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Ingrown hair scarring on nipples

I get a lot of thick dark hairs around my nipple, many of them ingrown.  I usually try to pluck out as many as possible, but many of them are hard to get rid of.  I have caused lots of scarring around my areolas trying to get to the ingrowns.  Is there anything I can do to get rid of this scarring, and prevent all these ingrowns.  It's very embarassing, and at times I cry myself to sleep because I am so self-conscious about all the markings around my areolas.  I would appreciate any help.  Thank You.
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1714093 tn?1308699702
Hi girls!

Im a nurse in Brisbane, and have some helpful tips for you!!

For freshy plucked (or bleeding, sore, red, inflammed areas)
Apply a mix of betadine (to reduce infection) and a topical corticosteroid (anti inflammatory product, eg. Elocon ointment). Corticosteroids are prescription only, and I noticed that many women said they were embarrassed to even talk to the Doctor so just know this medication is for dermatitis, psoriasis and can be used to reduce scarring. So the next time you get a scratch or see a doctor for another reason ask for something to reduce the likelihood of scarring. Furthermore, cover the area with a bandaid (breathable, fabric dressings eg. Cutiplast) and keep covered for atleast 6 hours (during work hours so your partner doesnt notice) peel it off, wipe the area with a CLEAN cloth and although the area may be tender from the ordeal it suffered earlier, it will be much less red and inflammed. Regularly apply a corticosteroid to reduce further scarring. Oh and if you get caught with these bandaids all over you, you have two choices tell the truth or say that your bra was rubbing on these areas ;)

Note: Elocon is not to be used during pregnacy or lactation, always test ointment on another area like the wrist before using, avoid sensitive areas, And always ALWAYS cover open wounds until theyve healed. Always read product information and know your allergies before using.

To remove ingrown hairs:
Pin ***** the area with a sterile instrument (sterilise by boiling water and soaking instruments and pat dry with a clean, lint free towel) Apply Magnoplasm (over the counter ointment) over the area and cover with a bandaid (breathable) and keep covered until the hair arises. This product is used for splinters mostly, sometimes they can take a day to come out. Read the instructions and learn what works best for your particular problem.

Lastly, I understand that it can become and obsession to pluck and dig at the hair- much like biting your nails. So if it becomes like this, try relaxation methods. Dont beat yourself up about it, it is normal for women to have hair in these places and when you find real love, it wont matter to him - trust me. In response to women stating their men dont notice, they really dont!! pink scar tissue looks alot like your nipple skin, sometimes nipples can be bumpy around the edges and have an irregular edge line.

Investigate electrolysis treatment which in Brisbane can be $70 for 5 minutes of a wand the size of a 5c piece touched over area. (may include several small areas or one large) Dont be embarrassed because theyve seen worse!! You usually have to have 5 or more treatments until its completely gone, and I think return once a year to get a touch up.

Hope this helps!
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Avatar universal
As has been said, so great to hear from everyone!  I've had nipple hair since puberty (maybe since age 13) and am now 27.  I have regular periods and no other major hair issues, so I don't think I have POS.  But, the nipple hair is pretty bad.  In some cases I have like two or three hairs growing out of a single pore.  I suspect this is due to years of plucking.  

My advice to the young ladies is to stop plucking nipple hair and try to accept what you've got.  I believe my nipple hair would be much LESS now, had I not been "fighting" with it for 13+ years.

It's inspiring to read all the comments...wouldn't it be great if we could all just accept our nipple hair and have it become the NORM?  No need for shame, and painful plucking, and feeling unsexy for something that is just normal.  I'm going to try to come to terms with the nipple hair, because sadly I think that may be the only solution.  I haven't gotten there yet, but reading these columns certainly helps!  
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Avatar universal
I have hairs on my breast due to plucking them out i now have small scars all around my left breast. Will these scars ever go away or will they be there forever please can some one help im getting pretty down and worried about it.
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Avatar universal
Awhile back someone posted on having trouble getting rid of the hair on her tummy. I have pretty course hair, probably worse than most people, and surprisingly I have really good results with shaving. It literally takes 5 seconds to shave a couple times down and a couple times up and I just think it looks so much better. Also, I think it makes me look a little thinner (maybe wishful thinking!) But on the topic of having hair on our breasts, I do pluck mine but only the ones that are dark- I leave the others alone. BELIEVE ME, we are so much more critical of ourselves than others are of us, so chances are unless you have boob-fro, you're probably ok :) 75% of the girls I know have hair on their breasts, too, and we have to do what we have to do! We also have to shave our big toes. It's not ALL glitz and glamour being a girl, but we play the cards we're dealt and should be lucky that we have boobs and toes to grow hair on. Heads up, ladies!! =)
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Avatar universal
I have had hairy nipples for the last 5 years. I have always been complimented on my breasts and their shape, and although I always plucked my nipple hairs not one boyfriend ever ever noticed! In the end I would always share the secret with the boyfriends but they never cared - if anything they told me not to pluck as it seemed to be a painful thing to do to myself and they rather I wasn't in discomfort. These days I try and let them grow for a day or two then pluck as opposed to taking a needle to ingrown ones as that is what causes scaring. I try and let them all grow at the same time (so sometimes waiting a week for them to all catch up!) and then pluck so i am not always at them with a tweezer! You definitely get used to hair on your breasts the older you get but as it is such a taboo subject no one dares to talk about let alone admit they have it! Until that time we can just talk about it on here ;)
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Avatar universal
Ugh, thank god I'm not the only one!  I'm 17, and I've had this issue for the last few years.  The strange thing is, I'm not hairy at all!  I don't have a happy trail, and I have less arm hair than most girls.  So I have no idea why I get hair THERE...  It's only a few, and it's usually only on my right nipple... What the hell?

This is going to sound dumb and petty, but it makes me REALLY insecure.  I've always suffered from low self-esteem and anxiety, and this little problem just makes me feel so.. gross and unfeminine. :/

I also deal with ingrown hairs and scarring.  If I see the hair under the skin, I have to dig through the skin to get it out.  Tweezing just isn't working for me, and my skin is too sensitive to shave.  Is there anything I can do (other than electrolysis) that will kill the hair?  I'm desperate.  Also, will taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen Low (birth control) help it go away?

Thanks.
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