Razor Bumps: Causes, Symptoms & Simple Solutions

Razor bumps, medically known as Pseudofolliculitis Barbae, are minor irritations of the skin. They are extremely common and are usually completely harmless and cause no long-term effects.

Identification

• Razor bumps are tiny red bumps that appear after shaving. Sometimes they appear like tiny pimples on the shaved areas.

Prevention/Solution

• Using a shaving gel can reduce razor bumps. For sensitive skin, letting the skin absorb moisture by shaving at least 10 minutes into a hot shower or bath helps avoid razor bumps and skin irritation. The only way to eliminate razor bumps is to stop shaving with a razor and use other means of hair removal.

Misconceptions

• Razor bumps are not due to improper shaving technique or equipment. They are due to the re-growth of hair and it growing sideways into the skin, causing irritation.

Considerations

• Razor bumps are most common in African-Americans and individuals with extremely curly hair. Men are also at risk because they shave every day, causing repeated opportunities for razor bumps.

Warning

• Razor bumps usually fade on their own. Any bumps that get enlarged, extremely painful and full of pus warrant a trip to the doctor in case of bacterial infection.