Razor bumps, a type of skin condition also known as folliculitis, occurs when hair regrows into the hair follicle. The hair, sharpened at the tip by a razor, enters the body and causes it to react as if a foreign substance has entered the skin. Symptoms affect the top of the hair follicle and may include the development of small bumps, blisters, redness and itching. Because razor bumps can lead to infection, it is important to understand how to soothe and treat them.
Step 1
Place a moist, warm washcloth saturated with white vinegar or water up against the razor bumps multiple times a day. This can help to relieve pain, swelling and encourage draining.
Step 2
Use an over-the-counter corticosteroid cream or oatmeal lotion to help reduce pain and inflammation.
Step 3
Apply benzoyl peroxide to the razor bump to minimize bacteria buildup. Because this medication can irritate sensitive skin, it is important to use it sparingly.
Step 4
Refrain from shaving skin that is irritated or has razor bumps. If you have to shave, do so with an electric razor and apply an after-shave or moisturizer to your skin when done.
Tips and Warnings
- According to the Go Ask Alice! website, using razors with multiple blades, pulling the skin taut and shaving against the hair grain can increase your chances for razor bumps. These techniques actually cut the hair off beneath the skin's surface, making it easier for them to grow beneath the skin. If razor bumps are frequent, consider switching to a different hair removal method such as a depilatory or waxing. These options do not cause the hair to grow back sharp or blunt.
- The Mayo Clinic warns that severe cases of razor bumps can develop into serious medical conditions such as cellulitis and furunculosis. Cellulitis is a rapidly spreading infection that can travel to the bloodstream and lymph nodes. Furunculosis is an infection that occurs when a series of puss-filled boils develop beneath the skin's surface. In addition, severe folliculitis can destroy a hair follicle, causing permanent loss of hair. It may even result in raised scars or patches of skin.
Things You'll Need
- Washcloth
- White vinegar
- Water
- Corticosteroid cream
- Oatmeal lotion
- Benzoyl peroxide
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