An ingrown hair cyst can be treated with home remedies or medical treatment, depending on the severity of the cyst. Here are some home remedies that can help:

• Keep the cyst and the area around it clean at all times.
• Avoid shaving areas around the cyst, as this can introduce bacteria and cause an infection.
• Apply warm compresses to the cyst for 10–15 minutes several times a day. These might bring the cyst closer to the surface, allowing it to drain. If the hair is trapped under the skin, warm compresses may help it grow out.
• Sometimes, an ingrown hair is visible above the skin before it curls underneath. If this is the case, removing it may speed up healing. People can use clean tweezers to grab the hair and remove it. They should not try this if the hair is completely under the skin, or if it is necessary to dig into the skin to remove it. Instead, the person should leave the hair alone.

Over-the-counter (OTC) products containing benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and glycolic acid can help reduce the occurrence of ingrown hairs. However, harsh, irritating ingredients like fragrances, strong alcohols, and physical exfoliants should be avoided while treating ingrown hairs, as they can worsen irritation and inflammation.

If the cyst is severe, medical treatment may be necessary. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to clear up an underlying infection or may recommend removing the cyst surgically. To remove an ingrown hair, gently exfoliate your skin. Exfoliating your skin removes a dead layer of skin cells and helps release ingrown hairs. Use warm water and small, circular motions to wash your affected areas with a washcloth, exfoliating brush, or exfoliating gel or scrub. You can also remove an ingrown hair that has looped or curled back into your skin by gently pulling it out with a sterile needle, pin, or tweezers. Apply rubbing alcohol to your surrounding skin to prevent an infection.

It is important to note that preventing ingrown hairs is the best way to prevent this type of cyst from developing. Refraining from hair removal altogether is the only way to prevent ingrown hairs from occurring at all. If hair removal is necessary, shaving in the direction of hair growth, avoiding shaving over the same area multiple times, and using moisturizing shaving cream or gel can help prevent ingrown hairs.