Razor bumps, or pseudofolliculitis barbea, are ingrown hairs caused by cut hairs curling back on themselves after shaving. They appear as small, red, inflamed bumps on the skin, and are more common on the neck and pubic area and in African-Americans and people with curly hair. Discovery Health states that razor bumps affect as many as 60 percent of African-Americans and 20 percent of Caucasians. Without treatment or with continued irritation, razor bumps may become infected or cause pigmentation changes and scarring.
Proper Shaving Technique
Shaving properly can prevent most razor bumps. Shave only after washing the skin with warm water and soap to soften the hair, and always use a shaving gel or cream to reduce friction and skin irritation. Shave in the natural direction of hair growth, and replace razor blades frequently.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Health System recommends using only single-blade razors. Application of a moisturizer after shaving will soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and help prevent razor bumps.
Skin Care and Protection
Healthy skin is less prone to razor bumps than dry, irritated or inflamed skin. Proper skin care, which includes preventing and treating dry skin, protecting your skin from sun damage, and treatment for rashes, eczema, and other conditions, is an essential part of preventing razor bumps.
According to the UAB Health System, exfoliating your skin once or twice each week removes dead skin cells, loosens ingrown hairs and helps prevent the development of new razor bumps.
Ingrown Hair Removal
Sterilize a pair of tweezers or a needle with rubbing alcohol. Gently extract the ingrown hair from the skin, being careful not to injure the skin. Do not pluck the hair. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a rough washcloth or toothbrush to loosen freshly ingrown hairs.
Letting your hair grow out a little will make removal easier. Unfortunately, ingrown hairs are likely to recur with continued shaving.
Infection Prevention
If you are prone to razor bumps, sterilizing your razor with rubbing alcohol before each use will help prevent infection. Treat any bumps or open cuts immediately with an application of antibiotic ointment. Report any signs of skin infection, such as redness, swelling, red streaks, fever or discharge to your doctor right away. Never pick at or squeeze razor bumps, as doing so will increase inflammation and the chance of infection.
Help for Severe Razor Bumps
Severe or infected cases of razor bumps may require treatment with prescription retinoids, corticosteroids or antibiotics. In addition to reducing the frequency and severity of razor bumps, these medications effectively decrease the risk of skin darkening, thickening and scarring.
When other options have failed, laser surgery can permanently stop hair growth by removing the hair follicle, says the Mayo Clinic.
