Razor bumps in men--the bumps that appear on the neck after shaving--are referred to as pseudofolliculitis barbae. When a man shaves, sometimes individual hairs on the face and neck curve back on themselves and puncture the skin. The skin becomes irritated and forms a bump. Pseudofolliculitis barbae can become a painful condition. Removing the ingrown hairs and medicating the inflamed skin can help get rid of the bumps.
Step 1
Let your beard grow to get rid of razor bumps. The painful bumps are localized infections that are the result of ingrown hairs; the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD) explains that the only treatment that is 100 percent effective for a man's razor bumps is to refrain from shaving. If you do not like the look of a beard, use an electric razor to prevent bumps. The blades do not cut as close to the skin as shaving with a blade does.
Step 2
Apply a warm compress to the inflamed areas. The warmth can help any fluids drain if you have an infection, and softens the skin so you can remove ingrown hairs easily.
Step 3
Disinfect a pair of tweezers with rubbing alcohol. Carefully pull out the ingrown hairs, one by one, that are causing your folliculitis. Once the offending hairs are removed, the skin around the hair follicles can begin to heal.
Step 4
Treat your skin bumps with an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or ointment. The medication reduces inflammation of the skin. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology explains that some men may need a prescription-strength antibiotic cream to treat severe pseudofolliculitis barbae.
Things You'll Need
- Electric razor
- Warm compress
- Tweezers
- Rubbing alcohol
- Hydrocortisone cream
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