Razor bumps can be a bother. When they show up, you want them gone fast.
Also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, razor bumps are small red bumps that can occur after shaving. They make your skin look bumpy and feel irritated. When left alone to heal and given proper skincare, razor bumps typically last for about 2-3 weeks. However, severe cases can go on for months.
Razor bumps are a common problem for men who shave their faces regularly, but they can affect women too. In this article, we’ll take a look at what razor bumps are, how to get rid of them, how long they last, and most importantly: how to prevent them from popping up in the first place. Read on to learn more!
After shaving, you may have seen these bumps on your face or neck and wondered how long they’d last. Razor bumps can be frustrating. These ingrown hairs can range from mildly irritating to extremely painful and unsightly.
Razor bumps are caused by ingrown hairs (also called pseudofolliculitis barbae), which develop when hair shaves off unevenly and curls back into the skin instead of growing out the way it should. Mild cases of razor bumps will resolve in one to two weeks. Unfortunately, more severe cases may take much longer to heal. Sometimes, razor bumps cause permanent scarring that does not go away. The resulting irritation looks like small pimples that don’t go away with time or regular cleaning.
Luckily there are steps you can take to reduce razor bumps.
If you want to prevent razor bumps, here’s what you need to know:
Folliculitis is a skin condition resulting from ingrown hairs. It’s caused by shaving, which damages your hair follicles, making it easier for bacteria to grow inside them and cause inflammation.
Ingrown hairs are common in the armpits, groin area and face due to these areas being shaved most often. The inflammation and redness present on the skin may last for up to two weeks until the hair falls out or grows back in its natural direction, which will leave you feeling smooth again!
Common causes of razor bumps include shaving too close to the skin and using blades that cut too closely. Razor bumps can also result from shaving in the direction the hair grows. Shaving in this way leaves behind tiny hairs, which then become ingrown hairs when you attempt to push them back out through subsequent shaves. To avoid this, try shaving in the opposite direction of your hair growth (against it).
When it comes to how long razor bumps last and how they’re treated, there are a few factors at play:
If you take care of your skin and protect it from further injury, razor bumps will heal in 2-3 weeks.
You can prevent razor bumps by selecting the right razor and using proper shaving techniques.
The best method is shaving in the direction of hair growth. Avoid using dull razor blades with too much pressure or shaving in one direction without changing your angle after every stroke.
You should also leave your hair alone for long periods to avoid irritation. Trimming or shaving only when necessary will also help reduce irritation by preventing overgrowth of ingrown hairs and keeping the area from becoming irritated from constant grooming.
As you can see, there are many ways to prevent razor bumps from happening. If you follow these tips and strategies, you will be able to avoid razor bumps with ease.
It is important to note that every person’s skin is different, and what works for one may not work for another. You should try out different methods to find one that works best with your skin type and hair texture.
The best treatment for razor bumps is exfoliation and pushing hairs out of the skin through trimming or shaving only when necessary.
Exfoliating your skin will help remove dead skin cells that can irritate and reduce ingrown hairs.
Try using an over-the-counter exfoliant cream for sensitive skin.
If razor bumps persist, you need to talk to a doctor about your skin condition.
You can avoid razor bumps if you’re conscious of how you shave.
Hopefully, you better understand razor bumps and what to do about them. To keep razor bumps from sticking around for two to three weeks, you should try to prevent them altogether. Be sure to follow these simple steps for a safe shave.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. The information, graphics, and images on this site are not intended to substitute diagnosis or treatment by a medical professional. Always seek the advice of a licensed physician for any questions you may have regarding a specific condition.
