After shaving the legs, underarms or other areas, it is common for small red bumps to appear on the skin. At Dermatology Consultants of South Florida, we can help with razor bump treatment and restore clear, healthy skin.
Serving Coral Springs and surrounding areas in Florida, Dermatology Consultants of South Florida is led by our experienced medical team, offering high-quality dermatological services for a wide range of skin conditions, including shaving rash. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out more about razor bump treatment.
What are Razor Bumps?
Almost all men and women who shave unwanted body hair have experienced razor bumps (shaving rash) on the skin at some point in their lives. This common condition is the result of ingrown hairs. After the visible hair shaft is shaved at the surface, the hair is left with a sharp edge that may grow back into the skin as the curly hair regrows. This causes transfollicular penetration – the penetration of the hair follicle by an ingrown hair.
The medical term for razor burn is Pseudofolliculitis Barbae, or PFB. The visible red bumps form on the skin as a result of the body’s inflammatory response. If this condition persists over a period of time, the skin may produce a dark spot on the area.
How are Razor Bumps Prevented?
Although the best solution to prevent razor bumps is to let the hair grow, this is not always ideal as unwanted body hair can cause self-consciousness. There are other steps men and women can take to manage PFB, such as:
- Wetting hair with warm water for at least two minutes prior to shaving. This hydrates the hair and often leaves a tip that is not as sharp.
- Use shaving gel to further soften and moisten the area of unwanted hair. A “dry shave” is more likely to cause PFB.
- Using a medical-grade moisturizer or prescription on the treated area of skin afterward
- Shaving with the direction of the hair growth and not pulling the skin taut, as this can promote hair growth underneath the surface
Razor Bumps Treatment
If shaving rash is a common condition for you, our dermatological team can advise you on how to manage ingrown hairs and keep your skin soft, silky, and bump-free for the long term.
Contact Dermatology Consultants of South Florida today to schedule a consultation and find out more about razor bump treatment process and how to prevent this condition.