Many men are affected by a condition known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, which is better known as razor bumps. This condition is caused by ingrown hairs. Ingrown facial hairs cause blemishes that look like acne blemishes that are 2 to 4 mm, states the U.S. Navy. Some of the blemishes are solid small bumps and others are pus filled bumps. Because of the irritation the ingrown hair causes, itching is common. Some men may also experience mild pain because of the swelling.
Types
MayoClinic.com notes that there are two types of ingrown hairs: transfollicular penetration and extrafollicular penetration. Transfollicular penetration happens when the hair enters the skin without ever growing above the skin. Extrafollicular penetration occurs when the hair grows above the skin then curls around and re-enters the skin.
Risk Factors
Men with curly hair are most likely to get ingrown facial hair because the hair follicle is curved. The most common group affected by this condition are 14 to 25 year old African-American males. However, people from other ethnicities, such as hispanics, can also suffer from this condition.
Prevention
A man can prevent ingrown facial hair by applying warm compresses that are wet to the face before shaving. Bump fighting razors, also known as PFB razors, or single blade razors can also help to prevent this condition. Men who are prone to razor bumps should avoid razors with more than one blade because these types of razors increase the risk of transfolliclular penetration ingrown hairs. Using shaving gel and shaving along with the grain of the hair are also ways to prevent ingrown hairs.
Treatments
Letting the hair grow out until the ingrown hair lesions abate is the best treatment for ingrown facial hair. If that isn't an option, you can use clippers or scissors to trim the hair 1/8 to ¼ inch above the surface of the skin. Medline Plus notes that warm compresses may help the lesions to drains. Topical antibiotics, retinoids and cortisone creams that are available with a prescription or over-the-counter can also help to treat this condition. When the hair is visible above the skin, tweezers or a needle that have been sterilized in alcohol can be used to lift the hair out of the skin. Chemical peels that contain salicylic or glycolic acid may also be effective.
Warning
Razor bumps on the facial area can leave scars and may permanently discolor the skin. Because of these risks, treating razor bumps should be a priority. Additionally, the bumps should never be popped or picked at, as either of these activities may cause an infection, which increases the risk of scarring and discoloration. For African American men with severe ingrown hairs, keloid scarring is possible.
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