The most likely reason your leg hair hurts when you touch it is because you might have an infected ingrown hair.
Understanding Ingrown Hairs
An ingrown hair occurs when a hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin instead of growing outwards. This can happen with any hair type but is more common with coarse or curly hair. The reference confirms that:
You may be more likely to get ingrown hairs if you have coarse or curly hair.
Why Ingrown Hairs Cause Pain
- Trapped Hair: When a hair gets trapped under the skin, it can cause irritation and inflammation.
- Infection: The body may perceive the ingrown hair as a foreign object, leading to an inflammatory response. This response can involve swelling, redness, and pain, especially if the area becomes infected. As stated in the reference, infected ingrown hairs can be painful.
Identifying an Ingrown Hair
You might suspect an ingrown hair if you see:
- A small, red bump on your skin.
- A visible hair trapped under the skin's surface.
- Tenderness or pain when the area is touched.
- Pus or signs of infection in the area.
What To Do
If you think you have an infected ingrown hair, here are some steps you can take:
- Avoid picking or squeezing the area. This can worsen the inflammation and increase the risk of infection.
- Use warm compresses. Apply a warm, moist compress to the area for 10-15 minutes several times a day. This may help to soften the skin and allow the hair to come out on its own.
- Exfoliate gently. Lightly exfoliating the area can sometimes free the trapped hair. Be gentle and avoid harsh scrubs.
- Consider a topical treatment. Over-the-counter topical antibiotic creams or anti-inflammatory lotions can help if you have an infected ingrown hair.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If the pain is severe, the area appears significantly infected, or home treatments don’t improve the condition, it's best to seek advice from a doctor or dermatologist. They may recommend a prescription medication or other treatment options.
