Ingrown Hair Cyst

Mike has a problem at hand. The problem is that of an ingrown hair cyst. He leads a moderately active life, with a desk job for the day and working out in the evening. Hiking is his passion. He suffers from lumps of ingrown hair on the back, neck, arms and pubic area. Is Mike's story similar to your story?

Ingrown Hair

Ingrown hair is actually hair which gets diverted or hung up on their way to the surface of the skin. The hair continues to grow from the root and causes a mass of twisted hair under the skin. It is a benign condition, affecting a number of teenagers and adults alike. This condition is known as pilonidal cyst in medical terms and it can be a frustrating problem for many. To describe the condition, it is a small, solitary cyst like area, which contains fluid, with no evidence of infection. Its appearance is that of small tan or a bump under the skin. A small pinpoint of the hair is normally visible under the skin. In some cases the area can be infected and be filled with pus. Such a condition is known as pilonidal abscess. In severe conditions, the infection can spread, creating multiple abscesses. This can, in turn, cause a hole or cavity in the skin.

The term 'cyst' used in ingrown hair cyst can be misleading. It sometimes may not have any fluid accumulation, just the hair growing downwards towards the skin again. An important characteristic, which is lacking in case of ingrown hair cysts is that of cellular lining.

Causes of Ingrown Hair Cyst

Now let's see, what are the causes of this condition. It can be caused due to various reasons. It is important to know the causes of this condition, as the treatment for the condition often depends on the causes of the condition. The following are some of the most common causes:

Trauma
These cysts can be formed due to trauma caused to the area of the cyst. The trauma gives rise to ingrown hair. These cysts contain hair, but hair follicles are missing in them. Constant friction in the area, especially on the elbows, hands, etc. give rise to ingrown hair problem.

Improver Shaving Technique
Ingrown hair cysts on the face, neck and the bikini area can be caused as a result of improper shaving technique with a blade. The reason is, that the hair end is left jagged slightly under the surface of the skin, which causes it to hang up. Using a dull razor promotes ingrown hair. A lot of men use petroleum-based face shaving gel or foam. It plugs the skin cells and hair follicles giving rise to ingrown hair.

Scar Tissue
A number of people believe that pulling out the hair gives rise to cysts with ingrown hair. This is generally not the case, as the hair regrows with a smooth, yet tapered end. Only if the pulling has been severe and it has caused severe harm to the hair follicle, does it lead to ingrown hair cysts. Severe pulling causes scar tissue, which obstructs the path from the root of the hair to the surface of the skin, causing this kind of cysts.

Dead Skin
Although the most common causes of such kind of cysts are the three mentioned above, the other cause of this condition is dead skin debris piling up and blocking the hair follicle. This hampers the hair to make its way to the surface of the skin and in turn causes a cyst.

Ingrown Hair Cyst Symptoms

Itching is the most common of the symptom of ingrown hair. When a cyst is formed, the area can become tender to touch. In case, there is a foreign body, it can lead to inflammatory reaction causing red bumps. Acne whiteheads can also be caused due to ingrown hair. In rare cases abscesses may be formed due to an ingrown hair.

Treatment for Ingrown Hair Cysts

Treatment for this kind of cysts vary depending on the reason that caused the condition. Normally ingrown hair cysts go away on their own, after the hair grows out from beneath the skin's surface. The commonly used methods to treat ingrown hair problem are given below.

• The measure to be taken is to exfoliate the affected area. Exfoliation will help in getting rid of dead skin, dirt and oil, which is clogging the hair follicles. However, one must do the exfoliation process rather gently to prevent any harm to the affected skin.
• A simple, yet effective, remedy is to try exfoliating the skin using a nylon shower puff. If ingrown hair cyst is on the face, you can make use of exfoliating masks as well.
• If required, removing these cysts is easy. You will have to carefully lift the hair out of the surface of the skin using tweezers. But make sure, you do not pluck out the hair, while trying hair removal. Once the hair is removed, the cyst will disappear on its own.
• Ingrown hair can also be treated using acne medication. Applying acne medicine along with exfoliation everyday also proves to be of help in treating the condition.
• Hot wet compresses are also said to be a great remedy for ingrown hair. With the compress, the boil rises to the surface and then you will need to empty it out. In case of cysts on the face, taking steam for the face also prove to be beneficial.
• In case of a chronic condition, laser treatment may be prescribed. Laser therapy attacks the follicles under the skin and disables re-growth of hair from the follicle. It is, though, an expensive method to treat the problem.

It is important to note, that any sort of cysts, whether ingrown hair cysts or not, are abnormal sacs of fluid. If you see no change in the condition, you may want to visit your health care professional, as these benign cysts can give rise to a number of serious complications. If the condition is moderately severe, it is better to have the condition examined from a dermatologist. If required, surgical removal may be prescribed.