Pili multigemini is a condition in which clusters of shafts grow simultaneously in the same pore. Multiple hairs in one follicle beard of men or scalps of children is a typical case. For women, this issue will manifest in regions such as the armpits and legs.

The emergence of multiple hairs in one follicle is usually the only indication of pili multigemini. Around the area where their hair grows, some people may experience some irritation. If it worsens, it can become folliculitis, though.

Although folliculitis frequently goes away on its own, medical attention may be required if the condition worsens.

Pili multigemini (Source: Youtube)

Can Multiple Hairs Grow in One Follicle? 

The answer is yes!

Multiple hairs in one follicle on breast, beard (or facial hair), back, underarms, and legs can be developed. This case is no stranger to me, as I usually spot them on my armpit and legs. 

This problem is simple to recognize. There are several hair follicles located very close to each other and linked together at the root of the hair. They begin as a single hair shaft, but they multiply into several hairs as they get longer.

If you’re a man, you might have noticed some odd-looking facial hair when shaving your chin. This zone has way thicker hair than other parts of your body, and if you can pull it out, you will find that it is actually a grouping of follicles that have bonded together and are growing from one pore.

Why Do I Have Two Leg Hairs Growing From The Same Follicle?

There are many reasons why you have multiple hairs in one follicle legs. But the primary cause of it is either folliculitis or the development of embryonic cells that existed before birth. Other Pili multigemini female causes can be mentioned as below:

• Improper plucking: Tweezers will frequently have a significant physical impact on the skin when plucking, giving dangerous microorganisms the chance to infiltrate the wound. This leads to multiple hairs in one follicle underarm or other parts. 

This is true for me, as the pili multigemini condition appeared on a more frequent basis when I used to pluck my armpit. Not until I kicked the habit and shifted to laser hair removal did the situation better. 

• The problem with skin cleaning: Every day, the skin expels a lot of waste and dead skin cells. So, the results of improper skin cleaning include several dermatitis and pore-inflammation-related issues. The multiple hairs in one follicle on back may also stem from this cause. 

• Subpar skin care products: Lack of quality control while utilizing improper goods will result in numerous dermatological issues, such as irritated skin, clogged pores, and infected hair follicles. 

How Many Hairs Come Out Of Each Pore? 

Unexpectedly, there isn’t a single hair in each follicle opening. In our scalps, there are clusters of 1-4 hairs each that make up the hair follicles. The term “follicular units” refers to these collections of hair. 

In fact, fewer than 20% of them do. The majority of follicular units have 2 or 3 hairs; a minor percentage have 4-5 hairs.

What Happens When Multiple Hairs Grow in One Follicle? 

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is an infection at the roots of the hair. It frequently manifests on your skin as a rash of little pimples. The lumps could be white, yellow, or white, and they might have pus inside. It also causes irritation and pain.

While folliculitis may go away on its own, a doctor can identify you and provide medicine to help handle it. Treating the infection’s underlying cause and reducing its symptoms can involve using topical drugs or taking pills orally.

Folliculitis (Source: Wikimedia commons)

Serious Case

The severe types of scalp folliculitis are dissecting cellulitis and decalvans. Folliculitis decalvans produce the tufting of hair. Similar to toothbrush bristles, several strands of hair emerge from a single hair follicle. 

This is why the illness is sometimes referred to as tufted hair folliculitis. The hair tufts fall out when the follicles die, exposing a scar and bare patch behind.

How to Deal with Multiple Hairs In One Follicle?

It is not necessary to address this condition if you do not find it bothersome. But if you frequently experience folliculitis and infection, you might seek treatment from a dermatologist. The following are some of the therapies that you can try:

Tweezing

Although using tweezers to remove them is a cheap alternative, some people can find it painful to do so as these hairs occupy more space.

There is no proof that plucking pili multigemini will result in the same type of hair growing back there. All you need for this quick and easy procedure are a mirror, some soothing cream, and a set of tilted tweezers. 

Be aware that this method is the most painful form of pili multigemini hair removal. Additionally, it does not stop hair from growing. 

Laser Hair Removal

Think about laser hair removal if you’re looking for a more durable remedy (LHR). As mentioned, this is also my trusted remedy to fight off those ugly follicles.

LHR damages hair follicles with light pulses to reduce hair growth. It causes a lasting reduction in hair growth, making hair regeneration unlikely.

A qualified dermatologist performing LHR should also eliminate any chance of skin color alteration.

I underwent the laser treatment 7 months ago with 6 sessions in total. The first two visits didn’t show many positive changes. But after the third session, I noticed a considerably longer hair growth cycle. 

And after finishing the sixth visit, there was no trace of hair on my underarm in 6 months. Now in the seventh month, I find some thin fuzzes, which signifies a new treatment. 

However, there are still risks:

• Pricey

• Risk of skin color changes

• Eventual hair regrowth

• Irritation 

• Number of sessions required

I didn’t experience any of these, but it’s always better safe than sorry.

Laser hair removal (Source: Flickr)

Electrolysis

Because LHR only works on dark hair, it might not be as effective for people with light-colored hair. As a result, electrolysis is effective on light hair since it lacks enough melanin for laser beams to penetrate. 

When in treatment, a dermatologist inserts radio signals into your hair follicle using an epilator, stopping it from producing hair.

Similar to LHR, the procedure necessitates multiple sessions and may result in mild soreness, discoloration, or redness in the affected skin. Electrolysis can remove unwanted hair permanently, although sometimes you might experience infection and scarring.

Others

Shaving is another way to significantly reduce the number of separate hair cuticles that form and also halts all infections at the root of the hair. The skin looks greater and feels better after using a razor. 

However, this is simply a short-term remedy. Ingrown hairs can also result from shaving, which leads to several hairs growing from a single follicle. 

Also, there is research looking into cryosurgery’s efficacy in removing the impacted hair follicles. Though it is expensive still is a permanent source solution for this condition. You may undergo cryosurgery only if this condition is very worse and you fear that the hair cuticles may sprout in different other regions.

Shaving (Source: Flickr)

Prevention

If this condition is very common in your family, then there is very little that you can do because this disease is genetic and cannot be prevented. Still, you can avoid it by following methods:

• Keeping the hair short: Keeping the hair short is very much important because it does not add excess weight to the follicles. Having short hair reduces the chances to have this condition.
• Using gentle skin products: There are chances that lotion, conditioners, and some soap may irritate your skin which may lead to inflammations. There are chances that skin inflammation may cause this condition. Thus it is necessary to protect yourselves.
• Cleaning with warm water: Cleaning with water may reduce the chances of blocking. Visiting a sauna or steam room helps to lessen the blocking of pores which may help to minimize the likelihood of this condition because most blocking of pores causes this condition.
• Avoid the sun: When you go to the sun then make sure to cover your head. Excess sunlight may damage the hair follicles. Along with it, sweat may also be a cause of this condition.