What is razor burn - and who does it affect?
Razor burn is caused by a bacterial infection in a hair follicle. Once the hair follicle is infected, an inflammatory condition develops, which manifests itself in the form of red bumps and tender skin. The small bumps may later develop into small blisters filled with inflamed pus. This collection of pus is also called a furuncle. If there are many furuncles in the same place, it is called furunculosis.
You may also have heard the term folliculitis, or inflammation of the hair glands, used to describe a condition where there is an inflammation of a hair follicle.
Relevant guides:
> Smooth shaving without red bumps
> Red bumps after shaving - how to treat them
Razor bumps, also known by its Latin name pseudofolliculitis barbae, is associated with shaving and hair removal. It is therefore most commonly found in men who shave their face.
However, it can occur with any type of shaving and hair removal anywhere on the body. Therefore, women who shave under their arms, on their legs, in the bikini line, or who shave intimate areas can also experience beard rash.
JUMP STRAIGHT TO: This is how you treat razor bumps with products from Australian Bodycare
Razor bumps is a harsh name for what is fortunately a harmless and harmless condition, although it is certainly extremely bothersome and uncomfortable.
The easy solution would be to let the beard and hair grow, but in most cases this is not a viable solution. Fortunately, there are good options for both prevention and treatment.
It's all about being aware of a few simple things when shaving or removing hair. And then there are various products that you can and should use before and after shaving and hair removal.
How to treat razor bumps on the face
Razor bumps is fortunately a harmless condition, but it's annoying and uncomfortable to have, so it's worth knowing what you can do to get rid of it yourself.
If you've got razor bumps, it's all about getting it treated to get rid of the red and sore bumps and so you don't continue to infect yourself.
Cream for razor bumps
For mild cases of razor bumps, you will usually be able to control the plague with a cream for razor bumps. You can get the cream at the pharmacy. You can also get a soap containing chlorhexidine to wash your skin with.
A natural remedy for razor bumps
There are several natural remedies that have antiseptic (bactericidal), soothing and anti-itching effects. Everything you need when you are affected by razor bumps. Among these are natural remedies containing tea tree oil for razor bumps or aloe vera. For example, you can get anti-itch creams and tea tree oil aftershave to use after shaving. You can also get oils with aloe vera or tea tree oil that you can dab on your skin, possibly in diluted form.
You can find the different natural remedies in Boots and health food shops. You can also get advice and guidance on how to use them.
How to treat razor burn and razor bumps with products from Australian Bodycare
Step by step guide:
1. Wash the targeted area with Face Wash
2. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water
3. Shave using shave gel
4. Thoroughly rinse the gel off with lukewarm water.
5. Distribute After Shave on the area after shaving.
All shaving products contain Tea Tree Oil to soothe irritation and prevent the appearance of ingrown hairs and red bumps, while moisturising and nourishing the skin.
Find the mentioned products below:
Antibiotica treatment
If it hurts a lot or if your razor bumps looks very bad, you should see your doctor and let him or her take a look at it. In most cases, your doctor will give you a course of antibiotics to kill the infection. This may be in the form of an ointment or cream to be applied topically to the skin. In particularly severe cases, for example where the razor bumps has developed into abscesses, antibiotics in tablet form may be needed to treat the whole body.
Let your beard grow
Of course, there is also the option of simply letting your beard or hair grow! However, for the vast majority of people, this is not an option they want to practise. But there's no doubt that it would be the best thing for the skin. With the right products and the right skin care and shaving regime, it should be possible to shave without the risk of razor burn.
Facts:
If you use products with Tea Tree Oil after shaving, you fight the bacteria that cause razor bumps and razor rash.
Tea Tree Oil is antiseptic and therefore counteracts bacteria and impurities.
Read about Tea Tree Oil - click here
Razor rash can occur anywhere on the body. All the places where there is hair - and where you remove the hair by shaving or otherwise. Men will typically get razor rash on their face when they remove their beard by shaving, hence the name. But both men and women can get razor rash anywhere else on the body where they shave or remove hair.
How to prevent razor burn
As with so many things, prevention is better than treatment. So the best thing to do is to avoid getting razor burn in the first place - you'll avoid the embarrassment and you won't have to treat it.
First and foremost, it's all about making sure that the bacteria that we all naturally have in our skin don't get into the hair follicle when you shave. You do this by always maintaining good hygiene. The best way to do this is to simply incorporate a few simple tips into your daily routine. It's not something that takes a lot of time. And if you follow the advice, you'll be well on your way to avoiding razor bumps in the future.
These are the tips you should follow, if you're struggling with razor burn:
- Always use only your own shaving equipment. Don't lend your own shaving equipment to others - and don't borrow from others.
- Make sure you use a new or clean razor. That's the most important thing. It doesn't matter if your razor has two or four blades, or how much it cost.
- Wash the skin where you are going to shave before shaving to remove bacteria. You can wash with lukewarm water and a washing cream, or choose one specially formulated for use before shaving.
- Use shaving foam every time you shave. This makes the razor glide more easily and reduces the risk of cuts and nicks, which provide easier access for bacteria. The shaving foam also disinfects the skin.
- Take your time when shaving and make sure you use a mirror so you can see what you are doing.
- Always shave in the direction of the grain, not against it. This way you won't irritate the skin as much.
- Make sure you clean and, if necessary, sanitise your shaving equipment every time you use it to remove bacteria.
- Use aftershave for razor bumps or a cream specifically designed for use after shaving after each shave. It disinfects, cools and cares for the skin.
- Change your towels or washcloths every day if you use them on areas of skin that you have shaved.
Many people find that an electric shaver is much gentler on the skin than a razor. So if you're currently using a razor, you could invest in an electric shaver to see if it's a better option for you. But also remember to clean it after use, and still remember to use some good skin care products after shaving.
No matter how you shave, shaving is hard on the skin, so it's important to take good care of your skin afterwards - and to prepare your skin for shaving beforehand.
FAQ about razor bumps
What is razor bumps?
Razor bumps is an inflammatory condition of the skin that occurs due to shaving or hair removal. It occurs when a hair follicle becomes infected. This causes an inflammatory condition that manifests itself in the form of red bumps and sore skin. Whilst it is a harmless condition, it is uncomfortable and embarrassing.
How to treat razor bumps
Razor bumps can be treated with a cream for razor bumps. You can get this cream from a pharmacy. You can also treat it with tea tree oil, which has antiseptic (bactericidal), soothing and anti-itching properties. These include products containing lavender, tea tree oil or aloe vera, which you can find in pharmacies or health food shops. In severe cases, razor bumps needs to be treated with antibiotics. You will need to see your doctor for a prescription.
What does razor bumps look like?
Razor bumps typically appears as small red bumps on the skin. It is the infection in the hair follicle and the subsequent inflammation that can be seen as red bumps. In addition, the skin will usually be swollen and tender. The bumps may also cause itching and may develop into small inflamed blisters filled with pus. In the very worst cases, the bumps can develop into actual abscesses.
Why do you get razor bumps?
Razor bumps occurs after shaving or hair removal. It is caused by a bacterial infection that occurs in the hair follicle. Typically, the bacteria staphylococci or streptococci are responsible for the inflammation of the hair follicle.
When does razor bumps pass?
You may be lucky enough to get rid of it on your own, but it's best to treat it right away so it doesn't get worse. When you have razor bumps, you risk infecting yourself and making it even worse. That's why it's important to treat immediately with a razor bumps cream, and then to prevent razor bumps in the future by always keeping your skin and shaving equipment clean and hygienic.
Can women develop razor bumps?
Anyone who shaves or removes hair are at risk of developing razor bumps. So both men and women are at risk of getting razor bumps. The causes, symptoms and treatment are also the same no matter who gets it - and no matter where on the body it appears.
Is razor bumps dangerous?
hilst it's not dangerous, it's uncomfortable and embarrassing, so it's a good idea to follow a few simple rules when shaving. And remember to use good skin care products when shaving, because shaving is hard on the skin.
Can you contaminate someone with razor bumps?
You can infect yourself with razor bumps from hair follicles that are already infected to other follicles in your body. And you can infect others with your razor bumps - and get razor bumps from others - if, for example, you share shaving equipment or towels with others. So remember that shaving gear is personal and not something to be shared with others.
