Shaving bumps usually occur after you've shaved some of your more sensitive skin such as the bikini line, underarms and even your legs. They can be unsightly, especially when the goal of shaving was to reveal soft, smooth skin. By understanding what causes shaving bumps, you can learn how to properly prevent and treat them for smoother-looking skin.
Cause
Female shaving bumps can be caused by three conditions. The first is ingrown hair. Ingrown hair occurs when the hair grows sideways into the follicle instead of out of the follicle. The bumps could also be caused by folliculitis, also known as "barber's rash." The rash appears when the skin is infected with the bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus, notes Columbia University Health Services. Finally, the bumps could be simple razor burn, a rash that appears when you shave without adequate lubrication.
Symptoms
The symptoms of each skin condition are similar. If your bumps are caused by ingrown hair, you'll experience redness, swelling and sometimes a yellowish discharge. You may be able to see a small loop of hair where the ingrown hair is puncturing the skin. If your bumps are caused by folliculitis, you can expect to experience redness, itching and pus-filled bumps. Razor burn is exhibited by small, red bumps and itchiness.
Prevention
Careful preparation and babying your skin can help prevent shaving bumps, even on the most sensitive areas of your skin. Start by shaving after a shower, when your hair has been softened and will be easier to cut, suggests the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. A good-quality female shaving lotion can condition your skin, while a sharp razor can help limit drag and irritation.
Treatment
If you're faced with red shaving bumps despite your best efforts, try smoothing a hydrocortisone cream over the bumps. It will restrict blood vessels to reduce redness and itching, dermatologist Evelyn Placek tells MotherNature.com. If your red bumps are caused by ingrown hairs, locate the loop of hair and gently lift out the implanted end, leaving the growing end intact to avoid infection.
Alternatives
If you're especially prone to razor bumps, no matter what you do, consider switching to another method of hair removal. Since waxing pulls the hair from the root, it gives cleaner results and less chance for hair to become ingrown. Depilatory creams dissolve the hair and leave it with a less blunt end than shaving. If ingrown hairs are still a problem, talk to your dermatologist about laser hair removal treatments.
Member Comments