Razor bumps, or ingrown hairs, are small, irritated bumps on the skin. In medical terms, this is known as ‘pseudofolliculitis barbae‘ or ‘sycosis barbae.’
In common parlance, it is called by different names like ‘barber’s itch,’’ ‘barber’s rash,’’ ‘shaving bumps,’’ ‘razor rashes,’’ ‘razor lumps,’’ ‘razor burns,’’ or ‘shaving rashes.’’
The shaving bumps happen when the cut hair strands curl back on themselves and grow into the skin.
“Razor bumps occur after shaving with a very close cut; the hair curls back, preventing its re-exit through the skin. This causes the bump, which later becomes inflamed and even potentially infected,” says Dr. Joely Kaufman, M.D., an American Academy of Dermatology fellow.
Razor burn is more common among men with thick, curly hair. Women who shave their bikini line hair, armpit, legs, and hands also might face this issue.
“Women and men with coarse and curly hair are more prone to developing ingrown hair, and it is more commonly seen in the African and African-American population,” says Nada Elbuluk, MD, MSc, assistant professor in the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Center. Dr. Elbuluk also points out that various hair removal methods, such as waxing, shaving, plucking, and threading, can lead to ingrown hairs.
The ingrown hair is mistaken for the body of a foreign intruder and reacts to it as the body does to the infectious microorganism. This results in a pimple-like bump, skin irritation, itchy inflammations, and scarring.
Razor lumps may not create serious health problems, but they are highly irritating and destroy the beautiful skin texture. The bumps may get filled with puss, discolor the skin, and usually form keloidal scars on the affected area.
But in some cases, a severe bacterial infection in the razor burns can cause serious health issues to some people. “About 30 percent of healthy people carry the bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus on their skin. But when it enters the skin — through a small cut, like from shaving, waxing, or a picked ingrown — it can create an abscess that grows until it’s drained,” says Dr.George G. Kihiczak, a clinical instructor of dermatology at NYU.
How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps?
Razor irritation can occur on any hairy body part after shaving, from the face and underarms to the thighs and legs. Shaving irritation quickly happens in the bikini line area. Itching rashes in the bikini line area can be highly embarrassing.
Fortunately, you can eliminate razor bumps on your bikini area and other body parts with DIY natural remedies, prescription medicines, OTC products, and preventive measures.
DIY Care and Solutions
Rashes, itches, and inflamed lumps caused by shaving are irritating and painful. Do not scratch or pick the razor lumps, as this makes them inflamed and causes scars.
Razor rashes last for up to three to four days. If you cannot wait and endure the pain and irritation, you can get rid of razor rashes overnight or within two days by using any of the good natural remedies we discuss here.
There are also prescription medicines or OTC products that you can use to remove the rashes and bumps caused by shaving. However, if you have severe bacterial infections occurring in the inflamed ingrown hair, you must seek the help of a professional dermatologist to get rid of the issue.
Now let us see some DIY home remedies that work well for barber’s itch and rashes.
1. Cold/Hot Compress
Doing a cold compress is an effective solution to get relief from razor burns. It reduces the pain and irritation by creating a temporary numbing sensation. You can prevent razor bumps by doing a cold compress over the shaven area immediately after the shave.
You can perform a hot compress to soothe the itchy and irritant ingrown hair. The heating effects on the skin open up the skin pores and help the ingrown hair trapped under the skin escape the trap.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda treatment is excellent for soothing the irritation and itching caused by the barber’s rash because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
Add one tablespoon of baking soda in one-half cup water and dilute it thoroughly; soak a cotton ball in the lotion and apply it to the affected areas of the skin.
Let the razor rashes get wet with baking soda solution for 5 minutes, and then rinse the rash with cold water. Repeat this treatment 3 to 4 times daily until the burns and irritation entirely subside and disappear.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel contains two hormones: Auxin and Gibberellins. They have healing powers to soothe wounds and remove inflammation. Aloe vera is a popularly used natural treatment for getting rid of skin rashes, burns, itching, and irritations.
You can directly apply the Aloe Vera gel on the shaved area of the skin to prevent and heal the bumps caused by razor cuts. Using this natural gel every time after shaving is good to avoid rashes.
You can either get the ready-to-use Aloe Vera gel from the drug store or apply the juice from the freshly cut Aloe Vera leaves on the affected areas of the skin. After 15 minutes of using the gel on the rashes, you can rinse it with cold water.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a well-known home remedy for getting rid of all types of inflammations and infections on the skin. Tea Tree Oil contains potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic agents.
It is easy to manage the bumps and irritations caused by the ingrown hair by applying Tea Tree Oil to the affected areas. It effectively prevents possible inflammation and bacterial infection that can happen to shave bumps.
Before applying it to the skin, you must always dilute the Tea Tree Oil in water or carrier oils.
Apply 3 drops of Tea Tree Oil diluted with one tablespoon of coconut oil or water on the affected area for razor burns. Let the applied oil stay on the affected site for 10 minutes, and then wash it off with lukewarm water. You can repeat this treatment twice or thrice daily until the irritation disappears.
Alternatively, mix the Tea Tree Oil with lavender oil in a 2:5 drops ratio and apply this blend on the skin rashes to get the best effects.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a time-tested natural remedy for many infections and irritations that affect the skin. The acetic acid present in ACV is efficient in getting rid of bacterial infections. ACV also contains anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties that can control razor rashes on the skin.
You can directly apply the ACV on the razor-burned area of the skin with a cotton ball. It is better to dilute the ACV with a 1:1 ratio of water if your skin is susceptible to acid. For fast results, you could repeat the treatment thrice a day.
6. Honey
Honey has been utilized in folklore medicines for centuries because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Honey is effective in healing the burns and inflammation caused by razor bumps. It also helps to manage the itching and dryness that may accompany the shaving rashes.
You can directly apply pure and organic honey to the affected area of the skin with rashes and bumps. After 15 minutes of using the honey, you can rinse it off the skin with cold water.
Alternatively, you can apply a mixture of yogurt and honey to eliminate the razor rashes overnight.
7. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is known for its multiple benefits to the skin, such as scar removal, healing inflammations, skin lightening, exfoliation, and antibacterial properties.
It helps to eliminate the infectious microbes that cause skin irritation and bumps after shaving.
The astringent elements in lemon juice help to heal the inflamed bumps quickly and overnight.
With the help of a cotton ball, you can apply a few drops of lemon juice to the affected areas of the skin. If you have sensitive skin, diluting the lemon juice in two tablespoons of water before use is better.
After ten minutes of applying the lemon juice solution, you can rinse the treated area with cold water. Repeat the treatment three times a day to achieve the best results with this treatment.
8. Cucumber
Cucumber face packs and skin mask treatments are popularly used for rejuvenating the skin.
Cucumbers can produce a moistening and calming effect on the razor-burn-affected areas of the skin. Also, cucumber contains Vitamin C and K, which are effective for assuaging the irritation and bumps caused by shaving bumps.
Cut a fresh cucumber into thin slices and rub the pieces over the razor rashes for 5 minutes. Repeat the treatment 3 times a day.
Alternatively, you can grind a handful of sliced cucumber and blend it in 30ml milk; apply this cucumber milk lotion on the affected areas of the skin; rinse off the application after 10 minutes with lukewarm water.
9. Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel is a widely used herbal remedy for treating various skin problems like eczema, psoriasis, sunburn, fungal infections, and others.
Witch hazel contains anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antifungal properties that help cure various skin diseases. This herbal treatment can also help reduce the rashes, itches, and inflammation associated with shaving bumps.
You can buy the Witch Hazel extract lotion from drugstores or online vendors; apply the cream with the help of a cotton ball on the bumps and rashes affected area of the skin. You can rinse off the applied cream from the skin after 20 minutes with cold water. Repeat the treatment thrice daily for fast results.
10. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that can deal with most common infections and bumps on the skin. It is also an excellent natural moisturizer that keeps the skin hydrated and supple.
You can clear up the razor burns from the skin by applying coconut oil to the affected areas of the skin. You can rub the oil onto the skin and let it absorb. Repeat this coconut oil treatment thrice daily to eliminate the bumps and rashes caused by shaving.
Regular Treatments
What are the mainstream treatments for razor bumps and ingrown hair?
If you are not a fan of natural remedies, there are several effective OTC and prescription medicines that you can use to manage bumps or ingrown hair problems.
It is best to take the OTC or prescription medicines your dermatologist recommends. Prolonged use of OTC skincare care products may cause some people allergic reactions or other side effects.
Here are some commonly used drugs that might provide you with the relief and cure of shaving rashes and bumps.
1. Glycolic Cream
Glycolic cream is one of the most commonly used solutions to overcome skin irritation and bumps caused by waxing or shaving.
This ointment is also said to be effective in removing hyperpigmentation and scarring.
The glycolic acid in this cream may not be agreeable to sensitive skin as it progressively removes the epidermis, resulting in skin dryness, flaking, and scarring.
2. Aspirin Paste
The salicylic acid in Aspirin aspirin-hed thread and inflamed skin cells, killing the bills and opening up the theopensggedes. It is best for treating inflamed bumps and rashes on the skin.
Crush and pound 2 Aspirin pills and knead them into a thin paste with the help of water. Apply the Aspirin paste on the bumps erupting skin area; after 15 minutes, you can rinse off the application with lukewarm water.
3. Alum Block
Use an alum block to stop bleeding from minor nicks and cuts and to cool and soothe skin irritation.
Alum block, which resembles a crystal bar, has antiseptic and anticoagulant properties that are good for healing cuts and inflammation on the skin.
Wet the affected or shaved skin area with water and gently rub the alum block on the skin for a few minutes.
It is best to use the Alum block immediately after shaving to prevent skin irritation and rashes from shaving. You can use it on any shaved skin area, including the face and bikini line area.
4. Hydrocortisone Cream
Hydrocortisone cream is an OTC product that you can use for managing inflamed skin. It works well for bumps, rashes, itches, eczema, and psoriasis.
This cream reduces or stops bleeding by constricting the blood flow to the irritated skin. Hydrocortisone lotion is also beneficial for reducing irritation and rashes on the skin. Applying 1% hydrocortisone cream is recommended for razor burns.
5. Antibacterial Creams
Any good antibacterial creams can heal the inflamed bumps and rashes on the skin caused by the razors. Bacitracin, Neosporin, Polysporin, Polymixin B, Neomycin, and Bacitracin are some of the most influential brands you can get in a drugstore.
Prevention
Tips For Preventing Razor Bumps And Ingrown Hair Through Correct Shaving Practices
If your skin is prone to shaving bumps and rashes, you should be extra cautious in adopting correct shaving practices. Here are some of the preventive steps you can adopt:
- Avoid the habit of daily shaving and wait for hair to grow a bit longer before shaving; armpits and bikini area could be shaved once a week only.
- Always glide the razor in the direction of hair growth to give a smooth angle to the tip of the remaining hair; mainly, hair grows downward.
- Always use sharp razors, and do not overuse them to the point of becoming blunt, which does not cut the hair neatly; a dull blade also hurts and irritates the skin.
- Soak and splash warm water over the skin before shaving to make the skin and hair soft and smooth for comfortable and neat shaving; it is better to do a hot compress before the shave.
- Before shaving, lubricate the skin with pre-shave oil or shaving gel; do not shave when dry.
- Exfoliate the skin before shaving to open up the clogged skin pores; this helps to dislodge bacteria residing in the skin pores and dead skin cells.
- Do not run the razor over the shaved area too often; if you use a sharp razor, it is enough to pull the razor once or twice to remove all the hair neatly.
- Do not press the razor too hard on the skin while shaving; gently gliding the razor is sufficient to cut the hair perfectly parallel to the skin surface.
- You can rinse the skin with cold water aftershave; cold temperature closes up the skin pores and prevents bacteria from entering the skin pores.
- Pat dry the skin after the shave and apply the aftershave lotion and moisturizer to avoid burns and rashes; Aloe Vera gel is an excellent natural moisturizer to use.
- Do not wear tight clothing over the shaved area of the skin; tight dress causes friction and traps sweat and bacteria. Wearing tight underwear is one of the significant reasons for ingrown hair in the pubic area.
Use Alternative Methods of Shaving
Using a razor for shaving increases the chances of getting bumps and rashes on the skin. There are alternative methods of hair removal which are safer than using a razor for shaving.
1. Chemical Depilatory
Chemical depilatory helps to neatly remove the hair without causing razor burns and rashes. This method is safer than waxing or shaving.
The depilatory method uses chemicals to remove the hairs neatly across the skin surface. The depilatory chemicals are usually infused into gel, roll-on-liquids, aerosol, cream, or lotion.
You must apply the depilatory chemical on the hair and let it stay on them for 5-10 minutes. The hair becomes weak with the effect of chemicals and falls off quickly when scrapped.
It is more convenient and safer than razor and waxing; no chances of cuts and blemishes on the skin. It is suitable for removing bikini lines and underarm hairs.
However, not everyone will find it easy to use the chemical solutions because of their foul smell and allergic reactions in some cases. The cut ends of the hair also regrow after a few days, and you must repeat the treatment.
2. Waxing
Waxing is the most commonly used attentive method of razor shaving. Waxing helps remove the hairs from the roots and takes up to 4 weeks for the regrowth of hair.
Waxing has reduced the chances of developing ingrown hair because the new hairs that grow after waxing are thinner and finer than shaving with a razor. However, incidences of skin irritation are higher with waxing than with razor shaving.
3. Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is the safest method to eliminate unwanted hair with lasting results. It destroys the hair follicles with pulses of laser light.
It takes several months for the hair to regrow after the laser treatment. This is the most suitable hair removal solution for people who suffer from frequent bouts of razor bumps.
However, laser hair removal is expensive, and you must undergo 4 to 6 treatment sessions to remove the hair entirely.
Final Thoughts
Shaving bumps occur when the remnants of cut hair end in the hair follicles of the skin and grow into the skin surrounding the follicles instead of growing out. The ingrown hair causes a pimple-like bump, irritation, and scarring.
Razor bumps are highly irritating and embarrassing. If they are not treated well on time, they can develop into severe inflammation on the skin and deep scar marks after healing.
One of the best ways to eliminate shaving bumps is to stop picking and pressing the spots on the skin. To prevent bumps and rashes on the skin after shaving, follow healthy shaving habits and adopt all necessary preventive methods we have already discussed in this article.
If your skin is prone to barber’s itch and irritation, you must use local disinfectant or antimicrobial treatment every time after shaving. Use iodine solution, Tea Tree Oil, or any alcohol-based post-shaving astringent to prevent the bumps and rashes caused by a razor.