Razor bumps can form on your skin after shaving. This condition may worsen if you shave parts of your skin that are affected by razor bumps, which are a form of folliculitis. Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles on your skin get infected and swell. The appearance of your bumps and lab tests help your doctor identify the precise cause of your razor bumps.
Causes
Bacteria and fungi can cause razor bumps. According to the Mayo Clinic, the staphylococcal bacterium is a common cause of folliculitis infections that cause razor bumps. Staphylococcal bacteria live on your skin all the time, but may cause infections by invading breaks in the skin that may occur while shaving. Tinea barbae is a form of folliculitis that occurs with fungal infections that can cause lesions that look like razor bumps and worsen with shaving. Tinea barbae is also known as tinea sycosis, or barber's itch. Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a form of folliculitis that occurs when shaved hair grows back and curves into your skin. Course and curly hair may increase your risk for developing pseudofolliculitis barbae.
Symptoms
Symptoms of staphylococcal folliculitis include white or pus-filled itchy razor bumps. These bumps may start out as clusters of small red bumps around your hair follicles and develop into blisters that break open and crust. The skin around these bumps may become red and inflamed. Tinea barbae is also known as ringworm, because it may form ring-like bumps. Severe cases of tinea barbae may cause large pus-filled nodules that eventually form a crust, swollen lymph nodes and fever. Tinea barbae may affect your skin, hair and hair follicles on your beard and mustache area. Pseudofolliculitis barbae causes inflammation in your hair follicles and affects bearded or hair-covered areas of your skin, particularly areas that grow coarse or curly hair
Treatment
Apply a hot and moist compress to promote fluid drainage from your hair follicles for minor folliculitis. Your doctor may prescribe topical antibiotics like mupirocin or oral antibiotics like dicloxacillin for more severe cases of folliculitis. Over-the-counter and prescription antifungal medications can help treat fungal forms of folliculitis. Fungal razor bumps may require treatment that combines oral and topical anti-fungal medications. Avoid shaving areas with razor bumps until the bumps completely subside.
Complications
Recurring folliculitis can result from razor bumps. Fungal razor bumps are contagious and can spread to other people or other areas of your body. Razor bumps that result from the staphylococcal bacterium can progress into more severe staph infections that cause large patches of itchy skin, or plaques. Pseudofolliculitis barbae can produce dark scars that form raised spots on your face or neck.
Prevention
Avoid razor bumps by shaving with materials that prevent hair follicle damage. Use a clean and sharp razor every time you shave. Do not use blades that are blunt or have rust. Use electric razors; they do not cut as close to your skin. Apply warm moisture to your skin prior to shaving to open up the hair follicles. The Mayo Clinic recommends using shaving gel instead of cream. Apply a moisturizing aftershave when you finish shaving.
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