Razor Bumps
Razor bumps, also referred to as shaving bumps, are little red bumps that occur on the skin after shaving, as hair grows back into the skin. When the hair grows back into the skin or into the hair follicle, it is known as an ingrown hair. Razor bumps are reaction of the skin to these ingrown hairs. Razor bumps most often affect African-American men or men with tight, curly beard hair, but can also affect women who shave or pluck the hair on their legs, eyebrows or other areas. They can cause irritation of the skin and can lead to pimples or even scarring.
Although they may be unsightly, razor bumps are not dangerous and usually clear up within a few weeks. Treatment for razor bumps that are inflamed or uncomfortable may include topical or oral antibiotics, topical steroid creams, or the use of eflornithine cream, which slows the growth of hair. To treat existing razor bumps, a dermatologist may insert a sterile needle into the skin to release the embedded hair shaft.
The most effective way to avoid razor bumps is to stop shaving altogether or use other methods of hair removal such as waxing, depilatories or laser treatment. If shaving cannot be avoided, the following recommendations should be followed to avoid razor bumps from occurring:
- Do not pull skin while shaving
- Do not repeatedly shave the same area
- Use an electric shaver, which does not cut as close as regular razor blades
- Use a moisturizing shaving lotion
- Shave every two or three days instead of every day
After shaving, the skin should always be rinsed with warm water and a moisturizer should be applied. Another effective recommendation is using a wash cloth or soft brush to gently loosen dead skin and hair each night so that the hair does not grow back into the skin. By following consistent, healthy skin care techniques, razor bumps may be avoided.
