If razor bumps plague your skin every time you shave, you may need to change your shaving habits. If you shave with a dull or an old razor, you can tear and irritate your skin. As the new hairs grow back, they can get stuck in the swollen area and grow back underneath the skin. Hairs that are particularly coarse or curly are more likely to become ingrown. Ingrown hairs are usually not serious and can be treated at home with items to stop swelling and increase skin exfoliation.
Step 1
Apply a warm compress to the afflicted area before shaving. Rinse a washcloth with warm water, then apply directly to the skin you will be shaving. The warm water will soften the hairs and help ingrown hairs emerge from the skin prior to shaving.
Step 2
Remove ingrown hairs from the skin with a sterilized needle, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Sterilize a new sewing needle with hydrogen peroxide, then gently place the needle underneath the ingrown hair to pull it out of the skin.
Step 3
Apply hydrocortisone cream to the skin after shaving, recommends dermatologist Allison Vidimos, M.D. Hydrocortisone cream can help reduce inflammation on the skin, which will help the area heal more quickly and prevent new razor bumps from forming.
Step 4
Shave with a sharp razor and shaving cream or gel. Shaving cream or gel helps reduce skin irritation and provides a layer of moisture between your skin and the razor.
Step 5
Place a cool compress over the afflicted area immediately after shaving, suggests the Mayo Clinic. A cool compress, like a paper towel filled with ice cubes, can help limit irritation and prevent swelling of the skin, which can cause razor bumps.
Tips and Warnings
- Razor bumps can occur anywhere you shave or wax hair on your body.
- Consult a doctor if you have an ingrown hair that is infected or excessively swollen.
Things You'll Need
- Washcloth
- Sewing needle
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Paper towel
- Ice cubes
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