Key takeaways:
Razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae) occur when ingrown hairs develop after shaving.
Anyone who shaves can get razor bumps. But people with coarse or curly hair, as well as people of African descent, are more likely to get them.
Topical treatments, avoiding shaving, and good skin care can help get rid of razor bumps fast — in a matter of days. In severe cases, razor bumps can be a chronic condition.
Anyone who shaves has probably experienced red, itchy bumps on their skin. Razor bumps aren’t a serious medical condition, but they can be uncomfortable and itchy.
Even if you take great care of your skin, you may find yourself trying to soothe these annoying little bumps. Let’s take a closer look at what causes them and how to get rid of razor bumps fast.
What are razor bumps?
Razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae) are caused by ingrown hairs that develop after shaving. When you shave, the cut end of the hair is left with a sharp tip. As the hair grows, it can curl back and pierce your skin. New skin then grows over your hair, and these ingrown hairs cause an immune response. This leaves you with itchy, bumpy skin. Sometimes, razor bumps can become inflamed or even infected.
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Razor bumps can be itchy and tender. They may look like the color of your skin, or they can appear reddened or darker than your skin tone. Razor bumps can show up anywhere you shave, including on your:
Face, neck, and jawline
Pubic area
Armpits
Legs
How do you get rid of razor bumps fast?
There are many different razor bump treatment options. The best way to stop razor bumps is to stop shaving your hair. But if you don’t want to stop shaving altogether, we’ve included shaving techniques below that can help prevent razor bumps.
Treatments to get rid of razor bumps include:
Topical steroids: A healthcare professional may recommend applying a low-to-medium-strength topical steroid to affected skin right after shaving. This can help with inflammation.
Benzoyl peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is an antiseptic that’s often used to treat acne. It works by killing bacteria on the skin which lowers the risk of inflammation and infection. It can be used by itself or along with a topical antibiotic, like clindamycin.
Mild topical retinoids: Retinoids refer to naturally occurring vitamin A (retinol) and chemicals related to vitamin A. Topical retinoids are a common acne treatment and can help treat razor bumps as well. Retinoids lower inflammation, remove dead skin cells, and promote the growth of healthy skin cells.
Glycolic or salicylic acid peels: Chemical peels with glycolic or salicylic acid can help remove dead or damaged skin and promote collagen production. There are peels you can apply at home, but it’s best to visit a dermatologist or other healthcare professional before you try a peel for razor bumps.
Hair removal: The rationale for this is similar to avoiding shaving. Permanent hair removal makes it so you no longer need to shave, which would let you avoid irritation from shaving. Laser hair removal works well for dark hair, but it often requires many treatments. Electrolysis is another hair removal option, though it also requires multiple treatments and can sometimes even cause razor bumps.
Topical or oral antibiotics: A healthcare professional may prescribe an antibiotic if you have an infection along with razor bumps.
Home remedies to heal razor bumps
In addition to medical therapies, good skin care can also help your razor bumps to go away quickly. Here are some skin care tips to help clear razor bumps:
Apply cool compresses. This will help with any discomfort in the affected area.
Apply warm compresses. This will soften the skin and help ingrown hairs come to the surface.
Use a soothing aftershave or aloe. Aftershave balms or aloe can help calm skin irritation. Avoid aftershaves that contain alcohol or strong fragrances, since these can dry out your skin and worsen razor bumps.
Moisturize the affected area. This will keep the area soft and less irritated.
Keep the skin clean. This will help to prevent infection.
How to prevent ingrown hairs: Get dermatologist-backed shaving and skin care advice to help you avoid ingrown hairs before they start.
How to treat razor burn: These home remedies can help soothe razor burn.
Not sure when to change your razor blade? Dull razors can lead to skin irritation, like razor bumps and burn. Here’s how often you should replace your blade.
What happens if razor bumps are left untreated?
There are many reasons you may want to treat your razor bumps quickly. They can be itchy and uncomfortable, and they can make you self-conscious about your appearance. Razor bumps can also sometimes become infected.
When left untreated, razor bumps can lead to darkening of the skin, a condition called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Untreated razor bumps can also lead to scarring or keloids. This is especially common in people of African descent.
Why do you get razor bumps after shaving?
Anyone who shaves can get razor bumps. But some people are more prone to getting them. You’re more likely to develop razor bumps if you:
Have coarse hair
Have curly hair
Are of African descent
Use certain shaving techniques (multiblade razor, pulling skin, or shaving against hair)
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How long does it take for razor bumps to go away?
The time it takes for razor bumps to go away varies a lot. With good skin care and proper treatment, they can resolve in as little as 1 to 2 weeks.
But for many people, especially Black men, razor bumps can be a chronic condition. In people prone to chronic razor bumps, prevention is especially important.
How can you prevent razor bumps when you shave?
With razor bumps, prevention is very important. But many people who are prone to razor bumps will make the decision to shave again at some point. Here are a few tips that may help you to prevent razor bumps and ingrown hairs the next time you shave:
Before you shave, wet your skin and hair with warm water to soften it.
Use a moisturizing shaving cream.
Shave in the direction of hair growth.
Rinse your blade after every swipe.
Don’t pull your skin tight when you shave.
Change your blade after every 5 to 7 shaves. Dull blades are more likely to cause irritation.
If you have sensitive skin, choose a single or double-blade razor. Multiblade razors can cut too close to the skin and can be irritating.
If you’re still getting razor bumps, dermatologists also recommend letting your hair grow. In other words, simply don’t shave. If that isn’t an option for you, try to shave more frequently. That way your hair doesn’t get too long and start to curve.
Another way to prevent razor bumps is to consider laser hair removal (photoepilation). This is considered permanent hair removal. With this procedure, a small electric current applied to the hair follicle destroys its ability to grow new hair.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, razor bumps are different from razor burn. Razor bumps are caused by ingrown hairs. Razor burn is caused by irritation on the surface of the skin. It usually happens if you don’t wet your skin before you shave. It can also happen if you use a dull blade or shave with too much pressure. Sometimes people who have razor burn can also develop razor bumps.
Razor burn usually shows up right after you shave, while razor bumps take several days to develop. The cut hair needs time to grow back into the skin. And inflammation has to develop before you notice a bump.
Applying petroleum jelly, like Vaseline, may help relieve symptoms of razor bumps. Petroleum jelly seals in moisture and helps protect the skin barrier. But it’s best to avoid it if you’re prone to acne. Make sure to clean your skin before applying Vaseline.
Razor bumps themselves aren’t contagious. They don’t spread from person to person. But if you’re prone to getting razor bumps and don’t take steps to treat or prevent them, it can seem like they’re spreading on your body. Keep in mind that razor bumps can become infected, and an infection can spread.
Yes, razor bumps are different from razor burn. Razor bumps are caused by ingrown hairs. Razor burn is caused by irritation on the surface of the skin. It usually happens if you don’t wet your skin before you shave. It can also happen if you use a dull blade or shave with too much pressure. Sometimes people who have razor burn can also develop razor bumps.
Razor burn usually shows up right after you shave, while razor bumps take several days to develop. The cut hair needs time to grow back into the skin. And inflammation has to develop before you notice a bump.
Applying petroleum jelly, like Vaseline, may help relieve symptoms of razor bumps. Petroleum jelly seals in moisture and helps protect the skin barrier. But it’s best to avoid it if you’re prone to acne. Make sure to clean your skin before applying Vaseline.
Razor bumps themselves aren’t contagious. They don’t spread from person to person. But if you’re prone to getting razor bumps and don’t take steps to treat or prevent them, it can seem like they’re spreading on your body. Keep in mind that razor bumps can become infected, and an infection can spread.
The bottom line
Razor bumps aren’t a serious medical condition, but they can be uncomfortable. And they can lead to troublesome outcomes like scarring, hyperpigmentation, and infection. Razor bumps are more likely to occur in Black people and people with coarse or curly hair.
Sometimes, razor bumps can be treated with topical medications, along with good skin care and shaving habits. In severe cases, you may consider not shaving or permanent hair removal. If you have razor bumps, talk with a healthcare professional about your treatment options.
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References
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). 5 ways to use petroleum jelly for skin care.
Dunn, J. F., Jr. (1988). Pseudofolliculitis barbae. American Family Physician.
Kundu, R. V., et al. (2013). Dermatologic conditions in skin of color: Part II. Disorders occurring predominantly in skin of color. American Family Physician.
Ogunbiyi, A. (2019). Pseudofolliculitis barbae: Current treatment options. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.
Patel, T. S., et al. (2022). Pseudofolliculitis barbae. JAMA Dermatology.
Ribera, M., et al. (2010). [Pseudofolliculitis barbae]. Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas.
Schleehauf, B. (2022). 6 razor bump prevention tips from dermatologists. American Academy of Dermatology Association.
