If you experience bumpy, painful skin every time you shave, you may have shaving bumps. Shaving bumps, also known as razor bumps or ingrown hairs, can occur anywhere you shave, but occurs particularly on areas where hair is coarse, such as on the neck for men and the bikini area for women, says the Mayo Clinic. In most cases, shaving bumps are treatable with home remedies and at-home care. In some cases, shaving bumps may become infected or severe, and may require additional medical care.
Step 1
Exfoliate the skin and soften the hairs before shaving. Rub a warm washcloth in a circular motion over the area that is about to be shaved, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Continue the process for about 1 minute and repeat before bedtime. The process will exfoliate the skin, allowing the hair stuck inside the razor bump to emerge.
Step 2
Apply hydrocortisone cream after shaving, recommends Health Services at Columbia. Hydrocortisone cream, available over-the-counter or as a prescription, helps reduce swelling. If the skin is less inflamed and irritated, the ingrown hairs will emerge from the skin.
Step 3
Pull out ingrown hairs out of the skin with a needle, says the Mayo Clinic. Sterilize a needle with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol, then carefully slide the point of the needle underneath the ingrown hair. Carefully pull the ingrown hair out of the skin to help it grow correctly.
Step 4
Exfoliate your skin with a prescription treatment. Use a prescription cream, like tretinoin, to slough away the dead skin cells that are holding your hair captive underneath the skin. Once the hair emerges, the razor bump will disappear.
Step 5
Consult a doctor for prescription antibiotic care if your skin is infected, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Your dermatologist may prescribe a prescription antibiotic to reduce swelling and bacteria growth. The medication will allow the razor bumps to heal properly.
Tips and Warnings
- Shaving with a single-blade razor may help reduce razor bumps in some individuals.
- Consult a doctor if your razor bumps are excessively swollen, itchy or painful.
Things You'll Need
- Washcloth
- Tretinoin
- Antibacterial medication
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