Red bumps may form after using a razor, which can be uncomfortable, unsightly and itchy. There are some things you can do to prevent this. If the irritation is severe, you should see a dermatologist.
Causes
For the most part, red bumps that appear after shaving are caused by ingrown hairs, says MayoClinic.com. When you shave, the top of the hair is cut off at the skin's surface. However, the hair is still in the follicle beneath the skin. As it continues to grow, instead of growing out, it grows in, blocking the pore and causing irritation. Using a dull razor, trying to shave every day or failing to use shaving cream may also be to blame.
Treatment
To treat the red bumps that appear on your skin after shaving, first let them heal. That is, don't shave again until the redness has completely gone away. If you have extremely irritated ingrown hairs, use a pair of tweezers to pluck them out to speed healing. Use a body scrub to exfoliate dead skin cells from the area and aid in healing. If the ingrown hair oozes pus or looks infected, you will likely need to see a dermatologist, says MayoClinic.com. He can prescribe antibiotics.
Prevention
To prevent red bumps, use smooth strokes when shaving. Don't repeatedly go over the same area. According to the University of Alabama, use shaving cream and run the blade in the direction of the hair growth, rather than against it. Avoid shaving dry skin and apply a non-irritating lotion afterward to soothe the skin.
Hair Removal
Sometimes, using proper skin care and shaving methods aren't enough to stop the formation of red bumps. In these cases, you may want to seek more permanent hair removal solutions such as electrolysis or laser hair removal. Both of these methods damage the hair follicle, causing the hair to fall out and preventing new hair from growing back, says the American Electrology Association. Several treatment sessions are often required to achieve the desired results.
Complications
If the red bumps on your skin are severe, they may become infected. This is identified by pimple-like lesions filled with pus. These bumps may also itch or exhibit redness around the bump itself. Chronically infected ingrown hairs are also known as folliculitis, says MayoClinic.com, and require antibiotic treatment to prevent hair loss and scarring.
