**Ingrown hairs** happen when hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin, rather than rising up. This can lead to red, itchy bumps that look like pimples. In some cases, they get infected and form painful, pus-filled lesions.
**Causes** include:
* Shaving, waxing, or plucking too closely
* Wearing tight clothing that rubs the skin
* Having naturally curly or coarse hair
**Symptoms** may involve:
* “Small, round bumps that may contain pus”
* Red, inflamed skin
* Itching or discomfort in the area
**Treatment** options:
* Stop hair removal until the area heals
* Gently exfoliate to help release the trapped hair
* Use warm compresses to reduce swelling
* Apply over-the-counter creams with salicylic acid or hydrocortisone
If the bump becomes very painful, swollen, or doesn’t go away, it may be infected and require medical attention.
