Up to 60 percent of African-American men suffer from razor bumps, notes the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, or AOCD. This is because of the coarse hair texture and curved hair follicle. Razor bumps are caused by ingrown hairs. When hair is shaved, the tip of the hair becomes sharp. Once the hair grows approximately 1 to 2 mm from the top of the hair follicle, the hair may curve and begin to grow into the skin 2 to 3 mm, states the U.S. Department of the Navy. The beard area, including the neck, cheeks and chin, along with the head are the most common locations for razor bumps to occur.
Symptoms
The symptoms of razor bumps that must be treated include pustules, papules, pain and itching, according to MayoClinic.com. A pustule is a blisterlike bump that is filled with pus. A papule is a small hard bump that is often flesh-colored or red. In addition to these symptoms, any infections or fungi present must be treated.
Time Frame
Most cases of razor bumps can be treated in three to four weeks, states the AOCD. During this time, shaving should be avoided; however, if you must trim the hair in the affected area, the University of Mississippi Health Care recommends trimming the hair to a length of 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Scissors or barber clippers can trim hair to this length.
Types
Mild to moderate cases of razor bumps may be treated at home using over-the-counter products. Applying warm compresses to the bumps will help them drain, notes Medline Plus. You can also wash the area using an anti-acne or antibacterial soap once daily. Topical antibiotics and anti-itch medications can also help. Removing the ingrown hair tip from the skin using a sterilized needle is also advisable, according to MayoClinic.com. For more serious cases, prescription medications, such as antibiotics, corticosteroids and retinoids, may be needed. Chemical peels that use salicylic acid or glycolic acid may be helpful. Electrolysis to remove the hair follicle may stop hair from growing, which will eliminate razor bumps.
Considerations
If you look closely at most razor bumps, you can see a portion of the hair above the skin. However, some ingrown hairs become embedded, meaning that the hair isn't visible above the skin. In this case, any efforts to remove the ingrown end of the hair should be avoided because getting to the hair involves breaking the skin, which can introduce infection into the bump. If the hair is embedded, other treatments will treat the problem while the body's natural defenses work to remove the hair tip from the skin.
Warning
Leaving razor bumps untreated or picking at the lesions may lead to permanent dermatological problems. Hyperpigmentation, which is a darkening of the skin, may occur. In some cases, this can be treated with a chemical peel that contains kojic acid, hydroquinone or azelaic acid, according to the U.S. Department of the Navy. Permanent scarring, including keloid scarring, may also occur.
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