Ah, the ingrown hair - the most irritating side effect of our attempt to achieve silky-smooth, baby bottom-like skin. We've all experienced them; some of us once or twice, others every time we shave. But as often as they may occur, ingrowns don't have to be a fact of life. Here's how to put a stop to them before they start.

The basics

An ingrown hair is a hair that does not emerge from the skin but loops downward and remains embedded inside. For men, ingrown hairs often occur in their beard area and neck, while the problem for women tends to be a little lower on the body - the most troublesome being that of the bikini area, where the hair is coiled and more prone to turning inward. Shaving is the number one culprit of ingrown hairs, as it can clog follicles and trap hair beneath the skin. Waxing is another option, but it can break hairs instead of pulling them out at the roots, causing them to grow improperly. The most common symptom of an ingrown hair is inflammation of the skin that may resemble a pimple, a swollen red bump or a rash.

It's an ingrown hair if...

• The bump is small and painful



• A small amount of pus forms



• The skin around the bump is itchy and sensitive

Solutions

• Exfoliate often. The process of exfoliating involves removing dead skin cells from the top layer of skin that often contribute to trapped hairs. Exfoliating products come in the form of creams, lotions, gels and slightly abrasive washcloths and gloves. Be sure to ask your doctor before using any products that contain salicylic acid, a medicine which has not yet been proven safe for pregnant women.



• Use a new blade regularly. The life of your razor is not an easy one. Contrary to popular belief, hair is actually quite hard. During shaving, the sharp edges of the blade chip off at a slow but steady rate, dulling it after repeated use. Grime and bacteria can also contribute to the irritation of hair follicles, making ingrown hairs more likely to occur, so be sure to change your blades after every fourth or fifth shave.



• After baby's born, try a depilatory cream. Depilatory creams dissolve hair at the surface of the skin instead of below, so there is less risk of hair-growth malfunctions. Unfortunately, they are a no-no during pregnancy because their safety has not been established. During your pregnancy, stick to shaving.

If the above tips don't help, see a dermatologist. She may prescribe an oral antibiotic to speed the healing process. If ingrown hairs remain an issue, ask about laser treatment. Because laser hair removal targets hair at the follicle, it can literally get to the root of the problem. While no known problems have been documented in women who undergo laser hair removal while pregnant and most obstetricians will tell you it is perfectly safe, you may choose not to take the risk.