Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsStop ShavingShave DifferentlyMoisturizeUse Hair Removal ProductsApply Natural RemediesUse Medication
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Stop Shaving
Shave Differently
Moisturize
Use Hair Removal Products
Apply Natural Remedies
Use Medication
Razor bumps can last up to three months, but this depends on how prone you are to getting them and whether or not you shave regularly.For some people, they take a long time to go away and can come back quickly. With the right steps, however, you can get rid of razor bumps and keep them from returning.
Razor bumps are small, inflamed bumps around thehair follicles. They occur on the face and other areas you regularly shave. Razor bumps happen when the cut hair curls backward andgrows into the skin, causing irritation and inflammation.
Razor bumps can look like acne and may become itchy and painful. They can even turn into pustules (small fluid-filled bumps) and may become infected or cause other complications.
This article will explain what razor bumps are, how to get rid of them, and ways to prevent them from coming back.
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Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ and © Raimo Suhonenwww.dermnetnz.org2022
What Are Some Complications of Razor Bumps?Left untreated, razor bumps can lead to complications such as:Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation(areas of darkened skin left after inflammation)Keloid formation (a raised, “overgrown” scar)Hypertrophic scarring (a thickened, widened scar)
What Are Some Complications of Razor Bumps?
Left untreated, razor bumps can lead to complications such as:Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation(areas of darkened skin left after inflammation)Keloid formation (a raised, “overgrown” scar)Hypertrophic scarring (a thickened, widened scar)
Left untreated, razor bumps can lead to complications such as:
Stop Shaving to Reduce Razor Bumps
The most effective way to manage razor bumps is to stop shaving your face or other parts of your body and let the hair grow naturally. This will eliminate active bumps and prevent new ones from forming.
Once you stop shaving, you should notice fewer bumps after about a month, and your razor bumps should resolve completely in around three months.
If a clean-shaven face is required for work, you can ask your healthcare provider to provide a note explaining why you cannot have a closely shaven face.
How to Treat Razor Burn
Change Your Shaving Routine
How you shave matters. When you shave, it may help to do the following:
If you’re prone to getting razor bumps, check your skin often for signs of complications like scarring, which can leave permanent marks on your skin. If changing the way you shave doesn’t seem to help reduce razor bumps, see your dermatologist.
Moisturize Your Face Before and After
Moisturizing your face can help reduce razor bumps. Always choose a moisturizing shaving cream, even if you use an electric razor. Leave it on your skin for a few minutes before you start shaving. After shaving, apply moisturizer.
Try Non-Razor Hair Removal Products
Chemical depilatory products containingbarium sulfideorcalcium thioglycolatedissolve the hair instead of cutting or pulling it out, which may reduce razor bumps. They come in creams, powders, strips, and other formulations.
These products include:
Products range from mild to strong and can causechemical burnswhen misused or when used on sensitive areas like the face. After a patch test, if using it on the face, leave it on for less time than the package recommends until you see how your skin reacts to it.
Before using any of these products, try a small amount on a test area and watch for a reaction.
Don’t use these products on razor bumps; wait until the skin is clear and free of bumps to reduce irritation. Use these products no more than every 48 to 72 hours.
After the process is done, immediately and thoroughly rinse the area two or three times with soap and water. Then use a diluted vinegar solution (1 tablespoon per pint of water) to neutralize the depilatory. Rinse again with tap water.
Apply Natural Remedies
Some natural remedies that may help manage razor bump symptoms include:
If necessary, your healthcare provider may recommend non-prescription or prescription medications such as:
When to See a Healthcare ProviderIf your razor bumps don’t start to disappear within a month after you’ve stopped shaving or have changed the way you shave, see your healthcare provider. They may want to rule out other causes of your symptoms or suggest prescription medications.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If your razor bumps don’t start to disappear within a month after you’ve stopped shaving or have changed the way you shave, see your healthcare provider. They may want to rule out other causes of your symptoms or suggest prescription medications.
Try Professional Hair Removal Methods
Certain medical procedures may help with razor bumps that are resistant to other therapies. For example:
Should you pop razor bumps?Don’t pop razor bumps. Doing so could increase your risk of infection and lead to scarring. It’s best to let them resolve on their own, and then take steps to prevent them from recurring.
Should you pop razor bumps?
Don’t pop razor bumps. Doing so could increase your risk of infection and lead to scarring. It’s best to let them resolve on their own, and then take steps to prevent them from recurring.
How to Deal With Razor Burn on Your Legs
Summary
They are usually on the face and neck but can occur anywhere that hair is shaved. They are more common in people with naturally curly hair.
Treating Painful Scalp Pimples
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Razor bump remedies for men with darker skin tones.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Pseudofolliculitis barbae.Michel D.Pseudofolliculitis barbae: Prevention and treatment.US Pharm. 2016;41(10):37-40.Patel TS, Dalia Y.Pseudofolliculitis barbae.JAMA Dermatol. 2022;158(6):708. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.0077Ogunbiyi A.Pseudofolliculitis barbae; current treatment options.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019;12:241-247. doi:10.2147/CCID.S149250Pine Belt Dermatology.What are razor bumps & how to treat them.University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.Pseudofolliculitis barbae: razor bumps.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Razor bump remedies for men with darker skin tones.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Pseudofolliculitis barbae.Michel D.Pseudofolliculitis barbae: Prevention and treatment.US Pharm. 2016;41(10):37-40.Patel TS, Dalia Y.Pseudofolliculitis barbae.JAMA Dermatol. 2022;158(6):708. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.0077Ogunbiyi A.Pseudofolliculitis barbae; current treatment options.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019;12:241-247. doi:10.2147/CCID.S149250Pine Belt Dermatology.What are razor bumps & how to treat them.University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.Pseudofolliculitis barbae: razor bumps.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Razor bump remedies for men with darker skin tones.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Pseudofolliculitis barbae.Michel D.Pseudofolliculitis barbae: Prevention and treatment.US Pharm. 2016;41(10):37-40.Patel TS, Dalia Y.Pseudofolliculitis barbae.JAMA Dermatol. 2022;158(6):708. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.0077Ogunbiyi A.Pseudofolliculitis barbae; current treatment options.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019;12:241-247. doi:10.2147/CCID.S149250Pine Belt Dermatology.What are razor bumps & how to treat them.University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.Pseudofolliculitis barbae: razor bumps.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Razor bump remedies for men with darker skin tones.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Pseudofolliculitis barbae.
Michel D.Pseudofolliculitis barbae: Prevention and treatment.US Pharm. 2016;41(10):37-40.
Patel TS, Dalia Y.Pseudofolliculitis barbae.JAMA Dermatol. 2022;158(6):708. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.0077
Ogunbiyi A.Pseudofolliculitis barbae; current treatment options.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019;12:241-247. doi:10.2147/CCID.S149250
Pine Belt Dermatology.What are razor bumps & how to treat them.
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.Pseudofolliculitis barbae: razor bumps.
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