Getting Rid Of Razor Bumps

By Jean Pierre RN
Pride Skin Care Expert

Pseudofolliculits Barbi, otherwise called razor bump, is a chronic condition affecting mostly men of African descent who shave.  The condition generally persists as long as the person shaves.

Some men do not have a choice in the matter due to the strict regulations imposed on them by military and law enforcement agencies which require a clean shaven look.

The reason some men bump-up and others do not is unclear.  Some men who have perfectly straight hair do, while others with curly hair do not.  This could be due to hyperkeratosis of the follicular epithelium, which causes dead cells to stick together and sludge up in the pores of certain individuals.

Whatever the cause, this condition can be very painful and unsightly. The condition ranges from mild to severe. The men who generally suffer from razor bumps normally have curved hair follicles, which produce curly or kinky hair.  These curved follicles and curly and kinky hair are thought to be the root cause of razor bumps.  Individuals with curved follicles and stiff facial hairs have the tendency for the tips of the hair to penetrate and grow back into the skin just before their exit from the follicle.

This trapped curved hair causes inflammatory type pustules, which can range from one to hundreds of lesions.  These pustules usually cause a burning, itchy and sometimes very painful condition.  The tendency in the retention of dead cells causes a buildup of harden keratin to cover and trap the hair which acts as a foreign body and in turn causes inflammation.

To avoid ingrown hairs the following measures should be taken:

1. Hygienic precautions should be taken whenever shaving is to be carried out
2. Soak blades in alcohol for a period of 15-20 minutes before and after shaving
3. If soap is used it should be an unscented or antibacterial soap
4. Do not shave too close to the skin
5. Do not use twin electric blades as the first blade stretches the skin and the second cuts too close causing the hair to retract into the skin
6. Shave in the direction of the hair growth
7. Do not tweeze ingrown hairs
8. Do not use shaving powders—they are generally too harsh and can cause severe hyperpigmentation on the skin (darkening of the shaved area)
9. Do not stretch the skin when shaving, this causes the hair to retract low in the skin starting another series of ingrown hairs

To treat the condition of Pseudofolliculits Barbi, the following should be done:

a)     Stop shaving—this will allow the hair to grow out completely and the condition will eventually eradicate itself.

b) The use of a scrub on a regular basis.  The grains of the product should be rounded so as not to scratch or abrade the skin.  Scrubs with grains that are not rounded can cause microscopic lacerations and formation of keloid scars on the skin.

c)     Shaving habits should be reassessed and necessary measures taken to correct bad shaving habits.

d)    Individuals with this problem should seek-out a good paramedical aesthetician who can recommend a course of deep cleansing, glycolic or enzyme peels which will aid in removing the buildup of dead skin cells. These cells generally clog the pores making it more difficult for hairs to exit from the skin.

e)     Do not allow your spouse to pick at your ingrown hair with pins and needles.  This can cause infection, scaring, hyperpigmentation, and keloid formation.

However, technology has now brought the answer to everyone that suffers from ingrown hair and razor bumps.  This problem is not unique to men.  Many women suffer as much and sometimes more than their male counterpart. The face and bikini line for women are generally the worst offenders of ingrown hair and razor bumps.

Now with lasers on the market that can treat sensitive black skin without burns, pain or hyperpigmentation it is very easy to be rid of ingrown hairs and enjoy beautiful skin.

For men four to six laser treatments will have them saying goodbye razor hello laser.  Ironically, after a few laser treatments most men can go back to shaving without ever having problems with ingrown hairs or razor bumps.  No need for more treatments unless you need the hair gone for good.

However, for women who want the hair gone yesterday, they need to have eight to twelve treatments.  Many women who thought their bikini days were over are now getting into their skimpy bikini with confidence, elegance and poise.

Although there are lasers on the market that can safely treat black skin, one must exercise caution and must be absolutely sure that the laser is recommend for black skin and the technician has knowledge working on black skin.  There are many lasers that are called (IPL) intense pulse light and are also recommended for black skin.  These machines are not true lasers and should never be used on black skin for hair removal; so do your research before venturing for treatment.  Beware of special price cutting promotions that are offering super discount on laser treatments.  The client will be required to sign a waiver that you take sole responsibility for consenting to your treatment and the spa bears no responsibility if you are burned, scared or other.

Laser in the long turn is the cheapest form of hair removal and offers the best long-term results. If laser is not for you, do follow the instruction above at home to prevent the formation of razor bumps.

In addition, a good home care program with the use of a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, scrub and a specialty product like the Bump Solution will slowly aid in eradicating painful unsightly razor bumps.