What Do Razor Bumps Look Like?

Razor bumps, medically known as Pseudofolliculitis Barbae, are minor irritations of the skin. They are extremely common and are usually completely harmless and cause no long-term effects.

Identification

• Razor bumps are tiny red bumps that appear after shaving. Sometimes they appear like tiny pimples on the shaved areas.

Prevention/Solution

• Using a shaving gel can reduce razor bumps. For sensitive skin, letting the skin absorb moisture by shaving at least 10 minutes into a hot shower or bath helps avoid razor bumps and skin irritation. The only way to eliminate razor bumps is to stop shaving with a razor and use other means of hair removal.

Misconceptions

• Razor bumps are not due to improper shaving technique or equipment. They are due to the re-growth of hair and it growing sideways into the skin, causing irritation.

Considerations

• Razor bumps are most common in African-Americans and individuals with extremely curly hair. Men are also at risk because they shave every day, causing repeated opportunities for razor bumps.

Warning

• Razor bumps usually fade on their own. Any bumps that get enlarged, extremely painful and full of pus warrant a trip to the doctor in case of bacterial infection.