What Can Women Do For Shaving Bumps?

Shaving is one of the most popular and easy methods of hair removal for many women. Unfortunately for some, shaving can cause the appearance of small, red, inflamed bumps, known as razor bumps, which are caused by ingrown hairs. Luckily, you can take certain measures to help prevent and alleviate this condition, helping your skin stay smooth and soft.

Causes

Razor bumps are unsightly, irritated bumps on your skin that usually result from the development of an ingrown hair, according to MayoClinic.com. The bump develops when the hair that you've shaved off begins growing back in. Instead of growing straight up through your skin, the hair curls around in on itself, growing into the skin and forming a small bump, which may be painful or itchy at times.

Prevention

The only sure way to prevent razor bumps is to avoid shaving, according to MayoClinic.com. However, if you must shave, there are some steps you can take to minimize your risk of developing razor bumps. According to author Paula Begoun in her book, "The Beauty Bible," changing razors frequently and softening your hair by soaking it in warm water prior to shaving may help. Shave with a moisturizing shaving gel, not soap, in order to lessen the likelihood of irritation.

Home Remedies

If you do develop razor bumps, you can take certain measures to help clear up the condition more quickly. According to MayoClinic.com, you can insert a sterile needle under your skin near the loop of hair to help release it to the surface. Avoid squeezing the bumps. The bumps may look like pimples, but they're actually skin irritations that can worsen if you squeeze or pick at them. Apply a razor bump removal product containing salicylic acid or witch hazel to lessen their appearance, according to author Helen Bickmore in her book, "Milady's Hair Removal Techniques: A Comprehensive Manual." Moisturize your skin with a lotion containing hydrocortisone cream, which can help to decrease inflammation and itching.

Medical Treatment

If home remedies don't help and your condition becomes worse, you may need to consult your doctor. According to MayoClinic.com, your doctor may prescribe retinoid creams, which help to exfoliate the top layer of your skin, corticosteroids, to help decrease inflammation, or antibiotics, if you develop an infection.

Considerations

If you're prone to razor bumps, you might want to consider an alternative hair removal option. According to MayoClinic.com, using a different method of hair removal such as using an electric razor or a chemical hair remover like a depilatory can help to decrease your risk of developing razor bumps and ingrown hairs.