Razor bumps, known medically as pseudofolliculitis barbae, are essentially a form of ingrown hair caused by shaving. As the hair is shorn with a razor, it curls back upon itself, growing into the follicle and triggering the formation of bumps. Treatment for this specific skin condition is approached in two different ways. If you're prone to develop razor bumps, treatment revolves around prevention. If you're unable to prevent razor bumps, treatment involves lessening inflammation and soothing discomfort.
Features
When the hair is shorn tight to the skin, it may curl back into the follicle, especially in those people with curlier hair. The body's immune response kicks in, seeing the hair as a foreign body. This cause the skin surrounding the follicle to become inflamed, prompting the formation of the papules associated with razor bumps.
Prevention
As already mentioned, prevention is key in the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae. It's often easier to prevent razor bumps than treat them. Prevention entails preparation of those areas of the skin to be shaved. The Mayo Clinic recommends that you take some time to massage the area with warm water before shaving. This can help to lift the hairs away from the skin, reducing the chances of curl-back. Massaging can be done during your shower to maximize your time. Apply a shaving gel and always shave with the grain of your hair growth.
Treating
If razor bumps form, it's important to reduce inflammation. For minor razor bumps, this can be done with a warm compress. The heat should reduce inflammation as well as open the pores, allowing the hairs to grow out of the skin instead of in. But as the condition worsens, a compress may not reduce the presence of pseudofolliculitis barbae. In this situation, a hydrocortisone, tretinoin or adapalene cream may be necessary to reduce the inflammation as well as "uncurl" the hair from its follicle.
Significance
When topical treatments fail to provide results, you may need an oral antibiotic, such as tetracycline or erythromycin. Both of these medications help to curb the immune response of the body, thereby lessening the inflammation and irritation of the skin. The papules decrease in size, and you should experience relief from this skin condition.
Considerations
While this may not sound like a treatment for razor bumps, the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology recommends hair removal in chronic cases of pseudofolliculitis barbae. Laser therapy is a semi-permanent method of hair removal where pulses of energy heat the core of the problematic follicles, forcing them into dormancy. Electrolysis can permanently remove the follicle through an electrical charge that destroys its structure.
Member Comments