Razor Bumps

Razor bumps look and feel like pimples but they are the result of ingrown hairs. The medical term for this condition is Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB). Treatment options for razor bumps are offered by our doctor for patients in our region.

What Causes Razor Bumps?

Hair grows inside the tubes in the skin called "follicles." When shaved, the tip of the hair is left with a sharp point. As the curly hair grows, this sharp tip may curve back and pierce the skin. The medical term for this cause of PFB is "Transfollicular Penetration."

The body treats all ingrown hairs just as it would a splinter or any other foreign object by producing an inflammatory pimple-like bump. Often, if the condition occurs over an extended period of time, the skin will respond by producing unsightly dark spots at the sites of the PFB bumps. Unfortunately, these dark spots can take many months to fade. Since most African-American men have curly, coarse hair and curved follicles, they frequently suffer from razor bumps. This is also true for people of Mediterranean descent. It should be noted that razor bumps can affect anyone who has curly hair or has hair follicles orientated at oblique angles to the skin surface, which makes it easier to re-enter the skin. The key to controlling PFB is to minimize hair re-entry back into the skin (and subsequent inflammation) by reducing the sharpness of the hair tip and to leave the hair tip at the appropriate length after shaving.

What can I do about Razor Bumps?

The best therapy is to avoid shaving and let the beard grow. However, this is not always a practical solution. If you do shave, the following step-by-step program is recommended.

It should be noted if our physician feels that your condition is extreme, you should let your beard grow out for several weeks before proceeding. As the hair lengthens, the shaft will act like miniature "springs" and eventually "pop free." Our doctor may even prescribe a short course of antibiotic pills. Our doctor will tell you when to begin the anti-PFB shaving program.

The Step-By-Step Program:

• Wet your beard with warm water to soften the hair. The best way to accomplish this is to take a shower before shaving. Make sure the beard hair is in contact with the water for at least 2 minutes. This will fully hydrate your hair. Hydrated hair cuts more easily and leaves a hair tip that is not as sharp. This will decrease the chance of it re-entering the skin.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, in a circular motion on the beard area, to dislodge any hair tips that are beginning to pierce the skin. This should be done twice per day: before shaving and at bedtime. Failure to dislodge any hair tips attempting to re-enter the skin will cause "extrafollicular" razor bumps.
• Lather the entire beard area with Edge or Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel. These are gentle and highly lubricated products that are formulated to enhance razor glide and minimize irritation.
• Use the PFB Bumpfighter razor (American Safety Razor Company, Staunton, VA). This special razor cuts the hair at the correct length to reduce the likelihood of hair tip re-entry into the skin. Although this razor, by design, might not give you a super close-feeling shave, rest assured, it will appear to observers that you have a very close shave. Alternately, you may wish to use an electric razor, avoiding the "closest" shave setting. Avoid triple and four bladed razors.
• Shave in the direction of beard growth. Do not stretch the skin. You may pass the area more than once, but be sure not to shave against the direction of hair growth, or pull the skin taut. Pulling the skin taut or going "against the grain" will leave the tip under the surface of the skin and cause transfollicular razor bumps. Try shaving "with one hand tied behind your back."
• Do not use aftershave, cologne, or any other products not listed in these instructions on the shave area. Instead, as a moisturizing lotion (and to reduce inflammation) apply your prescribed medicine to the entire shaved area immediately after shaving. The medicine should also be applied at bedtime. Be careful not to get any of the lotion in or near your eyes.
• Always use a "collar extender" ("Stafford Collection" J.C. Penney Company) whenever wearing neckties to prevent excess friction and pressure from worsening the PFB condition on the collar area.

How long does it take for my skin to improve from Razor Bumps?

It may take a few days to several weeks for your condition to improve. Sometimes it can even take a few months to see improvement. Stay with the program and do not give up. The amount of success that you experience will be directly related to the amount of effort that you put into the program. The goal is not necessarily to have "perfect" skin, but to significantly improve your current skin condition. Many patients do experience extremely satisfying results.

It is also important to note that whenever you have inflammation of the skin, your skin can react by producing dark spots. If the inflammation is removed, the dark spots will fade with time. This may take several weeks or even months. The best way to treat dark spots is to prevent them from coming in the first place! Hopefully, that is what this skin program will do for you!