Q) “I suffer from really bad ingrown hairs, is there anything I can do to stop them? As a result I often suffer from infected hair follicles, can you recommend anything to get rid of the problem?” – Lyn, TAS
A) “If they are really bad I would suggest that you investigate some laser hair removal and perhaps a check-up with the doctor to make sure that nothing else is causing the problem. There are some medical syndromes that can cause ingrown, infected hair abscesses and these do need to be treated surgically. Hyperhidrosis suppurativa is one such syndrome.”
For the average ingrown hair problem Dr Caswell recommends:
A) Waxing every three weeks for a three-month cycle
B) Exfoliate with a salicylic acid-based product
C) Prescription medication that stops the hairs from growing. (You will need to consult your doctor for the appropriate scripts and examination to ensure it is only ‘normal’ ingrown hairs.)
– Dr Gabrielle Caswell from the Cosmetic Physicians Society of AustralasiaScrubs to try:St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot ScrubBiore Pore Unclogging ScrubBurt’s Bees Peach & Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub
Garnier Pure Deep Pore Wash
