How to soothe razor bumps

Why razor bumps happen

Razor bumps are inflammation around hairs that grow back into the skin after hair removal. Coarse, curly hair is especially prone to doing this, but anyone can get them. Bumps can appear on the face, neck, underarms, legs or pubic area. Waxing can cause them too, so swapping the razor for wax is not necessarily a solution. The bumps can itch, feel tender and leave dark marks or scars.13

What to do for sore bumps now

1. 1Wash gently with a mild cleanser and warm, not hot, water. Do not scrub the irritated area.
2. 2Hold a clean washcloth soaked in warm water against the bumps for 10 minutes. A warm compress can soothe the area and loosen crusts.
3. 3Apply moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated. Lotions, creams and ointments help prevent dryness; moisturizer is supportive care rather than a way to remove trapped hairs.
4. 4Leave the hairs alone. Do not pluck a hair inside a bump, because this can worsen existing bumps and cause new ones.
5. 5Stop using an aftershave if it burns or stings.

How long do razor bumps take to clear?

After stopping the hair removal that caused them, razor bumps often settle over about four to six weeks. For beard bumps, expect fewer within a month, with full clearing taking up to three months. New bumps can still appear initially as hairs from the last shave grow long enough to curve into the skin before eventually growing out.14

If you still need to shave

Avoid chasing the closest possible shave.15

1. 1Check which direction your hair grows, including under the chin. Different areas can grow in different directions.
2. 2Soften the hair with warm water or shave at the end of a shower. Apply moisturizing shaving cream and leave it for one to two minutes. Keep the cream wet, including when using an electric razor.
3. 3Use a sharp razor. A single blade or electric razor is often a useful choice for beard bumps.
4. 4Shave with the direction of growth using short strokes and little pressure. Do not stretch the skin. Avoid repeat passes and leave about 1 mm of stubble rather than shaving closely.
5. 5Rinse away the shaving cream thoroughly. For freshly shaved beard skin, apply a cool, clean washcloth for five minutes, then moisturize.
6. 6Dry the razor and store it somewhere dry. Replace blades when they become dull, damaged or start tugging.

The razor belongs in a dry place after use, not in the shower where it has apparently taken up residence.5

There is no single shaving schedule for every case: shaving every other day is one option, while a beard routine developed for men with darker skin recommends daily shaving or every two to three days to prevent hairs curling back. If bumps persist, change the technique rather than repeatedly shaving closer.14

When to see a dermatologist

See a dermatologist if bumps continue despite changing how you shave. Infection can resemble razor bumps or occur alongside them. Treatment can include creams for inflammation, prescription medicines or laser hair removal. Bumps or raised scars on the back of the head or neck also need assessment: acne keloidalis nuchae is a different condition that can cause permanent scars and hair loss, and home care alone cannot treat it effectively.146