If you’ve engaged in any form of hair removal activity through shaving, be it your facial hair or hairs growing in other unwanted places, chances are you’ve come across these unsightly red bumps we so commonly know as razor bumps or folliculitis.
Now some of you might be wondering what it actually is and how it happens.
Essentially, razor bumps are these itsy-bitsy, irksome infections in the hair follicle that causes a red bump.
It typically occurs after shaving over hair follicles. But as the hair tries to grow out, the inflammation and irritation cause the hair to either grow inwardly or presents itself as a harrowing pimple-like bump on the skin.
You’ll be able to recognize them because they are usually itchy, tender and can even result in scarring.
So, today we'll be discussing six tips on how you can treat these tiny little bumps.
6 Useful Tips to get rid of razor bumps
Everyone can experience razor bumps, but unfortunately, people who have curly hair or sensitive skin would be more likely to develop it.
Even though razor bumps tend to go away without treatment, there are few tips you can follow to treat these existing bumps and at the same time prevent more from developing.
1. Moisturize the affected area
Some people may choose to skip this procedure, but it’s important that you apply a moisturizer after patting the area dry as this will help to not only hydrate and soften the skin but also protect as well as ease any itching you may have due to razor burns or razor bumps.
Find a moisturizer that is alcohol-free to avoid further irritation of your skin.
2. Apply cold compress
After shaving, apply a wet washcloth (dipped in cold water) on the affected area for a few minutes.
A cold compress helps to reduce the itchiness of the bumps by numbing the nerve endings and if you use a cold compress right after shaving, this will help prevent the razor bumps from developing.
Hot compress, on the other hand, helps to treat razor bumps by opening the skin pores and freeing the trapped ingrown hair.
3. Exfoliating to release ingrown hairs
Ingrown hairs are no stranger to razor bumps (vice versa) and are in fact almost the same. These are growing hairs that curl back into the skin and penetrate it, causing inflammation, pimple-like bumps, irritation, and itching.
Exfoliating works both ways. It can help prevent ingrown hairs if it’s applied before shaving, and at the same time help release ingrown hairs from being embedded. So make sure you scrub before shaving.
You may also use sterilized needles or tweezers to dig out the ingrown hair (although this is not recommended). Unsterilized ones can cause bacterial infections and scarring.
4. Try a home remedy
You can try the unconventional way of diluting two uncoated tablets of aspirin and applying it into the razor bumps for a quarter of an hour.
Other razor burn remedies you can find in your home include:
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coconut oil
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aloe vera
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witch hazel
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tea tree oil
Spread a thin layer over the skin with razor burn, but make sure to run a small patch test on your skin in case you develop an allergic reaction. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse it with cool water.
5. Use a topical cream
Sometimes the inflamed razor bumps can take longer time to heal, you can aid the recovery process with a topical steroid.
Hydrocortisone creams work by reducing inflammation. You can easily find them at your local drug stores. However, if you notice worsening of the symptoms after 3 days of using the cream, visit a dermatologist because you may need stronger steroids and antibiotics to treat the underlying infection.
6. Give it time
Last but not least, avoid shaving the affected areas while it is still healing. Try to shave your legs less often to prevent bumps, such as once or twice a week.
Download our Doc2Us app from Google Play Store or Apple Store and chat with a doctor now.
References:
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Lapidos, R. (2018). How to finally stop pesky razor bumps in their tracks. [online] Well+Good. Available at: https://www.wellandgood.com/good-looks/how-to-get-rid-of-razor-bumps/.
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Silver, N. (2017). How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps on Your Legs. [online] Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/get-rid-of-razor-burn-on-legs#prevention.
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