Most ingrown hair cysts do go away on their own within 1 week to 2 weeks.
In some cases ingrown hair cysts may not go away and need treatment but most ingrown hair cysts go away on their own.
You can help the ingrown hair cysts go away by applying a warm compress regularly and applying some antiseptic.
Left untreated an ingrown hair cyst can sometimes lead to an infection, which may worsen or travel to the blood without treatment.
An ingrown hair cyst is a lump beneath your skin and is a fluid filled sac which forms when an ingrown hair becomes infected or when a hair follicle becomes blocked.
Ingrown hair cysts will not have a visible head and might be red, white or yellow in color.
The ingrown hair cyst may also be painful or tender to the touch.
Most types of cysts look similar and an ingrown hair cyst will start as a small red bump.
Treatments for ingrown hair cysts include keeping the skin moisturized and discontinuing shaving, which allows the ingrown hairs to grow out.
Over the counter medications containing benzoyl peroxide or retinoids can reduce inflammation and decrease the size of the ingrown hair cysts.
Ingrown hair cysts are not harmful but they can be intensely painful.
Left untreated an ingrown hair cyst can also lead to an infection, which may worsen or travel to the blood without treatment.
An ingrown hair cyst can appear and also like a pimple, but it can grow bigger.
Sometimes, you can see the hair in the ingrown hair cyst.
If the bump gets larger or redder, oozes, or hurts, it could be infected.
Steroid creams can help get rid of an ingrown hair cyst and prevent infection.
Steroid creams help reduce irritation and itching.
Creams or pills can also be used to control infection.
Antibiotic creams treat mild infections caused by scratching.
Antibiotic pills might be needed for a more serious infection from an ingrown hair cyst.