Black men who shave are prone to get razor bumps or pseudofolliculitis barbae, especially black men who are 14 to 25 years old, according to the Mayo Clinic. These bumps are caused when a hair grows and curls back into the skin, which is known as an ingrown hair. Once the hair breeches the skin, the body treats it like a foreign body. As the body reacts, the area becomes irritated, may look like a pimple, and may hurt and/or itch. Proper treatment of the area is necessary to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation and permanent scarring that can occur in black men.
Step 1
Place a warm compress on the razor bumps. Doing this as soon as possible after they are noticed will help to speed the healing of the razor bumps. Do this up to three times per day for five to 10 minutes per session.
Step 2
Wash the area. Frequently wash using an antibacterial soap. Black men are susceptible to get permanent scarring due to keloid scarring in the area affected by razor bumps. Keeping the area clean is one way to combat this possibility.
Step 3
Apply an over-the-counter anti-itch cream. To help minimize itching, apply hydrocortisone, to the razor bumps. Scratching the razor bumps when they itch is likely to cause an infection, which increases the chance of scarring.
Step 4
Check the razor bumps for a visible loop of hair that goes from the ingrown end of the hair to the hair follicle. Once this is visible, it is possible to remove the ingrown hair that is causing the razor bump. However, if you don't see the hair loop, don't dig to try to remove the ingrown hair. Until you can see the hair loop, the hair is considered embedded. Trying to dig out an embedded hair can cause scarring and increase the risk of infection.
Step 5
Sanitize a needle by placing it in alcohol. This minimizes the introduction of germs and bacteria into the affected area, thereby reducing the risk of infection and scarring. Slip the needle between the loop of hair and the skin. Pull up gently on the needle to remove the ingrown end of the hair from the skin. Don't try to remove the hair from the natural follicle, as this makes you more prone to razor bumps in the future.
Step 6
Rub an over-the-counter antibiotic to the razor bump. This will minimize the risk of infection. Do this per the manufacturer's directions until the razor bump is completely healed.
Tips and Warnings
- If you get razor bumps each time you shave or if you think the razor bumps are worse than normal, contact your doctor to find out if you need prescription treatments for your condition.
Things You'll Need
- Warm compress
- Soap
- Anti-itch cream
- Needle
- Alcohol
- Antibiotic ointment
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