One of the most common challenges faced by both genders after shaving or removing unwanted hair growth from the face and body, are tiny bumps on the skin or razor bumps. Initially described in 1956 and medically termed as Pseudofolliculitis Barbae and barber’s itch, this skin irritation and eruption is caused when hair is plucked or shaved from the body, especially from sensitive areas which experience growth of curly hair, like the genitals. Due to their naturally curly structure, this hair, on growing back after being shaved, tends to curl inwards into the follicles instead of growing out of them, thus causing inflammation, infections, pain, itchiness and redness of the skin, pimples, pustules, scarring and skin diseases. These razor bumps most commonly appear on the face after shaving the beard or facial hair in men and in the genital or bikini region of women after the shaving of pubic hair. This unpleasant by-product of hair shaving and removal is best cured through prevention.
Few Dos and Don’ts to treat and avoid this skin problem are listed below:
It is best to avoid shaving for a few days once razor bumps are noticed on the skin, as shaving over these bumps can tear open these growths and make them susceptible to infection. The hair should be left to grow out on its own through these bumps in order to avoid any further complications.
Thin, disinfected needles and tweezers can also be used to pull out or release the extra-follicular hair gently from within the skin, thereby inhibiting the development of these ugly bumps.
Scrubbing or exfoliation helps to remove dirt, microbes and dead skin build-up from the epidermis, thereby giving way to a close and ideal shaving experience with no after-effects like shaving bumps. Natural as well as artificial scrubs can be used for this purpose regularly.
These bumps resemble acne or pimples but are actually skin irritations and hence, should not be squeezed or picked to keep chances of infection and scarring at bay. Even shaving in the affected region should be avoided for some days to allow the bumps to ebb.
Infected and inflamed skin should be treated with hydrocortisone in order to moisturize, soothe and soften the affected dermal area, thereby reducing itchiness and redness of the skin and helping in getting rid of these unwanted bumps. However, prolonged use of hydrocortisone should be avoided as it can react with the skin to cause rashes.
Use creams and natural home remedies with ingredients that display anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory properties that help to treat and prevent infected razor bumps on the skin. Some examples of such ingredients are – Salicylic acid which acts on the skin and helps to dissolve and remove a thin layer of the epidermis that entraps the ingrown hairs inside the razor bumps; Witch hazel, Aloe Vera and tea tree extracts that are antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic in nature, helping to protect the razor itches from infections.
Depilatories or hair removal creams contain chemicals that help to dislodge the hairs that are present on the skin where these creams are applied. These creams gently remove the hair without being harsh on the skin, thereby helping to avoid razor bumps
Razor itches can be prevented by following a proper shaving etiquette. Proper razors should be used and razors should be changed frequently. Wetting the area to be shaved with warm water, soaking and softening the skin and hair prior to shaving; use of shaving gel before shaving and after-shave lotions, moisturizers and eau de cologne post shaves especially in men; and shaving in the direction of the hair growth and not in the opposite direction are few of the important rules to be kept in mind for having a healthy and razor bump-free shaving experience.
Hope you might have now got some clear ideas on how to prevent razor bumps. Share with us your valuable comments if any. Be cautious! Stay healthy!