Razor bumps are pimple-like blemishes caused by an ingrown hair. Ingrown hairs, according to MayoClinic.com, are most common in black men who are 14 to 25 years old. They are also common in people with tightly curled hair, but they can affect anyone who removes hair. When you remove hair by shaving, waxing, sugaring or tweezing, there is a chance that the hair will begin to curve around and grow through the hair follicle wall or into the skin. This can cause discomfort or itching.
Step 1
Encourage the razor bump to heal by placing hot compresses on the razor bump. Epigee.com recommends doing this three times per day. Dip a small towel in the hottest water you can stand. Apply it to the razor bumps.
Step 2
Apply an over-the-counter anti-itch cream to the razor bump according to the package directions. A one percent hydrocortisone cream is recommended by MotherNature.com.
Step 3
Lift the ingrown hair out of the skin or hair follicle wall if you can see the hair above the skin. Use a needle that has been sterilized with alcohol to do this. Never try to lift a hair that isn’t visible above the skin. These are called embedded hairs and trying to remove them may cause scarring.
Step 4
Allow the razor bumps to get air. Covering the bumps with tight clothing or bandages keeps the bumps moist and may slow healing and make itching worse.
Tips and Warnings
- Don’t scratch a razor bump—even when it itches. When you scratch, you may break the skin, which increases the risk of infection. Contact your doctor if you notice that razor bumps appear each time you shave or if you think the bumps may be infected. Signs of infection include foul smelling drainage, extreme redness or swelling, heat coming off the bumps or severe pain.
Things You'll Need
- Towel
- Anti-itch cream
- Alcohol
- Needle
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