Hi,

I have ingrown hairs (follictues). Is this the same thing? Ingrown hairs and follicitis? I want to treat the ones I have. I have some on my genital area and I have some on my chest. I shave both areas frequently. I went to a determologist and he told me to take Doxycycline. He told me to take one pill a day to prevent it. He said it also prevents acne. He also gave me some benzoyl peroxide to treat the ingrown hairs.

He ended the appointment quickly, so I didn't really have enough time to ask him about all of the methods of treating and preventing ingrown hairs. I went on wikihow and it said that there are about 5 methods to remove an ingrown hair.

Method 1 of 5: Exfoliating method

Method 2 of 5: Acne medication method

Which one is better? Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. I read that salicylic acid is better. Or does it not matter?

Method 3 of 5: Compress method

Method 4 of 5: Sharp device method

Method 5 of 5: Keeping the skin clear of ingrown hairs

There are a lot more tips and methods on other sites. It is not practical for me to use all of these methods. It is too time consuming. However, I will apply the tips on shaving properly the next time that I shave....I don't mind applying all of these methods if I have too, but I would prefer not to.

Treatment:

Is the combination of the pill and the benzoyl peroxide (or salicylic acid..whichever one you think is better) enough to treat the ingrown hairs (follicuitis). Does the pill treat the ingrown hairs? Or do I need to do anything else alongside of this?

Prevention:

Is the pill I mentioned earlier used to treat the ingrown hairs and prevent them? Or just treat them? Or just prevent them?

If I just use benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid (whichever one you think is better) to prevent the ingrown hairs and the pills (if it does prevent the ingrown hairs)...will that be enough...do I need to use any other methods? Aside from shaving.....I am going to shave properly from now on...

Please let me know. Thank you.