Ingrown hairs

[Windgrace]

Okay, this is something that's been bothering me for the past few months. Okay, first off I am a 17 year old male. I suffer from a condition called keratosis pilaris. But, that is not the reason for this post.

About 2 months ago, I noticed I had a number of bumps on my (I don't want to be gross or seem immature) buttocks, and assumed I had ingrown hairs. I picked at the bumps until I bled, and I thought that meant I had freed the hair. But that doesn't seem to be the case. Now I have very sensitive skin there, there are still bumps, and there are numerous black/blue spots where I picked at. Is there anything I can do to help speed up the process of the skin healing to get rid of the hideous discolorations, as well as minimize the bumps and chances of ingrown hairs? It's really bothering me. Thanks for any help!

[Windgrace]

Hi,

Thank you very much. But I do not think the bumps I had been picking at were bumps of keratosis pilaris. They are much larger and much more noticeable, so I think they are just your regular ingrown hair. I know the creams and kits and whatnot that exist to improve the keratosis pilaris, but I do not know if in this instance, that is what I am aiming at.

If it is just ingrown hairs (with no relation to keratosis pilaris), do you happen to have any advice for that? How long will these black/blue discolorations where I scratched stay? Are the creams you mentioned to treat keratosis pilaris going to help with this problem as well?

Thanks!

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
Keratosis pilaris (KP, also follicular keratosis) is a very common genetic follicular condition that is manifested by the appearance of rough bumps on the skin.
Many KP bumps contain an ingrown hair that has coiled. This is a result of the keratinized skin "capping off" the hair follicle, preventing the hair from exiting. Instead, the hair grows inside the follicle, often encapsulated, and can be removed, much like an ingrown hair, though removal can lead to scarring.
Scratching and picking at KP bumps causes them to redden, and in many cases will cause bleeding. Excessive picking can lead to scarring. Wearing clothing that is looser around the affected areas can also help reduce the marks, as constant chafing from clothing (such as tight fitting jeans) is similar to repeatedly scratching the bumps.
Regardless, exfoliation, intensive moisturizing cremes, lac-hydrin, Retin A and medicated lotions containing alpha hydroxy acids or urea may be used to temporarily improve the appearance and texture of affected skin. Also, beta hydroxy acids can help improve the appearance and texture of the afflicted skin.
ref:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keratosis_pilaris
Hope you find this information useful.