Shaving bumps, also called razor bumps or razor burn, occur when the skin gets irritated from friction and poor shaving habits. Individuals with sensitive skin may be more susceptible to razor burn but nearly anyone can get it when shaving any part of the body. Home remedies can help alleviate the skin irritation, but prevention is also important because repeatedly shaving the irritated area prolongs the discomfort.
Warm and Cold Compresses
Preparing the area to be shaved by exposing it to warm moisture can soften the skin to make shaving more effective and less irritating. Wet a wash cloth with warm water and press it to the area for 10 to 15 minutes before you shave. Similarly, you can calm shave bumps by wetting a cloth with cold water and putting it over the irritated skin. The cold cloth can reduce redness and swelling that is often associated with razor burn. Placing an ice cube directly to affected skin can also reduce redness when needed, but will have little effect on healing the irritation.
Aloe Vera Gel
Irritated skin can benefit from moisture. The act of shaving and using some shaving soaps can dry the skin further. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that aloe vera gel is an effective lubricant for many forms of skin irritation. You can obtain aloe vera gel by squeezing the fleshy part of a fresh aloe vera stem. Aloe gel is also sold at many retailers, but it may contain other ingredients including perfumes or dyes, which may further irritate the razor bumps.
Natural Astringents
You can use various household chemicals natural astringents, or drying agents, which can speed the healing of razor bumps. Some astringents can be too drying; use these in combination with a mild facial lotion or aloe gel. Examples of skin-calming astringents include apple cider vinegar and witch hazel. Don't use rubbing alcohol on razor bumps; however, you can use it to kill any potential bacteria on razor blades. When razor bumps occur, it is advisable to wipe razor blades with alcohol or replace them entirely to prevent the skin from becoming infected, resulting in a condition called folliculitis.
Other Techniques
Recurrent razor bumps suggest poor shaving habits. Using warm water to soften the skin, using a fresh razor, shaving with the growth of hair instead of against and reducing the frequency of shaving can prevent razor burn. When the bumps persist for many days despite home remedies or avoiding shaving, consult a health care professional. The skin may be infected and require antibiotic treatment or topical creams such as hydrocortisone to kill the bacteria.
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