Overview
Shaving is generally the cheapest and most convenient form of hair removal, but it can cause shaving bumps and a number of other unpleasant side effects. Most causes of shaving-related bumps, such as ingrown hairs and skin irritation, are not serious and can be avoided or treated at home with proper shaving technique and aftercare. Bumps that fail to heal with home treatment may indicate a serious skin infection or other condition that requires medical attention.
Step 1
Soak in warm water for at least 3 minutes prior to shaving. According to Velvet Dragon, this will open up the hair follicle and soften the skin, making shaving easier and reducing friction, skin irritation and razor bumps. Always use a shaving cream or gel when shaving.
Step 2
Moisturize the bikini area frequently to keep the skin soft and prevent and treat shaving bumps. Velvet Dragon also recommends dusting with baby powder to keep the skin dry and reduce irritation and itching.
Step 3
Apply an over-the-counter, one percent hydrocortisone cream to get rid of shaving bumps and skin inflammation in the bikini area. The Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) recommends applying the ointment several times each day until the bumps are healed.
Step 4
Use aloe vera to cool and soothe razor burn and shaving bumps by applying it immediately after shaving and then again every few hours throughout the day. Applying cool compresses to the area will also minimize burning and skin bumps. It may be necessary to completely stop shaving the bikini area for up to two months.
Step 5
Avoid shaving the bikini area more than once each day. Doing so increases the risk of shaving bumps. Also, avoid shaving over existing bumps to prevent infection and a worsening of symptoms.
Step 6
Prevent ingrown hairs, a common cause of bumps in the bikini area, by shaving in the direction of hair growth, rinsing your blade after each stroke and changing razor blades as soon as they become dull or dirty. Dull blades are more likely to slip over hairs, cutting them at an angle and causing them to curl back toward the skin.
Step 7
Remove ingrown hair bumps by sterilizing a needle with heat or rubbing alcohol and then threading it through the hair loop to pull the hair from the skin. Daily exfoliation can also help prevent and treat shaving bumps caused by ingrown hairs, according to the Mayo Clinic. Prescription retinoids, corticosteroids or antibiotics may be necessary for severe cases of ingrown hairs or when the hair follicle becomes infected.
Step 8
Sterilize razors with rubbing alcohol and apply an antibiotic ointment to cuts and inflamed areas of the skin to prevent bumps caused by bacterial or fungal infections. Symptoms of skin infection that fail to respond to over-the-counter ointment and proper hygiene require medical evaluation and treatment to prevent potentially serious complications.
