Razor bumps are a result of shaving and can appear anywhere on the body where hair grows. Many men shave their faces for a variety of reasons. Some prefer to sport a clean-cut look, while others may work in a place that does not allow facial hair. Men grow hair at different rates, so while one man can go several days without shaving, another may have to shave every morning. The more often you shave, the more you expose your skin to the possibility of getting razor bumps.
History
Razor bumps result from a rash on the skin caused by shaving. The rash, is a result of an infected hair follicle, commonly referred to as folliculitis. According to the Mayo Clinic, the hair follicles become infected with bacteria such as Staphylococcus aures and severe cases can result in permanent hair loss or scarring. The infection usually manifests itself as small, white-headed pimples on the skin at the base of the hair. Folliculitis can be superficial and cause minor itching on the skin, or it could be deep and be more painful, like a pimple.
Types
Razor bumps on the face are most often caused by one of two superficial strains of folliculitis. The most common type of folliculitis on the face is Staphylococcal folliculitis, sometimes called "barber's itch," and is caused by staph bacteria entering an open wound or cut on your skin when you shave. Pseudofolliculitis barbae is an inflammation of the hair follicles in the beard area. It occurs when shaved hairs curl back into the skin, leading to inflammation and sometimes keloid scars, according to DermNet NZ. Men with curly hair are more susceptible to pseudofollculitis barbae.
Identification
Staphylococcal folliculitis and Pseudofolliculitis barbae are both superficial strains of folliculitis, and therefore both affect only the upper portion of the hair follicle. The Mayo Clinic says you can identify the symptoms of superficial folliculitis by looking for small, red bumps that appear around hair follicles, finding pus-filled blisters that may break open and crust over, noticing red, inflamed skin or skin that is itchy or tender to the touch.
Considerations
Allow your beard to grow out for at least 30 days to eliminate ingrown hairs, according to DermNet NZ. When you resume shaving, use a single blade razor rather than a double blade. The double blade razor can cut your hair too short, making you susceptible to future razor bumps. DermNet NZ also suggests using an electric razor since it leaves hair longer, reducing the chance of getting razor bumps. Shave in the same direction the hair grows, rather than trying to cut against it. If you continue to have problems with folliculitis, you may want to consider laser hair removal for your face, since it will provide a more permanent cure.
Solutions
If you are diagnosed with staphylococcal folliculitis, your doctor may prescribe a topical antibiotic cream or an oral medication. You should avoid shaving your face until the folliculitis clears up to avoid additional irritation. If you have pseudofollicultis barbae, the Mayo Clinic says most home remedies should clear up the irritation. The clinic further suggests shaving with an electric razor instead of a blade, frequently massaging your face with warm water and using a shave gel instead of a cream, which may block healing follicles. A study by N.V. Perricone at Yale Medical School found topical application of glycolic acid lotion to be effective in healing pseudofolliculitis barbae, allowing the patients to return to a normal shaving routine more rapidly.
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