Mr. Ingrown

An ingrown hair is a hair that curls and then penetrates the skin with its tip as it grows, causing swelling and redness. Inflammation and pus formation are the most common symptoms. What you describe could be either a widespread case of ingrown hairs or a skin condition called keratosis pilaris. Keratosis pilaris is a non-contagious, innocuous skin ailment appearing similar to small goose bumps, most commonly found on the upper arms, thighs, and sometimes other body parts. The condition is caused by old, shed skin cells getting stuck in hair follicles. Keratosis pilaris is most commonly seen in teenagers, and most people's symptoms subside as they get older. Fortunately, ingrown hairs and keratosis pilaris are benign conditions.

Your health care provider or dermatologist can give you a physical exam, and can then, based on observation and history, provide a diagnosis and treatment plan. If you're a student at Columbia, you can call Health Services at x4-2284 for an appointment.

In the meantime, you can:

• exfoliate by rubbing your skin with a loofah or other type of scrub while showering or bathing;
• moisturize with a lotion that will not clog pores (look for the word "noncomedogenic" on the label);
• use over-the-counter skin treatments that contain salicylic acid, which helps slough off old skin;
• shave areas where symptoms occur with a single blade razor and shaving gel in the direction of hair growth, and moisturize. Also, you might switch to depilatories (hair removal creams or lotions) or waxing to see if it improves your skin's condition.

A medical provider may prescribe medicated lotions that contain urea or tretinoin if you have keratosis pilaris. Although many people with keratosis pilaris experience no relief even when they use these treatments, this may not be true for you.

No matter what you think is causing your skin condition, your next step is to make an appointment with a primary care provider.

Alice

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