Are razor bumps bad?

What are razor bumps?

Razor bumps, medically called pseudofolliculitis, are inflammation around hairs trapped beneath the skin. Cutting hair very short can let it retract beneath the surface or curl back into the skin as it grows. Coarse or curly hair is more prone to this. Anyone can get razor bumps, including on the face, neck, legs, armpits or pubic area. Razor bumps are different from razor burn. Bumps look like small pimples around hairs; razor burn is a blotchy, irritated rash that usually appears within minutes of shaving and lasts hours to days.1234

Can razor bumps cause lasting damage?

Bumps can itch, feel tender or bleed during shaving. After they heal, dark marks can remain; these are called post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Scarring can include raised keloid scars. Persistent beard bumps can also leave permanent deep grooves. Razor bumps start as inflammation rather than infection, but damaged follicles can become infected. Both problems can occur together, so not every bump after shaving needs an antibiotic.235

How do you help existing bumps clear?

Stop shaving, waxing or tweezing the affected area if possible. Inflammation commonly settles over four to six weeks after stopping. Beard bumps can take longer to disappear completely: expect fewer within a month, with clearance taking up to three months. New bumps can briefly appear after your last shave as previously cut hairs curl into the skin before growing out. Do not scratch, pick, squeeze or pluck hairs from bumps. Picking can damage skin and cause infection. A warm compress can soothe the area; for razor bumps, hold it in place for about 10 minutes.1235

What if you still need to shave?

Avoid a very close shave and consider an electric razor instead of a blade. A closer shave is not always a better shave, despite the razor aisle's commitment to the opposite idea.3

1. 1Check which direction your hair grows. Different parts of the beard can grow in different directions.
2. 2Wet the skin with warm water. For the beard, shave after a shower or apply a warm compress for five minutes.
3. 3Apply moisturizing shaving cream, including when using an electric razor. Leave it on for one to two minutes and keep it wet.
4. 4Use a sharp single blade or electric razor. Shave with the hair growth using short, light strokes, without stretching the skin. Avoid repeated passes and leave about 1 mm of stubble.
5. 5Rinse the blade after each stroke. Rinse off the shaving cream afterward, then apply a cool, wet cloth.
6. 6Dry the razor and store it somewhere dry. Stop using an aftershave if it burns or stings.

There is no single shaving schedule that suits every pattern of ingrown hair. Shaving every other day helps some people avoid irritation and overly short hairs. For men with darker skin and beard hairs that curl back as they lengthen, shaving daily or every two to three days can help instead. If changing technique does not reduce the bumps, see a dermatologist rather than repeatedly changing the schedule.35

Is another hair removal method better?

Waxing can also cause trapped hairs, so a different appointment does not necessarily buy a different outcome. Hair removal creams help some people avoid ingrown hairs, but can irritate skin. Test a cream first and follow its manufacturer's testing and application instructions. Laser treatment can reduce hair growth for prolonged periods. Darker skin has a higher risk of pigment changes with laser or intense pulsed light treatment, so discuss that risk with a qualified practitioner.36

When should you see a doctor?

See a doctor if the bump or surrounding area is very painful, hot or swollen, or if you have a high temperature, chills or feel very unwell. Pus can indicate an infected ingrown hair. See a dermatologist for recurring bumps despite careful shaving, developing scars, or bumps you cannot manage because you must keep shaving. Treatment can include creams to reduce inflammation, prescription retinoids or antibiotics when needed. If shaving has caused infected folliculitis, stop shaving, plucking or waxing for 30 days.137