If you have curly or coarse hair, you may be plagued by razor bumps, says the Mayo Clinic. Razor bumps, also known as ingrown hairs, are red, irritated lumps that may form on the skin after shaving. When recently shaved hairs grow back, they may curl back underneath the skin, causing razor bumps. In most cases, razor bumps can be cured at home. In more severe cases, razor bumps may require a doctor's care.
Shaving Gel
Rubbing a moisturizing shaving gel or shaving cream over the skin before shaving may help reduce razor bumps, says dermatologist Howard Sobel in an article in Marie Claire magazine. Using shaving gel instead of soap or just water to shave will help create a moisturizing layer between the skin and the razor, which will prevent skin irritation, cuts and nicks. If the skin remains free of irritation, curly and coarse hairs may emerge from the skin rather than curling back underneath the surface.
Single-Blade Razor
Shaving with a single-blade razor as opposed to a double- or triple-blade razor will help create a smooth shave and prevent skin irritation, says Jerome Z. Litt, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland. For best results, use a sharp, new razor every time you shave. John E. Romano, M.D., a dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of medicine at The New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center in New York City recommends using a razor with a pivoting head rather than a fixed head to get a smoother shave and prevent razor bumps.
Retinoid Cream
For razor bumps that are persistent, the Mayo Clinic recommends a prescription retinoid cream, like tretinoin, to increase skin exfoliation. As the skin sheds, the ingrown hair will emerge from the skin, minimizing irritation and redness. Retinoids may also help reduce the thickening and darkening of skin that is plagued with persistent razor bumps. Consult a dermatologist about tretinoin if you have persistent razor bumps that are not remedied by using a single-blade razor and lubricating shaving gel.
Antibiotic Cream
In some cases, razor bumps become infected. An ingrown hair that becomes infected may become particularly red, swollen and painful. To help minimize the infection, a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic cream to smooth on the irritated area. The antibiotic cream will help reduce the buildup of bacteria that is causing an infection and decrease redness and pain. If the infection does not respond to antibiotic cream, your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic to help reduce the infection.
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