- Shaving bumps are a skin rash that appears in an area where shaving has recently taken place, and are caused by the use of inferior shaving methods. They are particularly likely to occur in areas where the skin tends to be most sensitive and the hair most coarse. Shaving bumps therefore tend to most commonly appear on the face for men, especially the jaw line and the bikini and underarm areas for women. Those who have coarser hair all over, such as many African Americans, are also particularly prone to shaving bumps.
- Shaving bumps are caused by improper shaving of the skin. The most common offending techniques include shaving that is too frequent, shaving dry or improperly moistened skin, shaving with a dull or dirty razor, or shaving against the growth of the hair. All of these techniques irritate the skin by pushing the external hair back into the hair follicle. The follicle itself becomes irritated, which is why the bumps appear. They are separate irritations for each follicle that was pushed back.
- Shaving bumps appear similar to any other standard rash, and are generally red or pink, depending on the usual color of one's skin. Close examination reveals tiny bumps on the skin in close arrangement to one another. The rash tends to burn, particularly when touched or in contact with chemicals (hence its alternate name of razor burn). Sometimes, but less commonly, the rash can also itch. In other cases, the bumps can swell as the hair grows back, turning into ingrown hairs, or the bumps can become otherwise infected.
- Once shaving bumps have occurred, they should not be picked at or squeezed, as this can cause an infection to develop underneath the skin. Rubbing or patting the skin should also be avoided, as it can increase irritation. Some topical treatments that further help to prevent infections are tea tree oil, antiseptic and alcohol-based treatment. However, these may burn the skin before making it feel better. Some companies also sell over-the-counter treatment for shaving bumps, usually containing salicylic acid and/or witch hazel, which help to dissolve the skin forming the bump and let the skin grow out naturally.
- For most people, preventing shaving bumps is as simple as using proper shaving techniques. Prior to shaving, the skin should be properly lathered and wet. The razor used should be clean and sharp. One should not shave over the same area multiple times. Going only once over the skin is ideal. Perhaps most importantly, one should shave in the same direction as the hair growth, rather than against it. This may result in a less-close shave, but also in a much cleaner and ultimately nicer one. For those whom these techniques do not work, extra measures such as exfoliating prior to shaving may become necessary.
