· Learn about ingrown hair cysts, small sacs of fluid or skin cells that form around a trapped hair. Find out how to prevent, treat and manage them at home or with medical help. An ingrown hair bump, or cyst, extends from the body’s surface and deep underneath it. It often looks like a red pimple with one hair on its surface, but other types can look different and occur on various body parts.Every pore on your skin contains a hair follicle, some fine and some coarse. Pores are the small holes in our skin that allow sweat and oil to reach the surface of the glands underneath.The hair grows from the bottom of your pore and is kept bathed in sebum secreted by the pore. But if the top of your pore becomes blocked due to debris or too much sebum and it swells shut, the hair can’t make its way out, resulting in an ingrown hair.Bacteria can then take over and cause an infection known as folliculitis, which leads to the development of a cyst. Certain diseases or trauma to your skin can also cause them.See full list on healthline.comWhen it comes to razor bumps, the cause is usually improper hair removal techniques.Whether you shave, wax, or tweeze, removing hair isn’t always trouble-free. The process can cause swelling, irritating your skin, and leading to razor bumps and cysts.Removing a hair can also cause the new hair that grows in its place to grow incorrectly. Your new hair may grow sideways and eventually curl back down.When this happens, your hair follicle can close over the hair, so it becomes stuck or ingrown. Your skin responds by becoming inflamed, treating the curled-back hair as a foreign object.Razor bumps are most common in Black cisgender males and those of Asian descent, as well as people who shave. You may also be at greater risk of developing bumps with ingrown hairs if you have naturally curly hair.Other causes based on type include:See full list on healthline.comIn cases of razor bumps, the primary goal of treatment is to reduce the surrounding inflammation and decrease your risk of infection.Possible treatments for razor bumps include keeping your skin moisturized and discontinuing shaving, which allows your ingrown hairs to grow out.Over-the-counter (OTC) medications containing benzoyl peroxide or retinoids can reduce inflammation and decrease the size of your razor bumps or ingrown hair cysts.Prescription acne medications might be needed if OTC methods don’t work. For example, a healthcare professional may prescribe a steroid cream such as hydrocortisone to help reduce redness and pain around your bump or cyst.Steroid medications can also cause acne, though. So it’s important to follow a doctor or healthcare professional’s directions.The core goal of treatment for any of these cysts is to reduce their occurrence by keeping your skin exfoliated and moisturized. Body washes and lotions made with gentle glycolic acid will help.See full list on healthline.comIn most cases, you won’t need to see a healthcare professional for razor bumps. OTC treatments can usually help coax the hair out.If the bumps or cysts become extremely bothersome — or if they aren’t fading — see a healthcare professional or dermatologist.They can figure out the type of cyst it is and drain it or remove it.You should also see a healthcare professional if you suspect an infection. Symptoms of infection include:•pus oozing from the bump or cyst•increased rednessSee full list on healthline.comThe only way you can prevent ingrown hairs from occurring at all is to refrain from hair removal altogether.Hair removal methods that don’t require shaving are less likely to result in ingrown hairs, but they don’t necessarily get rid of the problem entirely. If you’re prone to getting ingrown hairs, you may still be at mild risk even with some of these methods. Laser hair removal is a good way to get rid of ingrown hair because it destroys the underlying hair follicle.The best way to reduce the incidence of ingrown hairs is to stop tweezing, plucking, and waxing your hair until it has made its way out by itself or with the help of a professional.If you decide to remove the hair yourself, practice smart hair removal to reduce your chance of ingrown hair. Some types of ingrown hair cysts can’t be prevented simply by avoiding hair removal. In cases where treatment is needed, a doctor will figure out the best course for you.See full list on healthline.comCan you pop an ingrown hair cyst?It’s not a good idea to pop an ingrown hair cyst, as you can introduce bacteria that can cause an infection. It can also lead to permanent scarring.How do I get rid of a cyst in my pubic area?If the pubic cyst is caused by ingrown hair, it may go away on its own, or your doctor can remove it. If it’s infected, you’ll need antibiotics.Do ingrown hair cysts go away?If they’re not infected, some ingrown hair cysts can go away on their own. In some cases, there’s another underlying cause, such as a genetic mutation, which means they can develop again.See full list on healthline.comRazor bumps and ingrown hair cysts can take several days or even weeks to fully clear up on their own. Timely treatment can help get rid of them and prevent them from returning.If ingrown hairs continue to form, see a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying causes. They may also recommend more permanent hair removal methods, such as laser hair removal, to help reduce your risk of ingrown hairs and bumps.See full list on healthline.comView allNov 26, 2025 · Learn how to prevent and treat ingrown hair cysts, also known as razor bumps, with home remedies and medical care. Find out the causes, symptoms, and complications of this common skin condition. · An ingrown pubic hair cyst is a sac of fluid that forms when a hair grows into the skin. Learn how to identify, prevent, and treat these cysts, and when to see a doctor. · Ingrown hair cysts cause swelling and red bumps when dirt or oil blocks a pore, and hair gets trapped. They're usually harmless, but they can become painful if you develop an infection. · Ingrown hair cysts can be painful, unsightly, and downright frustrating. And that bump isn’t always just annoying; it can sometimes develop into something more serious if not properly addressed. Learn proven methods to safely treat ingrown hair cysts at home and when to seek professional help. Expert tips for prevention and long-term management. · Learn how to prevent and treat ingrown hair cysts, also known as razor bumps, with home remedies and medical care. Find out the causes, symptoms, and complications of this common skin condition. · An ingrown pubic hair cyst is a sac of fluid that forms when a hair grows into the skin. Learn how to identify, prevent, and treat these cysts, and when to see a doctor. · Ingrown hair cysts cause swelling and red bumps when dirt or oil blocks a pore, and hair gets trapped. They're usually harmless, but they can become painful if you develop an infection. · Ingrown hair cysts can be painful, unsightly, and downright frustrating. And that bump isn’t always just annoying; it can sometimes develop into something more serious if not properly addressed. Learn proven methods to safely treat ingrown hair cysts at home and when to seek professional help. Expert tips for prevention and long-term management. · An ingrown pubic hair cyst is a sac of fluid that forms when a hair grows into the skin. Learn how to identify, prevent, and treat these cysts, and when to see a doctor. · Ingrown hair cysts cause swelling and red bumps when dirt or oil blocks a pore, and hair gets trapped. They're usually harmless, but they can become painful if you develop an infection. · Ingrown hair cysts can be painful, unsightly, and downright frustrating. And that bump isn’t always just annoying; it can sometimes develop into something more serious if not properly addressed. Learn proven methods to safely treat ingrown hair cysts at home and when to seek professional help. Expert tips for prevention and long-term management.
