Shaving bumps are the unsightly areas that you notice on the skin after shaving. The raised bump areas can cause redness, irritation and swelling from the ingrown hairs located underneath the skin's surface. Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a type of folliculitis, or inflammation of the hair follicle, that commonly occurs after you shave. Over-the-counter treatments help treat shaving bumps, but they are not a substitute for medical treatment. Consult with your health care provider to discuss any potential risks.
Discontinue Shaving
Ceasing shaving is an effective treatment you can use to treat shaving bumps. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, discontinuing shaving for approximately three to four weeks will help the raised bumps or lesions clear up, and it allows your hairs to grow to a certain length, thereby preventing the hair from growing back into the skin. If you need to shave, soften the hair first with a warm compress or water to soften the hair follicles, and use a clean, sharp razor blade. In addition, using an electric razor is an option that might not shave as close to the skin, but will help prevent irritating the skin further while removing the unwanted hair.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid, or alpha hydroxy acid, is a natural skin exfoliant and moisturizer available in various over-the-counter cosmetic products. The lotion helps to rejuvenate skin by shedding the old surface skin cells. Applying the lotion at night to the affected areas helps exfoliate the skin cells and reduce the potential of new inflamed spots, according to the DermNet NZ website.
Antibiotic
Treating shaving bumps with a topical or oral antibiotic might be advisable if the area becomes red, inflamed or infected. You can try using a topical hydrocortisone, which is available over-the-counter at a local store for redness and inflammation. If the symptoms persist, a physician might prescribe a topical antibiotic, such as benzoyl peroxide or eflornithine. However, if the area is infected from bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, your doctor might consider prescribing oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline or erythromycin, which will help treat the infection, according to the Merck Manuals website.
Laser Hair Removal
Removing the hair follicle with electrolysis or laser hair removal might be an option if the bumps persist after shaving. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology website, laser hair removal is an effective way to treat the problem by removing the hair follicle, but the treatment is costly and requires repeated sessions.
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