bumps and ingrown hair on legs

a couple of years ago i started noticing that after i shaved i would get some ingrown hair on the back of my upper leg but as the years have gone by it has gotten worse and it has spread to my lower leg and now i have it all over my upper leg and some parts of my lower leg i always have to get the ingrown hair out with a niddle but now it also has started to get irritated even if i don't touch them my doctor has prescribed me some cream but it doesn't work and that cream smells like ammonia it works better on my dry feet.  i can't wear anything short or bathing suits because it is embarasing, i am afraid to shave because when i do i get ingrown hair and infected ingrown hair bumps.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Without examination, confirmation of a diagnosis is tough, but it sounds like folliculitis or boils. Please keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful. In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics may be needed.Pls consult a dermatologist in that case.
Hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries. Kind regards.