If you're plagued with red, swollen bumps on your skin after shaving, you may suffer from razor bumps, also known as "pseudofolliculitis barbae" if it occurs on the face and "pseudofolliculitis pubis" if it occurs in the bikini area. Razor bumps occur when hairs curl back under the skin after they are shaved, creating an ingrown hair. You can reduce ingrown hairs by changing your shaving habits. If razor bumps are serious and persistent, a doctor can prescribe topical medications or perform electrolysis to reduce razor bumps.
Step 1
Rub the afflicted area with a washcloth for two minutes before shaving. Gently stimulate the hairs in a circular motion, suggests the Mayo Clinic. This will help soften the hairs and help them to emerge from the skin.
Step 2
Shave with a shaving cream or gel and a sharp, new razor. Using a dull razor or soap and water to shave can tear the skin, which can cause irritation and create razor bumps. By lubricating the skin and using a sharper razor, you can get a close shave without irritating the skin.
Step 3
Apply a 10 percent benzoyl peroxide solution to the skin after shaving, recommends dermatologist Rodney Basler, M.D. Benzoyl peroxide will help kill bacteria on the skin, which can cause irritation, and help encourage shedding of dead skin cells. You can purchase benzoyl peroxide medications over-the-counter at the drugstore or grocery store.
Step 4
Remove ingrown hairs with a sterilized needle. Sterilize a needle with hydrogen peroxide, then gently remove the infected hair with the needle. After the hair is removed, dab the afflicted area with hydrogen peroxide to kill bacteria and reduce infection.
Step 5
Consult a dermatologist for further treatment. Your dermatologist can prescribe a prescription corticosteroid cream to reduce swelling or a retinoid medication to encourage the exfoliation of dead skin cells. If ingrown hairs are stubborn and persistent, your doctor can perform electrolysis to permanently remove the hair that is causing the problem.
Tips and Warnings
- If you do not have a washcloth, use a clean toothbrush to stimulate your skin before shaving, recommends the Mayo Clinic.
- Consult a doctor if you have extreme swelling or infection due to razor bumps on your skin.
Things You'll Need
- Washcloth
- Shaving cream
- Razor
- Benzoyl peroxide medication
- Needle
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Retinoid medication
- Corticosteroid medication
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