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How do get Rid of an Ingrown Nose Hair?

Meshell Powell
Meshell Powell

In order to successfully treat an ingrown nose hair, it is helpful to first soften the hair follicles. This can be done by dipping a washcloth in warm water and then gently inserting the washcloth into the nostril. When the washcloth begins to cool, place it back into the warm water and repeat the process for about 15 minutes.

An ingrown hair may occur when the hair follicles become obstructed or dirty. This can cause the hair to start growing underneath the skin, often leading to pain, inflammation, or infection. Ingrown nose hair can be a bit tricky to treat, although it is usually possible to treat the condition at home. If problems persist, it is wise to consult a medical professional for further evaluation.

Rubbing a cotton swab that is moistened with rubbing alcohol inside the nostril may help sterilize the area.
Rubbing a cotton swab that is moistened with rubbing alcohol inside the nostril may help sterilize the area.

Once the hair follicles have been softened, the washcloth should be placed into slightly warmer water and then placed back into the nostril. Apply pressure to the ingrown hair by placing a thumb over the washcloth and an index finger on the outside of the nose and then pinch the area. The washcloth is then gently rubbed back and forth over the affected area. Remove the washcloth and look to see if the hair came out of the nose and onto the washcloth. This process may have to be repeated a few times until the pain begins to lessen.

Warm water can open up hair follicles to deal with ingrown hairs.
Warm water can open up hair follicles to deal with ingrown hairs.

A cotton swab can be moistened with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide and then rubbed inside the nostril in the area of the ingrown nose hair to sterilize the area. This procedure should be followed by an application of antibiotic cream, which is applied in the same manner as the alcohol or peroxide and may help to prevent the area from becoming infected. This process can be repeated several times per day until the pain and swelling go away.

Antibiotic creams may be used to rid a body of ingrown nose hairs.
Antibiotic creams may be used to rid a body of ingrown nose hairs.

If ingrown nose hair home treatment methods are not successful or if the symptoms persist or worsen, a medical professional should be consulted. If the outside of the nose becomes red and swollen, this could be an indication of the development of an infection. Oral antibiotics or other medications may be needed if an infection develops. If this condition is left untreated, the ingrown hair could actually protrude through the outside of the nose. Any questions or concerns should be discussed with a medical professional.

Discussion Comments

ddljohn

Exfoliation gets rid of ingrown hairs. It's tougher to exfoliate the ingrown hairs in the nose but it's not impossible. A thin, wet and warm washcloth works, but it can take several tries. I like to exfoliate inside the shower when the hot steam has softened my skin and hair. I exfoliate daily in the shower until the ingrown hair is gone.

I also make sure to take a cotton ball dipped in hydrogen peroxide and clean the inside of my nose after exfoliation. If there is any bleeding, which happened once, I stop immediately and take a break from exfoliation for several days.

burcinc

@ZipLine-- I had my doctor treat my ingrown nose hair. He basically did the same thing that was described in the article, but at least it was done in a hygienic way. If I had tried an ingrown hair remedy at home, I would have probably gotten it infected.

ZipLine

It's painful, but the best way to get rid of ingrown hairs in the nose is to squeeze them. The only other option would be to see a doctor, but I prefer to take care of things at home if I can.

The only downside to squeezing an ingrown nose hair is that it may hurt a lot. The inside of the nostril is very sensitive. I think there are many nerves there because it hurts more than other areas.

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    • Rubbing a cotton swab that is moistened with rubbing alcohol inside the nostril may help sterilize the area.
      By: nick holdsworth
      Rubbing a cotton swab that is moistened with rubbing alcohol inside the nostril may help sterilize the area.
    • Warm water can open up hair follicles to deal with ingrown hairs.
      By: turhanerbas
      Warm water can open up hair follicles to deal with ingrown hairs.
    • Antibiotic creams may be used to rid a body of ingrown nose hairs.
      By: rufar
      Antibiotic creams may be used to rid a body of ingrown nose hairs.
    • A warm, wet washcloth helps remove an ingrown nose hair.
      By: Schlierner
      A warm, wet washcloth helps remove an ingrown nose hair.
    • A swollen nose may occur as a result of an infected ingrown nose hair.
      By: Orange Line Media
      A swollen nose may occur as a result of an infected ingrown nose hair.