Preventing Development of Razor Bumps on Face

Introduction

Razor bumps are common and can be seen after shaving. They are usually in the form of rashes or red bumps appearing on the shaved area and are often caused in the area where shaving gel or foam is not applied. Razor bumps generally do not cause any serious problems, but their appearance can be bothersome. Sometimes razor bumps can lead to scarring, which may take weeks to disappear. The presence of a razor bump appears slightly uneven with irritation, itching, and redness of the skin. The cause of razor bumps is often associated with incorrect shaving techniques adopted by an individual. The person should be careful while using a razor so as not to hurt their face.

What Is Razor Bump?

Razor bump is a skin condition that occurs as a result of shaving. The other names for razor bump are pseudofolliculitis barbae, pseudofolliculitis pubis, folliculitis barbae traumatica, barber’s itch. Razor bumps can be seen in any area of the body which undergoes the removal of hair. The most common areas which are affected are the face, groin, underarms, and legs. They develop after plucking, shaving, waxing, and hair removal techniques.

What Are the Causes of Razor Bumps?

Bumps occur when the curly hair is stuck inside the hair follicles. They are mostly caused by friction between razors and the hair. Razor bump develops when anyone removes the hair and leads to painful, inflamed red bumps. They can be caused by old razors, dull razors, shaving dry skin, or shaving against the direction of the hair.

What Are the Signs of Razor Bumps?

The symptoms of razor bumps are as follows:-

• Itching on the shaved region.

• Pain.

• Small papules (rounded solid bumps).

• Darkening of skin.

• Pustules (blister-like pus-filled lesions).

• Acne-like eruption is associated with ingrown hair.

• Lesions may bleed when shaved.

• Scarring, for example, keloid.

• Formation of an abscess (refers to the collection of pus in any part of the body that appears swollen or inflamed).

How Long Does the Razor Bump Last?

Razor bumps take time to disappear and can also leave the surface with scars in some cases. They tend to resolve on their own, usually within two to three weeks after shaving.

Who Is More Prone to Developing a Razor Bump?

Razor bumps occur in all ethnic groups and most commonly occur in people with very curly hair and among African Americans.

How to Prevent Razor Bump?

Proper shaving techniques and tools can reduce the risk of developing razor bumps after shaving. The things which can be done to remove the razor bumps are as follows:

• Shave in the direction of hair growth rather than against the grain.

• Avoid shaving too closely.

• Use non-irritating shaving cream.

• Use of electric razor.

• Avoid pulling skin while shaving.

• Reduce the frequency of shaving.

• The razor should be replaced frequently.

• Exfoliate with Glycolic acid, Retinoids, or Benzoyl peroxide to help clear the follicle opening.

• Use electric or single-blade razors having variable settings to permit longer cuts.

• All traces of shaving cream should be rinsed by using warm water to reduce the risk of irritation.

• Aftershave should always be applied to prevent razor bumps.

• Use scrub before shaving to open the pores for using the razor.

• The razor should always be cleaned and dried and stored in a dry place.

• If any cut occurs, a cold compression should be done on the skin for about five minutes.

• Aloe vera gel can be used after shaving to provide a soothing effect.

• Medical treatments such as serum, cleanser, or cream containing antibiotics or steroids can be used to treat razor bumps.

• The face should be washed with a cleanser.

How to Maintain Razor and Shaving Technique?

• The razor should be stored in a damp and dry place, which can cause razor rust that leads to skin infections.

• The razor should be replaced frequently and it may cause tugging and dragging that may cause razor bumps.

• A shaving brush should be used to raise the hair to maintain better contact.

• A sharp razor should be used to remove hair.

• The hair should be shaved in the direction of hair growth.

• Short and quick strokes should be used while shaving.

• The blade should be rinsed frequently while shaving.

• Shaving inflamed skin should always be avoided.

How to Treat Razor Bumps?

Razor bump occurs after shaving, which can cause discomfort to the patient. The methods used for treating razor bumps are as follows:

• Shaving should be avoided using razors; instead, other methods should be adopted.

• Moisturizing the skin is very important after shaving to prevent the formation of razor bumps and to have a soothing effect.

• Home remedies such as the use of tea tree oil, which is used as an astringent that helps in the healing process by making the bump dry and soothe. Aloe vera can be used that helps with inflammation and soothing.

• Cold compression before shaving can help reduce the need for razor bump treatment.

• Chilled cucumber can be applied to the skin, which can reduce further swelling.

• Exfoliation of the affected area helps to remove the dead skin that may clog the pores during shaving.

• Use of topical steroids such as Hydrocortisone are used to provide relief when the skin becomes itchy.

What Are the Complications of Razor Bump?

If the razor bumps are not treated, they can lead to a complication that includes keloid scarring (refers to hard raised bumps). In some rare cases, abscesses can be formed that may need surgical intervention.

Conclusion

Razor bumps are ingrown hair developed after a hair removal technique or using shaving. They are usually painful raised spots that appear after shaving. If anyone is prone to razor bumps, shaving should be avoided or done less frequently. Switching to an electric razor can be a useful option as it does not remove the hair on the skin with close contact. Thick shaving cream helps to keep the hair upright and prevents the chances of razor bumps. In case the razor bump does not improve over time, the dermatologist should be consulted to treat it.