Razor bumps are ingrown hairs that develop after shaving or using other hair removal techniques. The medical term for razor bumps is pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB). Ingrown hairs develop when hair grows back into the skin rather than up and out. The hair may curl and turn inward after shaving, waxing, or plucking. As the new skin cells grow over the hair, they can become trapped and cause a bump to form. Razor bumps can develop anywhere a person shaves or removes hair, including the face, head, legs, armpits, and pubic area. Various treatments can help remove or manage razor bumps. These include using salicylic acid, gently brushing the skin, and applying a warm washcloth. Preventive measures may also help.
TREATMENT Nothing can make razor bumps go away instantly, but various strategies can help remove or manage them. • Stop shaving A person may choose to stop shaving for a time to allow razor bumps to gradually disappear. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), new razor bumps may continue to appear for a while after stopping shaving as new hairs emerge. However, the bumps should disappear after around three months. • Use salicylic acid Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that unclogs pores, sloughs off dead skin cells and treats inflammation, allowing razor bumps to heal. Salicylic acid can also help treat acne, according to the AAD, so it may be a good option for individuals with both acne and razor bumps. Various products contain salicylic acid, such as cleansers, toners, lotions, and peels. • Try glycolic acid Like salicylic acid, glycolic acid helps the skin peel by removing old cells from the surface of the skin. Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid. Glycolic acid reduces the curvature of the hair and lessens the risk of re-entering the skin. It speeds up the skin’s natural sloughing process, which is why a glycolic acid product can help remove razor bumps and give the skin a smoother appearance. A glycolic acid chemical peel may help manage razor bumps. • Try face scrubs Sometimes, a mechanical or physical scrub can remove dead skin cells that plug the pores and keep hairs trapped inside. These types of skin care scrub may contain sugar, salt, ground fruit pits, or tiny beads. Scrubs may remove debris and free ingrown hairs by physically sloughing off dead skin cells. However, some scrubs may irritate those with sensitive skin. They may not be suitable for use when a person’s skin has become inflamed or irritated. • Gently brush the skin A soft brush can help remove dead skin cells and debris that clog the pores and guide hairs out of the pores to stop them from becoming trapped. Brushing can also help train the hair to grow in a single direction, making ingrown hairs less likely. A person may use a skin care brush, a soft-bristle face brush, or a soft toothbrush. • Use a warm washcloth Applying a warm, wet washcloth to the skin can help soften the skin and draw the ingrown hairs out, especially when a person combines it with another option, such as brushing. Other options include steaming the area in a hot shower or sauna. • Consider medical treatment A doctor or pharmacist may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) creams, serums, and cleansers containing steroids to reduce inflammation and manage infection. A mild retinoid can also help prevent razor bumps and acne. If OTC methods do not help, a doctor may prescribe medication. This could be a stronger retinoid, such as tretinoin (Retin-A). • Try another hair removal technique Shaving is the hair removal method most likely to lead to razor bumps, so one option is to try a different technique. Hair removal creams, or depilatories, dissolve the hair and reduce the risk of razor bumps. However, they contain chemicals that can irritate the skin. A person should not use these products if their skin is already inflamed or sensitive. Laser hair removal is a longer-term option, but it can be expensive. A person may need several treatment sessions with a dermatologist, but the hair tends to grow back finer and lighter than before.
PREVENTION Taking various steps before shaving may help reduce the risk of razor bumps. • Cleanse the skin with a noncomedogenic product. These can help clear pores and remove excess skin cells from the surface. Noncomedogenic products do not tend to clog pores. • Shave only when the skin is very wet, either during or immediately after a shower. Alternatively, place a warm, wet towel on the area for 5 minutes before shaving. • Use moisturising shaving cream or gel and leave on for 1-2 minutes before shaving. • Ensure the shaving cream is wet when starting to shave, or else rinse the skin and apply more liberally. • Avoid skin-care products that contain irritating ingredients, such as artificial fragrances, which could make inflammation worse. • Modifying the shaving technique may also help prevent razor bumps. It may be beneficial to do the following:
• Avoid a close shave. Instead, leave the hair 0.5–3 millimetres long. • Use a single-blade razor or an electric razor with a variable setting to allow for a longer cut. • Shave slowly, following the direction of hair growth. • Avoid pulling the skin tight while shaving. • Avoid repeating strokes in one area or holding the razor too close to the skin. It is also important to take care of the skin after shaving. The following steps may help: • Rinse off all traces of shaving cream with warm water to reduce the risk of irritation. • Place a cool compress on the skin for 5 minutes. • Apply an aftershave formulated to prevent razor bumps. • Clean and dry the razor and store it in a dry place. • Change the blade to a single-use razor every 5–7 shaves. If none of these measures help or if symptoms are severe, it is best to contact a doctor for advice. Research suggests that males of African descent are more susceptible to razor bumps than other people. In addition, razor bumps commonly affect the groin area of females from all populations. Activities that increase the risk include: • Shaving close to the skin • Shaving under the jawline or on the face and neck • Plucking hairs in the armpits, in the pubic area, or on the legs • Individual factors can also make razor bumps more likely, such as having: • Skin folds or scar tissue in areas where people remove hair, as they enable hair of any type to re-enter the skin. • Tightly curling hair • Hair that grows in different directions • Coarse hair • Specific genetic feature involving keratin in the hair follicle.
COMPLICATIONS Razor bumps can lead to: Acne-like eruptions on the skin Skin papules that may be red or the same colour as a person’s skin Itching and tenderness In some cases, bleeding when shaving. Sometimes, an infection can develop, which is known as folliculitis barbae. Other complications that can arise include: Abscesses Changes in skin colour following inflammation Scarring, including keloid scarring. Symptoms may be more severe in people with eczema or dermatitis. If home remedies do not work, it is advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist, to discuss other options. They may recommend prescription skin creams and other treatments.
