What are razor bumps called?

Are razor bumps the same as ingrown hairs?

The terms overlap. An ingrown hair is the strand that grows back into the skin; pseudofolliculitis barbae describes the inflammatory reaction around it. Shaving creates a sharp hair tip that can pierce the skin as the hair grows. Although the medical name is associated with the beard area, the same problem can affect shaved or plucked hair on the legs, armpits and pubic area. Waxing can also cause ingrown hairs.134

What do razor bumps look like?

Razor bumps usually appear as small raised spots around hairs, sometimes with a visible trapped hair. They can be skin coloured, red, brown or purple, and feel itchy or tender. In the beard area, the neck and skin beneath the jaw are common locations. Pain or itching can start a day or two after shaving, followed by bumps or pus filled spots. Thick, coarse or tightly curled hair increases the risk, and razor bumps are more common in people with darker skin tones. Anyone who removes hair can develop ingrown hairs.145

Are razor bumps an infection?

Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a reaction to ingrown hairs, not necessarily an infection. Folliculitis barbae is an infection of hair follicles that can look similar, and both can occur together. Shaving can damage follicles, allowing germs inside. Spots that resemble acne are not enough to tell the conditions apart; a dermatologist can examine them and decide whether medication, such as an antibiotic, is needed. Ingrown hairs themselves are not contagious.146

What should you do about razor bumps?

Stopping shaving is an option if growing a beard fits your life, even if the razor would prefer to remain employed. Letting the hair grow allows trapped tips to release from the skin. Do not pick, scratch, pop or pluck the bumps, because doing so can worsen inflammation or cause infection and scarring. A warm compress for 10 to 15 minutes can help trapped hairs release.24

If you need to keep shaving, change the technique:

1. 1Wet the skin and hair with warm water, then apply moisturizing shaving cream. Keep the cream wet rather than shaving over dry skin.
2. 2Use a sharp single blade razor or try an electric shaver. With an electric shaver, hold it just above the skin surface.
3. 3Shave in the direction of hair growth using short strokes and light pressure. Do not stretch the skin or aim for an extremely close shave.
4. 4Rinse the blade after each stroke. Rinse away the shaving cream afterward, then dry the razor and store it somewhere dry.

How long do razor bumps take to clear?

A single ingrown hair often settles within one to two weeks as the hair grows and releases. An ongoing beard area outbreak takes longer: after stopping shaving, expect fewer bumps within about a month and clearing over as long as three months. New bumps can still appear initially when hairs from the last shave curl into the skin. Keeping the same hair removal habits can keep the problem going.124

When should you see a doctor?

Seek medical advice if bumps become bigger and more painful, develop pus, or do not improve with home care and changes to shaving. Persistent razor bumps can leave dark marks or raised scars. If stopping shaving is not possible, a dermatologist can help adjust your routine and choose treatment for inflammation or infection.346