Sammy: What causes ingrown hairs?
Megan: An ingrown hair can happen when a hair that has been removed curls backward or grows sideways into the skin instead of rising up from the follicle. Hair removal methods like shaving, waxing, or plucking, can leave hair tips with a sharp edge that easily pierces the surrounding skin as it regrows. The problem starts to happen when the accumulation of dead skin cells clog the pore entrance and force the sharp strand underneath to the surface. People with naturally thick, coarse, or curly hair are more prone to them because the curved shape of the hair follicle naturally directs the shaft back toward the skin. This can create inflammaition that results in redness, tenderness, and swelling.
If you have a question for Dr. FIT email her at everybodysift@gmail.com and be sure to check out her websites: www.everybodysfitoceanside.com and www.mindfulbodysrecovery.com
