Ingrown hair on the back of my legs but I don't shave there?

[tangotc]

I am a 35 year old woman, and I am finding that as the years are going by, this problem is getting worse.  I have to wear long shorts to cover the back of my legs now.  I have a severe problem with ingrown hairs on the backs of my legs, and sometimes including my buttucks.  No PLEASE keep in mind, that I do NOT shave the back upper part of my legs, so this is not an irritation from shaving.  I have tried every exfoliating cream/body wash known to man, and nothing seems to be working?  I'm glad I found this site, now I just hope that somebody can help me!!!  All my doctor will continually tell me is to keep exfoliating.. after five years or more of asking him for help, I'm about ready to poke him in the eye if he truly thinks I'm not already doing so.  Some bumps get extremely itchy.  Almost rash like because they grow so close together.. and now I'm finding that it's starting to spread down my legs to where I do actually shave below the knee.  HELP!!!!  Boating season is almost upon me and I'd really like to get out there in a bikini like everyone else instead of hiding beneath a cloak!  LOL  Thanks!


This discussion is related to Help with chronic razor bumps, mild acne, and ingrown hairs..

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

This condition has been present for some time already.I have previously posted of a benign chronic skin condition called keratosis pilaris.This is a condition that may affect adolescents and young adults.It may present as a rough rash usually affecting the lower extremities and the back of the arms.

I suggest that you discuss this with your physician.Keratosis pilaris may resolve spontaneously.For some, this may persist for longer periods. Exfoliation and moisturizing are the mainstay of therapy.

[tangotc]

I have had this since I was a teenager I suppose, just not to this extent.  It just gets worse as time goes by.  I do however get those bumps on the back of my arms as well, but they don't look like red pimples, more like white bumps like you said.  And below each bump, is a tiny fine hair.

[cathyleewinyahoocom]

Hi, i am Cathy,you can have a try with IPL or laser machines for hair removal. or take some medicines if it's light, but pills maybe work nothing for some serious hair. And device treatment is permanent,painless, but expensive for common.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

I understand that this is frustrating.

I would just like to ask if these bumps that you have mentioned are also found in the arms and face?

Have you had this since you were your in your teens or is this something that is of more recent onset?

With your history of psoriasis, these may still be an atypical form of the disease.Also, a condition called keratosis pilaris is also a differential.Keratosis pilaris usually involves the extremities.They may present as whitish elevated bumps that feels sandpapery or rough to touch.The cause is still unknown and this is  a chronic condition.This is due to plugging of keratin ( skin component ) into the hair follicles.

There is no definite cure or treatment for this condition. Constant moisturizing and gentle exfoliation seem to be the mainstay of therapy.

[tangotc]

Oh, I'd also like to mention, that I was born with psoriasis if that may have anything to do with it?  I don't seem to have it anymore though.  I grew out of it somehow.  I've always had sensitive skin though, so I try to be careful what I do to it, and put on it.  Thanks again.