Razor bumps can be itchy and uncomfortable, especially if you’ve got a lot of them. In men, ingrown hairs often pop up as a bunch of little bumps on the chin, cheeks, or neck after shaving said doctors.
According to doctors, it can be painful and a nuisance. “pseudofolliculitis barbae or (PFB) is a medical term of ingrown hair also known as razor bumps, which affect people with thick, curly hair and can become infected, if left untreated. An ingrown hair is a hair that has curled back into the skin instead of growing out of the skin’s surface. It is most common in people with thick, coarse, or curly hair types,” said Dr Amit Karkhanis, Medical cosmetologist and Director of Dr Tvacha clinic.
He added, “The site of the ingrown hair will form into a raised bump on the skin that may begin to look like a pimple. The bump which causes inflammation, will often turn reddish, become irritated and sensitive, and may fill with pus.”
Signs and symptoms:
- itching skin or irritation surrounding the hair
- rashes
- scarring
- redness
- swelling
Though it is a common problem in women, now-a-days it is commonly seen in men informed doctors. “In men, razor bumps are seen in the beard and the neck area. When men reverse shave, the direction of hair changes and instead of coming out, the hair starts growing into the skin. It can be painful causing itching, redness, swelling and leaving your face bumpy instead of baby butt smooth,” informed Dr Apratim Goel, dermatologist and laser surgeon of Cutis Skin Studio.
Dr Abhay Talathi, dermatologist, SkinSpace clinic, Mumbai said, “Razor bumps are also seen in skins with abnormal exfoliation. Scrubbing may increase an already existing problem.”
Akshay Nayak, a 21-year-old Thane resident said, “I used to shave regularly, but later, I started getting razor bumps. It was annoying and I often felt embarrassing. Though, I didn’t approach a dermatologist, but now, to hide it, I have started growing a beard.”
However, doctors said that taking steroids may help but advised to opt for laser hair removal. Dr Kharkhanis said, “Topical steroids are given to reduce the inflammation and antibiotics cream to settle the infection. Besides being incredibly healthy for your skin, exfoliation removes the dead layers of skin allowing less room for the hairs to become trapped after shaving. Those who already have ingrown hair should use a good amount of lubricant. Sometimes, with the time, it gets self-treated.”
Men should avoid reverse shaving said doctors, “Hot compress with a towel, while bathing, may help. Men should avoid reverse shaving and use skin a skin balm to soften the hair. Also, not to pluck the hair as it can leave scars which can further lead to skin pigmentation,” advised Dr Goel.
According to Dr Talathi dry shaving should be avoided.
Prevention:
- Wet your skin with warm water before shaving and apply a lubricating gel.
- Avoid reverse shaving and use skin a skin balm to soften the hair.
- Rinse the blade with water after every stroke.
- Try not to shave too closely – leave a bit of stubble if you can, as bacteria can enter the tiny openings of freshly shaved skin.