Hello, Often an ingrown hair will go away on its own. In a few cases, a doctor may release it by making a small sterile cut in the skin. Letting hair grow out can help prevent the condition. Washing and lightly scrubbing the area to encourage the hair to loosen from the follicle and exit the skin applying tea tree oil to alleviate the infection and prevent it from getting worse, using oatmeal-based lotions to soothe irritated skin, using over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching. If your infection doesn’t improve with home treatment, see your doctor. They can prescribe medication to treat the infection and coax the hair out. For example, prescription steroid creams can reduce inflammation, and prescription-strength antibiotic creams can treat the infection. If you chronically develop infected ingrown hairs, your doctor may suggest medications that prevent ingrown in the first place. Retinoid creams are effective in removing dead skill cells that may contribute to ingrown hairs. They can also help reduce scars from former infections. Your doctor may prescribe oral steroids and antibiotics if the infection has a risk of spreading to the blood and internal organs. Learn more: Everything you need to know about tea tree oil » Ingrown hair and staph infection: Is there a link? Staphylococcus (staph) infections can occur with an ingrown hair. Although staph is a normal bacterium in your skin flora, it can’t cause an infection unless it enters a break in the skin. But not every wound associated with an ingrown hair will turn into a staph infection. If you have a large red bump that continues to increase in size and discomfort, see your doctor. They can determine whether conservative or more aggressive management is appropriate. Staph infections are treated with antibiotics to prevent other serious complications, such as blood infection. Learn more: Staph infection »Infected ingrown hair removal, Ingrown hairs typically resolve on their own without removal. Sometimes an ingrown hair may be removed with sterilized tweezers or needles — but only if the hair is near the skin’s surface. Digging for the hair only increases the risk of infection. Trying to remove an ingrown hair is especially risky when it’s infected because you can spread the infection. Picking or popping an infected ingrown hair also increases your risk of complications. Instead, gently scrub the area with warm water and soap. This can help ease the ingrown hair out of the skin on its own. Learn more: How to handle: Ingrown hair on the legs » Other possible complications infected ingrown hairs can lead to the following complications: Razor bumps, hyperpigmentation, permanent scarring, hair loss, hair follicle destruction. Most of these complications can be avoided by taking measures to prevent ingrown hairs and treating any infections promptly. When to see your doctor Mild ingrown hair infections often clear up on their own without treatment. However, you should see your doctor if the infection worsens or doesn’t improve within a few days. Your doctor can identify an infected ingrown hair through a physical examination of the skin. No other tests are typically needed for diagnosis. Antibiotics may be prescribed in severe cases. These are used if you have large, pus-filled, or open sores. Your doctor can also provide tips for lifestyle changes that may reduce your likelihood of ingrown hairs. Outlook, Picking or popping the ingrown hair will only increase your risk of infection because it exposes the follicle to bacteria. Picking the skin can also cause scars. Although ingrown hairs can be uncomfortable at times, they’re best left alone. Many cases clear up on their own without any interference. Mild cases of infection may clear up on their own after a few days, but severe cases can take a couple of weeks. After the infection has cleared, you may have a scar or discoloured skin that can last for several months. Learn more: Treating and preventing ingrown pubic hairs » How to prevent future infection or ingrown hairs, preventing ingrown hairs in the first place can decrease your risk of related infections. When shaving or waxing, try the following tips: Wash the skin first to help prevent bacteria from entering the skin. Change your razor frequently. Avoid dull blades. Remove hair in the direction of growth. Use shave gel and warm water. Apply lotion to the area afterwards. If you continue having infected ingrown hairs in the same area, such as the face, you might consider ceasing at-home hair removal. If symptoms not improved please consult your doctor he will examine and treat you accordingly. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Penchila Prasad Kandikattu , Internal Medicine Specialist