How to deal with razor bumps

Why do razor bumps happen?

Razor bumps are inflamed bumps caused by hairs growing back into the skin after hair removal. The medical name is pseudofolliculitis barbae. Curly or coarse hair is more prone to becoming ingrown, but anyone can get bumps. They can affect the beard, legs, armpits and pubic area. Waxing, plucking and threading can also cause ingrown hairs, so replacing the razor with tweezers is not necessarily an escape route.134

What should you do about existing bumps?

1. 1Pause shaving the affected area if possible. Wash gently with a mild cleanser rather than scrubbing the bumps.
2. 2Apply a warm, moist washcloth for 10 to 15 minutes, three or four times a day, to soften the skin and ease discomfort.
3. 3Keep the skin moisturised. For beard bumps, work facial moisturiser through the hair onto the skin underneath.
4. 4Leave buried hairs alone. Do not scratch, squeeze or dig with a needle. A healthcare professional can remove a trapped hair safely.
5. 5Wear looser clothing where fabric rubs against bumps on the legs or pubic area.

How should you shave to prevent more bumps?

Leaving some stubble helps reduce ingrown hairs, even if the razor advert has built its entire personality around removing it. Aim to leave at least 1 mm rather than chasing a completely smooth finish.3

1. 1Soften the hair with warm water. Shave at the end of a shower or after holding a warm, damp washcloth against the area.
2. 2Apply moisturising shaving cream or gel. For sensitive skin, choose a fragrance free product labelled for sensitive skin.
3. 3Follow the direction of hair growth. Use short, light strokes without stretching the skin, and avoid repeated passes over one spot.
4. 4Rinse the blade after every stroke. Use a sharp blade and replace disposable razors after 5 to 7 shaves.
5. 5Rinse off the shaving cream and apply a cool, damp washcloth. Store the razor somewhere dry, outside the shower.

Try an electric shaver if blade shaving keeps causing bumps. Shaving frequency involves a tradeoff: shaving less often reduces repeated irritation, while regular shaving gives hair less time to curl back. Start with every other day rather than repeatedly shaving inflamed skin.134

Do exfoliants or creams help?

Glycolic acid products can help reduce new bumps by removing surface dead skin. Exfoliation needs care: aggressive scrubbing can increase inflammation and leave dark marks. Ask a pharmacist about an exfoliating product or a cream for itching rather than trying to scrub a buried hair free. Hair removal creams are another option, but they can irritate skin.123

How long do razor bumps take to clear?

Razor bumps usually settle about 4 to 6 weeks after stopping the hair removal method that caused them. Dark marks or scars can remain after inflammation clears. Continuing the same shaving habits can keep the problem going.1

When should you get medical help?

Get medical help promptly for increasing pain, heat or swelling, spreading redness, substantial pus, fever or feeling unwell. Infection can resemble razor bumps and occur alongside them. See a dermatologist if bumps persist despite changing your shaving habits or start leaving raised scars. Treatment can include steroid creams for inflammation, antibiotics for infection, or laser hair removal for recurring bumps.1234