases the risk, especially by keeping the skin moist and hot. Humid and hot environments are conducive to the growth of bacteria and the formation of infections on the skin. Therefore, it is recommended that people with excessive sweating problems pay more attention to hygiene.

Ingrown hair It is a disorder that can be controlled with early diagnosis and treatment. However, if neglected, it may require more serious interventions in the later stages. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor when symptoms are noticed.

Ingrown Hair Symptoms

It is a health problem that causes hair and skin tissue to enter under the skin and become infected. This condition may usually start without any symptoms. However, as the infection progresses, it manifests itself with various symptoms. Symptoms vary depending on the stage of the disease and the severity of the infection.

One of the most common symptoms is pain in the coccyx area. The pain can increase when sitting or remaining motionless for long periods of time. This pain is usually caused by pressure from infection and inflammation.

Swelling and redness may occur on the skin surface in the area where it occurs. There may be a visible swelling in the area as a result of inflammation, and this area may become sensitive to touch. Redness may be a sign of the spread of the infection.

It can cause a cyst to form under the skin. This cyst is usually felt as a hard mass. The size of the cyst can vary depending on the level of infection and the density of the hair growth. In some cases, this mass can be noticed from the outside.

As the condition progresses, a small hole or wound may form on the skin surface. Pus or foul-smelling discharge may come from this area. The color of the discharge is usually yellow or bloody. This is a sign that the infection has reached a serious level.

When infected, the area becomes severely inflamed. This inflammation causes symptoms such as skin warmth, redness, and severe pain. As the infection progresses, systemic symptoms such as fever and weakness may also occur. In this case, immediate medical attention may be required.

In some cases, the infection and symptoms may improve temporarily and then reoccur. A recurrent infection is a sign that it is not healing or clearing up. If left untreated, it can become chronic.

In the early stages of the infection, the skin in the area may feel itchy. Itching can be caused by skin irritation or ingrown hair follicles. However, itching is a milder symptom compared to other symptoms. It usually gives way to more severe symptoms as the infection progresses.

The pain and swelling it causes can make daily activities, especially sitting and walking, difficult. The increasing pressure in the area as you move can make the person uncomfortable and limit their mobility.

If the pilonidal sinus infection progresses, the body may experience a general feeling of illness. In particularly severe cases, the body may respond with a fever. A fever is an indication that the infection has become systemic and the body is trying to fight the infection.

What to Do If Symptoms Are Severe?

It is important to see a health care professional immediately if you notice symptoms of ingrown hairs. Surgery may be necessary, especially if there is pain, discharge, or signs of infection. Early treatment can help prevent more serious complications.

If the symptoms are ignored, the infection can spread and abscesses can form. This can complicate the treatment process and prolong the healing process. Therefore, it is important not to underestimate the symptoms and to seek appropriate medical attention.

Ingrown Hair Treatment Methods

It is a disorder caused by hairs that grow under the skin, usually in the coccyx area. If left untreated, it can lead to serious infections and reduce quality of life. Treatment varies depending on the stage of the disease and the severity of the symptoms.

Drug Therapy

In early-stage cases, medication can be used before the infection develops. This treatment usually aims to control the infection with antibiotics. However, it is not usually a condition that can be treated with medication alone.

Drainage

In cases where the infection has progressed and an abscess has formed, the abscess is surgically drained. The drainage process is performed under local anesthesia and is generally painless. During this procedure, the abscess is cut open and the pus is removed, then the area is cleaned and dressed.

Drainage is an effective method to control the infection, but it does not provide a permanent solution. Therefore, ingrown hairs may reoccur and surgical intervention may be required.

Surgical intervention

The most common and effective treatment method is surgery. Especially in cases that recur or become chronic, surgery becomes inevitable. Surgery ensures that the area is completely cleaned. It helps to solve the problem at its root.

Simple Excision

In this method, the incision is cleaned under local anesthesia and the skin is closed. This method is generally preferred in minor cases. The recovery period is relatively short, but there is a risk of recurrence.

Wide Excision

In cases where it is widespread, the infected tissue is removed more extensively. The skin may be left open to heal on its own or it may be closed with aesthetic stitches. The healing time may be longer with the open method, but the risk of recurrence is lower.

Flap surgery is a method that aims to solve the problem permanently. In this method, the area is completely cleaned. After cleaning, the skin is taken from another area and shifted over the problem area. The flap method provides both better aesthetic results and reduces the risk of recurrence.

One of the modern methods of treatment is laser treatment. The laser method prevents recurrence by destroying the hair follicles under the skin. This method can usually be used as an additional treatment after surgery.

Because laser treatment is a less invasive method, recovery time may be shorter and the risk of infection is lower. However, it may not be suitable for every patient and may not be sufficient on its own in advanced cases.

Hygiene: Keeping the coccyx area clean is essential to prevent new ingrown hairs from forming. It is recommended to wash the area regularly and remove hair.

Cleaning the Hair: Hairs should be cleaned regularly with laser epilation or shaving methods. This is effective in preventing recurrence.

Avoid Sitting for Long Periods of Time: Sitting for long periods of time should be avoided and taking breaks should reduce the pressure on the area.

Weight Control: Being overweight can put additional pressure on the coccyx area, increasing the risk of ingrown hairs. Therefore, weight control is an important factor in preventing it.

Ingrown hair If left untreated, it can cause recurrence and spread of infections. It is treated with various methods such as drug therapy, drainage, surgical intervention and laser therapy. It can be permanently cured with the right treatment method and precautions to be taken afterwards.