Unless you want to give up shaving under your arms completely, chances are good that you'll have to deal with the occasional armpit razor bumps. While these little red bumps aren't dangerous, they are itchy and uncomfortable -- not to mention unattractive. Though it's possible to treat existing bumps, preventing them in the first place may be your best bet.
Identification
Ingrown hairs occur when a hair's sharp tip curves back and buries itself in your skin, forming a hard, irritated bump. So ingrown hair prevention treatments aim to create an environment where hair can't burrow back into your skin. Some treatments focus on shaving techniques, while others emphasize post-shave skin care.
Preventive Shaving Techniques
Changing your shaving technique may be all you need to prevent razor bumps. Thoroughly soak your underarms so that your hair and skin are wet before you start shaving, and lather up with a moisturizing shave cream, recommends Debra Wattenberg, assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, in "O, The Oprah Magazine." Make sure your razor is sharp and new, and resist the urge to push down too hard when you shave -- it can press bacteria into the sensitive skin beneath.
Preventive Skin Care
Exfoliate your skin regularly to remove dead skin cells that might trap hairs, and use an antiseptic toner on your underarms after you shave to reduce your risk for ingrown hairs, recommends beauty writer Lisa Kovalovich in "Ladies Home Journal" magazine. It's also a good idea to shave at night instead of in the morning and to wait until you wake up to apply deodorant.
Warning
Though ingrown hairs are rarely serious, if they become infected they can cause permanent scars under your arms. If you're trying to prevent ingrown hairs and are still getting razor bumps under your arms, consider seeing a dermatologist who can help you reduce their frequency.
Considerations
If you get a razor bump under your arms despite your best efforts to prevent them, treat the irritated spot with a dab of topical hydrocortisone or antibiotic cream to soothe redness and irritation, and exfoliate with a chemical or granular exfoliating scrub to speed the ingrown hair's release.
Member Comments