Key takeaways:
Razor bumps occur when ingrown hairs develop after shaving.
Anyone who shaves can get razor bumps. But people with coarse or curly hair and people of African descent are more likely to get them.
Topical treatments, avoiding shaving, and good skin care can help get rid of razor bumps in a matter of days. In severe cases, razor bumps can be a chronic condition.
Anyone who shaves has probably experienced red, itchy bumps on their skin. Razor bumps aren’t a serious medical condition, but they can be uncomfortable, itchy, and unattractive.
Even if you take great care of your skin, you may find yourself trying to soothe these annoying little bumps. Let’s take a closer look at what causes them and how you can get rid of razor bumps fast.
What are razor bumps?
Razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae) are caused by ingrown hairs that develop after shaving. When a person shaves their hair, the end that’s cut is sharp. As the hair grows, it can curl back and pierce the skin. New skin grows over the hair and the ingrown hairs cause an immune response and the bump you see. Sometimes, razor bumps can become inflamed or even infected.
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Razor bumps can happen anywhere hair is shaved. Common areas to see razor bumps are:
Face
Pubic area
Armpits
Legs
Why do you get razor bumps after shaving?
Anyone who shaves can get razor bumps. But some people are more prone to getting them. You’re more likely to develop razor bumps if you:
Have coarse hair
Have curly hair
Are of African descent
Use certain shaving techniques (multiblade razor, pulling skin, shaving against hair)
How do you get rid of razor bumps fast?
There are many different treatment options for razor bumps. The most effective way to stop razor bumps is to avoid shaving the hair at all. But for many people, this isn’t a desirable option.
Other treatments to get rid of razor bumps fast are:
Low-to-medium-potency topical steroids right after shaving
Benzoyl peroxide
Topical retinoids like Retin-A
Glycolic or salicylic acid peels
Permanent hair removal (via laser removal or electrolysis)
Topical or oral antibiotics (if infection is present)
In addition to medical therapies, good skin care can also help your razor bumps to go away quickly. Some skin care tips to help clear razor bumps include:
Apply cool compresses. This will help with any discomfort in the affected area.
Apply warm compresses. This will soften the skin and help ingrown hairs come to the surface.
Use aftershave or aloe. This can help to soothe skin irritation.
Moisturize the affected area. This will keep the area soft and less irritated.
Keep the skin clean. This will help to prevent infection.
What happens if razor bumps are left untreated?
There are many reasons you may want to treat your razor bumps quickly. They can be itchy and uncomfortable, and they can make you self-conscious about your appearance. Razor bumps can also sometimes become infected.
When left untreated, razor bumps can lead to darkening of the skin, a condition called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Scarring or keloid formation can also happen. This is especially common in people of African descent.
How long does it take for razor bumps to go away?
The time it takes for razor bumps to go away varies a lot. With good skin care and proper treatment, they can resolve in as little as 1 to 2 weeks.
But for many people, especially Black men, pseudofolliculitis can be a chronic condition. In people prone to chronic razor bumps, prevention is key.
How can you prevent razor bumps when you shave?
With razor bumps, prevention is very important. But many people who are prone to razor bumps will make the decision to shave again at some point. Here are a few tips that may help you to prevent razor bumps the next time you shave:
Before you shave, wet your skin and hair to soften it.
Use a moisturizing shaving cream.
Shave in the direction of hair growth.
Rinse your blade after every swipe.
Don’t pull your skin tight as you shave
Change your blade after every five to six shaves. Dull blades are more likely to cause irritation.
If you have sensitive skin, choose a single or double-blade razor. Multiblade razors can cut too close to the skin and can be irritating.
If you’re still prone to getting razor bumps, dermatologists also recommend letting your hair grow. In other words, simply don’t shave. If that isn’t an option for you, try to shave more frequently. That way your hair doesn’t get too long and start to curve.
Another way to prevent razor bumps is to consider laser hair removal (photodepilation). This is considered permanent hair removal. With this procedure, a small electric current applied to the hair follicle destroys its ability to grow new hair.
Are razor bumps different from razor burn?
Both razor bumps and razor burn are caused by shaving, and they can happen in all the same places. But, razor bumps are different from razor burn.
Razor bumps are caused by ingrown hairs. Razor burn is caused by irritation on the surface of the skin. It usually happens if you don’t wet your skin before you shave. It can also happen if you use a dull blade or shave with too much pressure. Sometimes people who have razor burn can also develop razor bumps.
Razor burn usually shows up right after you shave. On the other hand, razor bumps take several days to develop. The cut hair needs time to grow back into the skin. And inflammation has to develop before you notice a bump.
The bottom line
Razor bumps aren’t a serious medical condition, but they can be uncomfortable. And they can lead to troublesome outcomes like scarring, hyperpigmentation, and infection. Razor bumps are more likely to occur in Black people and people with coarse or curly hair.
Sometimes, razor bumps can be treated with topical medications, and good skin care and shaving habits. In severe cases, you may consider not shaving or permanent hair removal. If you have razor bumps, talk with your healthcare provider about your treatment options.
References
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Skin care tips for men.
Dunn, J. F., Jr. (1988). Pseudofolliculitis barbae. American Family Physician.
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Kundu, R. V., et al. (2013). Dermatologic conditions in skin of color: Part II. Disorders occurring predominantly in skin of color. American Family Physician.
Ludmann, P. (2022). Razor bump remedies for men with darker skin tones. American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Ogunbiyi, A. (2019). Pseudofolliculitis barbae: Current treatment options. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.
Patel, T. S., et al. (2022). Pseudofolliculitis barbae. JAMA Dermatology.
Ribera, M., et al. (2010). [Pseudofolliculitis barbae]. Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas.
Schleehauf, B. (2022). 6 razor bump prevention tips from dermatologists. American Academy of Dermatology Association.
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