If you have an ingrown hair, Zeichner recommends applying OTC 1% hydrocortisone to the tender spot to reduce inflammation. "If the spot is not calming down or becomes very large, red, tender or there is pus coming from it and it is not resolving within a day or two of OTC, visit your dermatologist for professional help," he says. You may require a cortisone shot or prescription medication to treat an infection or severe inflammation.

Whatever you do—don't pick or try to remove your ingrown hair. This will quickly lead to scarring. "Picking causes inflammation of the dermal layer of the skin, which can stimulate melanocytes and results in hyperpigmentation, which can last months to years," says Talakoub.