What causes ingrown hair?
Ingrown hair (Keratosis Pilaris) is caused by abnormal accumulation of keratin on the skin. Keratin is a protein that skin cells create to protect against germs and the absorption of harmful substances into the body. If it accumulates in excess, it will clog the hair follicles, preventing the hair from growing normally.
The hairs curl under the skin and push up into ufabet https://ufabet999.app the skin to form a hard bump. This area often has dry, rough skin that feels rough to the touch. Ingrown hairs are usually not painful or itchy, unless there is inflammation.
Medically, the factors that trigger excessive keratin accumulation are still unknown. But these health conditions and behaviors often cause ingrown hairs in various parts of the body, such as:
- Hair removal : If excess hair is remove by plucking, waxing, or shaving incorrectly, the hair will break and remain in the hair follicle, unable to grow back. This is the main cause of ingrown hair.
- Genetics : People who have ingrown hair tend to have a family history of the problem, or other skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis or hay fever.
- Chronic disease : Inflamed ingrown hairs, red bumps, itching, often found in patients with allergies, diabetes, and thyroid disease.
- Dry Skin : People with dry skin are more likely to develop ingrown hairs than the general population.
- Weather : If you already have dry skin, ingrown hairs tend to be more severe during winter because the humidity in the air is low, which makes your skin even drier.
- Age : Ingrown hair can occur at any age, but it is most common in young children and teenagers. Symptoms will gradually improve or disappear on their own in adulthood.
Where can ingrown hairs occur?
Ingrown hair can occur anywhere on the body where there are hair follicles and hairs. It is most commonly found on the upper arms and thighs. What causes ingrown hair in each area? Let the doctor summarize for you.
- Arms and legs : The arms and legs are large areas and are often exposed to air and pollution. They are also areas where many people do not apply skincare products to moisturize their skin, making it easy for ingrown hairs to form on the upper arms, thighs, elbows, or knees.
- Armpits : The armpits are a spot that often rubs against clothing and are a popular spot for hair removal. If done incorrectly, it can irritate the skin and cause ingrown hairs.
- Body and back skin : The back and body are large areas under the clothes. If they are not cleaned thoroughly, bacteria and germs will accumulate, which often leads to acne and ingrown hair problems.
- Cheeks and face : The face has many small, fine hairs and pores, which can easily become clogged. Men who shave their beards frequently are more likely to develop ingrown hairs.
- Hidden areas : Both the genitals and buttocks are areas with more sensitive skin than other areas, often experiencing moisture problems and friction with clothing.