Razor bumps occur most often on the faces of men who have curly beard hair, although they can also appear on shaved legs and underarms, reports the University of Wisconsin. In most cases, the bumps are caused by irritation to the skin by the sharp edges of cut hairs, a condition called pseudofolliculitis. Razor bumps that become infected with a fungus or bacteria are called folliculitis and require treatment in the form of oral or topical antifungal or antibacterial medications. A visit to your doctor will determine if you have pseudofolliculitis or folliculitis.
Treat Razor Bumps
Step 1
Soak a clean washcloth in cold water, then wring out excess water. Apply the cold compress to your razor bumps. This will help reduce irritation and pain.
Step 2
Cleanse your skin with an exfoliating cleanser. You may also use a loofah or synthetic skin cleansing pad. This will remove the dead skin cells that are blocking the hairs and causing razor bumps, according to the UAB Health System.
Step 3
Allow your hair to grow out until the irritation of razor bumps subsides. You can effectively prevent future razor bumps by refraining from shaving your hair, according to the Skinsight website. The UAB Health System notes that shaving while you have active razor bumps can cause further irritation or infection.
Prevent Razor Bumps
Step 1
Shower or bathe before shaving to soften the hair.
Step 2
Apply a shaving cream or gel before shaving. This will provide lubrication for the razor and will cause less irritation to your skin when shaving, reports the UAB Health System.
Step 3
Use a single-blade razor to shave. Razors with multiple blades often cut the hair too close to the skin, allowing it to curl back and cause razor bumps.
Step 4
Shave in the direction of hair growth. This leaves a small tip of hair outside the skin line, which lessens the likelihood of the follicle developing into a razor bump, according to the University of Wisconsin.
Tips and Warnings
- For some people, using a chemical hair remover or shaving with an electric razor will prevent razor bumps.
Things You'll Need
- Washcloth
- Exfoliating Cleanser
- Single-blade razor
- Shaving cream or gel
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