Cures for Red Shaving Bumps

Razor bumps--small, red, raised patches that appear after shaving--can leave razor users feeling self-conscious and irritated. Sometimes called razor acne because of their similarity to pimples, these bumps can appear on necks, cheeks, chins and even legs. Curing the bumps may seem as easy as simply not shaving, but people who suffer from frequent razor irritation may seek other, more immediately effective cures.

Disinfect the Area

• According to WebMD, razor bumps appear after shaving when abbreviated hair shafts curl back onto themselves and re-enter the skin. Because the hair essentially pierces the skin, antiseptic or antimicrobial treatments and ointments can help lessen the infection and remove the red irritation. For many users, antiseptic treatment also exhibits a numbing effect that helps relieve the burning or irritated sensation that often accompanies razor bumps. If no antiseptic or antimicrobial treatment is immediately accessible after shaving, an alcohol-based after-shave may have a similar effect and leave a pleasant, healthy aroma as well.

Use Exfoliating Gel

• After immediately treating the razor bumps with antiseptics or alcohol-based after-shave, razor users may consider treating the razor bump area with an exfoliating gel. Exfoliating creams and gels exist for a number of purposes, but exfoliating gels specifically designed for treating ingrown or infected hairs likely will be most effective on post-shave razor bumps.

Lance the Bumps

• For some individuals who suffer from razor bumps, topical treatments may not quickly remove the bumps or even cure them at all. For these users with extremely sensitive skin, the online medical resource WebMD recommends using a clean (preferably sterilized) needle to lance the affected hair shaft and release it; this action prevents the shaft from growing back into the skin and cures the razor bump. In extreme cases, razor users may need to undergo laser treatment to have some hairs in the affected areas permanently removed, though this treatment may be prohibitively expensive for some individuals and should be exercised only after other treatment options have failed.

Prevent the Bumps

• For many users, simply preventing razor bumps may be far easier than curing them. According to WebMD and GetRidOfThings.com, a website specializing in getting rid of life's common annoyances, razor users can prevent razor bumps by using thick shaving gel or gels designed for individuals with sensitive skin. Users also may prefer to take a hot shower before shaving because the heated water helps open pores and prevents hairs from curling back into their own openings. Frequently changing the razor's blade or even converting to an electric shaver also can have a tremendous effect on eliminating razor bumps. Finally, complete removal of the hair through either laser treatment or chemicals known as depilatories can eliminate the need for shaving altogether, permanently curing shaving bumps.