Ways to Remove Razor Bumps

Ways to Remove Razor Bumps
Photo Credit razor image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com

Shaving with a razor is one of the most practical methods of hair removal. It is fast, inexpensive, results in a smooth finish and is usually painless. Sometimes, though, shaving with a razor can lead to extremely painful, red razor bumps on the skin. Razor bumps result from irritated skin and sometimes that skin becomes infected, but there are things you can do to remove them.

Warm Compresses

DailyGlow.com recommends applying warm compresses several times daily to the razor bumps. This can be done with a soft cloth soaked in warm water. You can also try using white vinegar to soothe the skin and help send the bumps into remission.

Lotion Treatments

Several different ingredients found in lotions are able to alleviate razor bump pain and help eliminate the bumps. These ingredients include oatmeal, azulene, salicylic acid, witch hazel and benzoyl peroxide, among others. These lotions should be applied at least once daily, according to the instructions on the packaging.

Ingrown Hair Removal

For razor bumps that develop due to an ingrown hair, removing the hair from the bump can eliminate the cause and help the bump heal faster. The best way to pull out an ingrown hair is by using a pair of sterile tweezers. Don't pluck the hair--instead, carefully lift the aggravating end out of the razor bump.

Depilatory Cream

Depilatory creams are commonly used as an alternative to hair removal by shaving, plucking or waxing. These creams work by dissolving hairs with chemicals. While they can be painful, they are also effective at removing hair. Applying depilatory cream to the surface of your skin and letting it dissolve the ingrown hair causing your razor bump will eliminate the root of the problem and facilitate a quicker recovery from the bump.

Medications

For razor bumps that result from an infection or other causes outside of ingrown hairs, there are multiple medicinal options that may be effective. Antibiotics can be ingested or applied topically to the bump to kill bacteria, while oral antifungal medications can treat any infections resulting from a fungus growth on or in the skin. If razor bumps are a chronic and painful problem for you, it is possible to opt for permanent hair removal through laser treatments. This is the best way to eliminate razor bumps without risk of developing them in the future.

References

Article reviewed by Jenna Marie Last updated on: May 26, 2010

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