An ingrown hair is a severely sore condition of the nose which happens once the clipped hair curls back within the skin of the nose. It can grow sideways below the skin and it is caused by a faulty pattern of shaving and trimming hair inside the nose. The hair in the nose grows inward when the dirt inside the nose plugs follicles of hair and cause blockage, it can also develop when the hair is trimmed or shaved in opposite direction of the normal growth and cause blockage of follicles of hair and a bump or a pimple can develop inside the nose which is tender when touched. The outside part of the nose is swollen and turns red.
Common causes
- An ingrown hair in the nose can be caused when hair is plucked from the roots that are usually done by some people when the hair grows out of the nose.
- Improper trimming where the nasal passage is narrow and space is not enough for lubrication and sometimes the nasal hair is trimmed without putting any lubrication.
- The sharp edges of hair grow in any direction and sometimes it will curl inside the skin and cause an ingrown hair.
Common symptoms
- Severe pain can be felt in the nasal cavity which causes an agonizing pain with just a slight touch.
- A throbbing and pulsating pain and sometimes can cause a headache.
- A small pimple can occur at the area of the ingrown hair, the area becomes hot and red while the affected side of the nose becomes red and swollen.
- A watery or thick yellow color discharge coming from the nose.
- Severe itching can be felt inside the affected nostrils.
- A high risk of secondary infection if the inside part of the nose is scratched.
Treatment
- Place a warm compress inside and outside the nose. Simply fill a container with 3 glasses of water and place it on the stove until the water becomes hot.
- Dip a face cloth or small soft cloth in the warm water until totally soaked, wring out excess water and insert it on the affected nostril
- Place the wet cloth on the tip of the finger and rub it gently in circular motion on the ingrown hair and leave it there for a few minutes. Sometimes, a hair is released and small amounts of pus and mucus goes with the hair.
- Repeat the procedure again at least 2-3 times every day. Perform this procedure frequently in order to help increase circulation of blood in the area and moisten the affected area.
- Dab on an antibiotic ointment within the affected nostril in order to help prevent a secondary bacterial infection. In addition, it also helps in minimizing pain and swelling and well as promote fast healing.
If the individual experiences severe swelling, pain and abnormal drainage from the affected nostril, seek medical help immediately.