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Ingrown hairs can be very deceptive. They resemble pimples on one end due to a raised pore and a white bump on top. On the other hand, they consist of a single hair strand hidden under multiple layers of skin. They can be large and quite unpleasant, or little and barely detectable, depending on the circumstance. Regardless of how they seem, getting rid of them might be challenging, especially if you’re the picky type.

1. What does an ingrown hair mean?

An ingrown hair can present as a tiny grayish patch under a few skin layers or as a larger reddish-colored area that may also have a white lump on it. For those who are really agitated and furious, it might be equivalent to a nickel. You can usually feel the softness of an ingrown hair by gently pressing on it or around its margins. If it feels firm, has a rough texture, and is only red, it’s probably not an ingrown. An allergic response triggered by waxing seems to be pretty rare in all my years of experience. If it did occur, though, it would most likely show up as little, red pimples limited to the waxed areas or even as white pimples that resembled welts.

2. How should ingrown hairs be removed?

Leaving it alone and allowing it to heal naturally is the best course of action. There is another way to expedite the healing process that is basically the same as popping a zit, but I suggest leaving it to the professionals. If the pain and redness are bothering you, there are ointments that can aid in the healing process and relieve the symptoms.

3. When should I go to a doctor?

If the ingrown has been there for more than a few waxes and appears to be getting bigger and causing pain from inflammation, you may want to consult a dermatologist or possibly your gynecologist (if it happens in the pelvic area). A prescription for antibiotics may be required. After then, it usually vanishes really soon.

As we all know hand washing is very important. Handwashing is an essential part of maintaining basic hygiene and preventing illness whether we do it multiple times a day due to our work or for other reasons.

The good news is that we can preserve our skins integrity and appearance while also effectively cleaning our hands to remove germs.

Rinse, wash, repeat and then apply moisturizer.

Water and soap though necessary for hygiene can have an adverse effect on the skin barrier which is the outermost layer of skin cells made up of fatty acids cholesterol and ceramides. Your hands may appear red flaky cracked and dry when the skin barrier is compromised. It also keeps your skin hydrated and healthy.

What then should a diligent handwasher who is concerned about germs do?

Make sure that your hands skin is clean and well-hydrated. No matter how much emphasis is placed on cleaning thoroughly and frequently there is no need to use a cleanser that has the consistency of battery acid. I simply advise using a mild and effective hand soap instead. If like us you were taught to wash your hands with warm water lather the soap for at least 20 seconds and wash your hands thoroughly including between your fingers then even in the absence of antibacterial soap you can rest easy knowing that your hand washing routine will work.

Gentle Reminder

Even if you take good care of your hands if you notice inflammation or other changes in your skin see your board-certified dermatologist. Your doctor might be able to provide advice over the phone or through video consultation in the event that in-person visits are not possible as well as recommend over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

As usual remember to apply sunscreen to your hands and any other exposed skin every day especially if you plan on being outside. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater to shield your skin from UVA and UVB rays which can cause damage and to avoid sun spots on your well-maintained hands.

What does the skin barrier represent and why is it important?

The skin barrier is the term used to describe the stratum corneum or outermost layer of skin. Toxins pollutants and germs that could enter the body through the skin are warded off by the skin barrier which is made up of a network of rigid closely spaced skin cells held together by lipids. When the skin barrier is compromised normal biological processes may be compromised and water may readily escape leading to dry skin.

In the event that the skin barrier is breached skin damage is far more likely to occur. Skin that is not plump glowing soft and healthy can also become dry red irritated and rough due to a decreased ability to fend off environmental stressors. This is due to the skins decreased ability to hold onto the cholesterol fatty acids and ceramides necessary for optimal health and function when the skin barrier is compromised. In addition a weakened skin barrier can reveal more signs of aging highlight skin imperfections and make the skin appear dull and lifeless.

How to Determine Whether Your Skin Barrier Is Damaged?

It’s simple to determine whether you have a compromised skin barrier by examining it and evaluating its condition. If, after using skincare products—especially ones with active ingredients—your skin feels tight and dry, looks flaky, and exhibits symptoms of irritation or stinging, your skin barrier probably needs to be rebuilt. Additional indications of a compromised skin barrier may comprise of recurrent episodes of acne, the typical indications of rosacea and eczema, continuous itching, and a rough, uneven texture.

How Can a Skin Barrier Be Repaired the Quickest?

The truth is that you can easily and quickly repair a damaged skin barrier despite the appearance that doing so will take weeks and be difficult to implement. First things first: simplify your skincare regimen and stop using any products that might be compromising the skin barrier. These products include exfoliators that are harsh or manual retinol and retinoids products with acid bases drying products and anything else that can strip the skin. Rebalancing and rehydrating the skin with a basic regimen that includes a fragrance-free cleanser moisturizer containing ceramides glycerin hyaluronic acid and sunscreen will help restore health. Natural plant-based oils and barrier creams are beneficial as well as they contain ingredients that reduce dryness and help rebuild the skins barrier.

One common sign of a compromised skin barrier is irritated and inflamed skin. Using an LED mask that is simple to use in conjunction with red light therapy treatments administered at home can be advantageous. Applying lukewarm water consistently can also help avoid skin irritation and dryness.