Razor bumps are seen in men with tightly curved or curly hairs. They are also known as shaving bumps. Razor bumps are caused when the tip of the hair grows back under the skin or under the hair follicle and causes a reaction. This hair growth is called ingrown hair. Razor bumps cannot be actually termed as an infection; rather it is a reaction to a foreign particle in the body. This condition may get worsened if the affected individual tries to use methods to get a close shave. So, it is advisable that one should refrain from pulling skin while shaving, shaving against the direction of the shave or using multi-blade razors for shaving.
Who’s At Risk?
It is seen that razor bumps usually occurs in black men. However, anyone with curly beard may be affected. Statistics show that about 80% black men suffer from this problem. Its occurrence is also seen in women who shave, pluck hairs or undergo electrolysis.
Signs and Symptoms:
Individuals affected by it are seen to have skin colored to red bumps on the shaved area. They look like pimples often with a visible hair in the center.
Self-Care Guidelines:
There are a couple of ways through which one can effectively treat razor bumps at home. They are listed as follows:-
– Let the hairs grow long enough. Once, they are quite long, they will not grow back into the skin to cause razor bumps.
– In case you want to continue saving, you should let the beard grow for a month to get rid of ingrown hairs.
– It is advisable to use a polyester skin cleansing pad or use a moisturizing having foam.
– Use specially manufactured blades designed to shave skin susceptible to razor bumps. Electric shaver is also useful to use as it does not provide as close shave as blades do.
– Use a mild cleanser like Cetaphil before shaving and rinse.
– Use a single blade rather than double ones.
– Don’t shave every day, instead do it once in a while.
– Apply a lotion containing glycolic acid at night to the affected areas.
If these self-care measures do not help, then seek medical advice. Your doctor may suggest you to consider laser hair removal. In many cases, this is the most effective measure. Other treatment your physician might prescribe to you are:
– Use of Tretinoin cream at night.
– Eflornithine cream for reducing hair growth
– Topical or oral antibiotics
Prevention
To prevent razor bumps, consider these tips:
- Make sure you carefully read the label on skin care products. Use products that are suitable to your skin type. For example, people with dry skin should opt for oil-based products
- Wash the area properly with a cleanser prior to shaving
- Shave in the direction of hair growth
- Avoid aftershave and use a moisturizer instead
- Avoid using dull blades
- Avoid picking ingrown hairs