The biggest sunken hair

Everyone has had ingrown hairs, but you probably haven’t seen one like this guy’s. Plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Ordon offers tips for avoiding these painful and unsightly nuisances. 

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What is an ingrown hair cyst?

An ingrown hair cyst refers to an ingrown hair that turns into a cyst — a large bump that extends between the skin’s surface and deep underneath it. The appearance is a cross between a regular ingrown hair and an acne cyst, though this is a different condition.

These types of cysts are common among people who shave, wax, or use other methods to remove their hair. Although you may be eager to get rid of these cysts simply because of their appearance, it’s also important to watch for signs of an infection.

Keep reading to learn what causes these cysts to form, plus how to treat them and prevent them from returning.