When a man sees lumps on his penis, he may be worried that he has a contagious disease. However, one of the most common causes of these minor discomforts is ingrown hairs (INGH) on the penis. Fortunately, INGH are not serious. There are many reasons why they appear and even more ways to treat and prevent them. But they can be irritating and embarrassing. Let’s break down these pesky penis lumps and how to banish them from the bush.
What are INGHs?
INGHs are hairs that have somehow coiled and grown back into the skin instead of coming out of it. This irritates the skin and produces a raised, often red, bump on the penis that resembles a pimple. If it becomes infected, it can become a painful, itchy, and sometimes pus-filled sore.
INGH can appear anywhere on the body where hair follicles reside. INGHs on the penis, however, are probably the most painful simply due to the compression of pants and the constant rubbing that the area is often subjected to during the day.
How does INGH occur in the penis?
INGH on the penis often occurs as a result of hair removal with a clipper, razor, or razor. Many times, a group will appear in an area. Sometimes dead skin can clog a hair follicle, forcing hair to grow sideways and under the skin.
Any man can get an INGH on his penis, but the problem is more common for people with thick, curly hair. Since the hair is already curly, it is more likely to curl back into the skin. People with high levels of certain hormones may also have excessive hair growth, which can also increase the likelihood of penile INGH. Men of African American and Latino descent are also more likely to have a painful INGH.
Treatment
Often an INGH will withdraw on its own. However, if you don’t, it can become infected and lead to an angry, dark red or purple bump on the penis that may need intervention. The best way to treat an INGH on the penis is to start by not pinching or scratching it, which can cause an infection. Sometimes a doctor will need to use a small needle or scalpel to loosen the hair or prescribe a retinoid to reduce swelling and irritation. It works by removing dead skin cells and releasing hair.
Prevention
There are several ways to prevent INGH. Here are some:
– Exfoliate before shaving with a gentle exfoliant on the penis area (not on top). Gently exfoliates, but with the purpose of “pulling out” the most stubborn ingrown hairs.
– Shave with a single blade razor. The more blades, the higher the case of nicks and ingrown hairs.
– Wet this skin with warm water for two minutes before shaving, then apply a shaving oil or gel. Shave in the direction of hair growth using as few strokes as possible.
– When using an electric razor, hold it slightly above the shaved area.
– Apply a cool washcloth to the area to reduce irritation and close pores after shaving.
Some people also choose to wax or wax their hair. People with a high probability or low tolerance for ingrown hairs can remove the hair permanently with a special laser. Other men choose to use a cream specially formulated for male organ health. (Health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven to be safe and gentle on the skin) It contains vitamins and amino acids that strengthen and protect the skin. These creams provide protection from the elements and promote cell regeneration, decreasing the buildup of dead cells that can cause ingrown hairs on the penis.