Are razor bumps itchy?

Why are razor bumps itchy?

A closely cut hair can curve back into the skin or become trapped beneath its surface. The skin reacts to the hair as a foreign object, causing inflammation around the hair follicle, the small opening where a hair grows. That reaction can cause itching and tenderness. The medical name is pseudofolliculitis barbae. Coarse or curly hair is more prone to becoming ingrown, although anyone can get razor bumps. They can appear on the face, neck, legs, armpits or pubic area, not just the beard.12

Is it razor burn, razor bumps or an infection?

Razor burn is an irritated rash after shaving; razor bumps are individual, pimple like bumps associated with ingrown hairs. Both can itch. Sometimes a trapped hair is visible beneath the skin. Bumps can look red on white skin, while redness can be harder to see on black or brown skin. Infected hair follicles, called folliculitis, can look similar and can occur alongside razor bumps. Itching cannot reliably tell them apart.123

What should you do about the itching?

1. 1Pause shaving, waxing and plucking while the skin is inflamed. More hair removal can worsen irritation.
2. 2Clean the affected area daily. Use clean hands and washcloths, and reduce rubbing from tight clothing.
3. 3Apply a cool, wet cloth for irritation after shaving. For tender follicles, a warm, moist compress can help; DermNet describes warm compresses for 10 minutes to soothe razor bumps.
4. 4If the surrounding skin also has razor burn, use a fragrance free moisturizer. Colloidal oatmeal in bathwater can help relieve itching from razor burn.
5. 5Do not scratch, pick or squeeze the bumps. This can damage the skin and lead to infection. Ask a pharmacist about creams or lotions for itching rather than digging out the hair yourself.

How long does the itching last?

Razor bumps usually subside about 4 to 6 weeks after stopping the hair removal that caused them. That is the time for the condition to settle, not an exact deadline for the itching. Razor burn can clear within hours or a few days. Continuing the same shaving habits can keep razor bumps coming back.23

How can you prevent another itchy shave?

1. 1Soften the hairs with warm water or a warm, damp washcloth before shaving, then apply moisturizing shaving cream or gel.
2. 2Shave in the direction the hair grows, using short strokes and as few passes as possible. Do not stretch the skin.
3. 3Avoid a very close shave. Leaving about 1 mm of stubble helps reduce ingrown hairs.
4. 4Use a sharp, clean razor, rinse it after each stroke and store it somewhere dry. Finish with a cool, damp washcloth.

Leaving a little stubble is a valid shaving choice, even if razor adverts rarely give it a speaking role. An electric shaver is another option, so a blade does not have to be the permanent employee. There is no single shaving frequency to follow: shaving less often reduces irritation, while more frequent shaving can limit how far hair grows and curls. If bumps persist and you cannot stop shaving, a dermatologist can help choose a technique and treatment.2467

When should you get medical help?

See a doctor if a bump or the surrounding skin becomes very painful, hot or swollen, or if you develop a fever, chills or feel very unwell. Pus can indicate an infected ingrown hair. Suspected folliculitis that worsens, repeatedly returns or lasts longer than 2 to 3 days despite home care also needs assessment. Persistent razor bumps deserve treatment because they can leave dark marks or scars; acne medicines should be used with a doctor's advice.1235