Red bumps caused by shaving develop in response to skin irritation or ingrown hairs. The bumps are most likely to occur in African American men and in those with curly hair, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. In most cases, the bumps will clear up with time and proper skin care. Severe cases, however, may become infected or cause permanent scarring of the skin.
Causes
Ingrown hairs and friction are the two primary causes of red bumps caused by shaving. According to MayoClinic.com, ingrown hairs develop when a shaved hair turns and grows back into the top layer of skin. The skin then becomes irritated and inflamed, and a red bump develops at the site of the ingrown hair. The friction of shaving too close to the skin, shaving too often or using a dull razor irritates the skin, causing a red and somewhat painful rash to develop.
Prevention
Most cases of shaving bumps are preventable with improved shaving technique. Avoid shaving over the same skin area more than once each day, as doing so increases irritation and your risk of developing red bumps, and never shave over dry skin. The University of Alabama also recommends using single-blade razors, using plenty of shaving cream or gel and shaving in the direction of hair growth to minimize shaving bumps. Applying an aftershave product formulated to prevent and treat razor bumps is also beneficial.
Treatment
The most important treatment for red bumps caused by shaving is to remove sources of irritation for several days to allow the skin time to heal. Do not shave over any skin areas affected by the rash until the bumps are completely gone. You can remove individual ingrown hairs by sterilizing a needle with rubbing alcohol and using it to pull the hair out of the skin. Exfoliating with a washcloth will also help remove ingrown hairs and it may help prevent new cases from occurring. Severely inflamed or infected shaving bumps or ingrown hairs may require treatment with corticosteroids, retinoids or antibiotics, according to MayoClinic.com.
Considerations
If proper shaving technique and improved skin care fail to prevent a recurrence of red bumps after shaving, you may need to consider permanent hair removal methods, such as electrolysis or laser hair removal. Electrolysis involves the administration of a small amount of electricity directly to hair follicles to kill the follicle and prevent hair growth. It is the only truly effective method of permanent hair removal and the only method approved by the FDA, according to the American Electrology Association. Laser hair removal works by directing intense bursts of light through the skin to damage the hair follicles and stop hair growth. Multiple treatments may be required.
Warnings
If left untreated, shaving bumps and ingrown hairs may become infected with Staphylococcus aureus or another type of bacteria. When this occurs, pus-filled blisters may develop on the skin and itching, redness and warmth may be present. This condition, called folliculitis, can spread or lead to permanent scarring and hair loss unless treated with antibiotics, according to MayoClinic.com.
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