How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps, Scars, Fast, Legs, Bikini, Pubic, Face, Neck, Vag, Treatment & Home Remedies

Razor bumps are very common skin lesions for those who remove unwanted hair on their body by shaving or waxing. They usually develop in areas such as the pubic area, bikini area, bikini line, on vagina or vaginal lips, on neck on face and in armpits Razor bumps can be itchy and painful, but more significantly, they may look very unsightly, especially when they develop on your face. Worse still, they often leave behind hideous scars which may stay on for quite a while. But what causes razor bumps and how can you get rid and prevent them fast or overnight after shaving? What are the best effective treatments and home remedies for razor bump?

What Are Razor Bumps? Meaning and Pictures

Razor bumps, also called shave bumps, shaving bumps or Pseudofolliculitis Barbae, refers to a persistent irritation of the skin caused by shaving. They are usually characterized by an inflamed skin with usually itchy, painful bumps, pus, discoloration and sometimes keloidal scars.

Razor bumps can occur in any part of the skin where hair is temporarily removed by shaving, waxing or tweezing. However, they tend to develop more in sensitive skin areas such as the pubic area, bikini area, bikini line, on vagina or vaginal lips, on face, on neck and in armpits (underarm). Razor bumps are also common on thighs, on legs, and on head, especially along the hairline.

Razor bumps are formed when hairs coil within or curl back to the skin causing your body to perceive them as foreign material. As a result, the body produces an inflammatory response leading to the formation of the bumps. Due to various reasons, including nature of hair and skin, some people are more susceptible to razor bumps than others.

What Causes Razor Bumps After Shaving

The best way to deal with razor bumps is to understand what causes them and how they develop. This way, you will know exactly what to do in order to prevent the development or treat the already formed razor bumps.

Basically, razor bumps are caused when the shaved hair grows beneath the skin and this can happen in various ways. In some cases, the growing hair gets trapped and grows under the skin partially or wholly to form an ingrown hair, which leads to the development of bumps

The bump may also arise if the ingrown hair gets infected to form an ingrown hair cyst, which is usually a deep-seated bump.  In other cases, it is formed when the growing hair is not trapped within its hair follicle but rather curls and digs back into the nearby part of the skin.

There are various reasons why hair gets trapped and grow beneath the skin. Most of the reasons relate to the way the shaving is carried out while others are influenced by the nature of your hair or skin. Here are common reasons why hair may be trapped and grow under the skin leading to the development of razor bumps:

1. Tugging and Pulling the Hair While Shaving:

When the hair is tugged and pulled during shaving, the hair follicle and the skin around the hair becomes irritated. As a result, it will slightly swell and cover the cut hair under the skin. This may lead to an ingrown hair since the hair may be unable to sprout out of the skin.

Tugging and pulling of hair occurs when you use a blunt razor or a shaver with blunt blades. Some multiple blade shavers may also increase the risk of tugging and pulling as the hair is likely to get trapped between the blades. In addition, lack of proper preparation before shaving for example failure to soften the hair with a shaving cream may cause tugging and pulling.

2. Cutting the Hair Beneath the Skin When Shaving

This is another common reason why razor bumps form. If the hair is cut too close to the skin such that the level goes slightly under the skin, there are chances that the hair may curl within the hair follicle and cause a bump. Another possibility is that the dead skin and skin secretions may accumulate and block the hair within the hair follicle, forcing it to curl within as it grows.

3. Pulling at the Skin While Shaving

Poor shaving methods may also lead to the formation of razor bumps. For example, if you forcefully drag the razor or shaver along the skin as you shave, you certainly pull the ski along with the razor. When you release the razor, the skin pops back over the hairs that you just cut. As a result, they may grow into your skin and cause the development of razor bumps.

Also, if too much pressure is applied on the skin while shaving, it may irritate the skin, especially if the skin is sensitive. As a result, the hair might get trapped in beneath the skin and hence lead to the development of razor bumps

4. Nature of Your Hair

The nature of your hair is another factor that may not only contribute to the development of razor bumps but also influence the severity of the razor bumps. If your hair is curly, it is more likely to coil within the hair follicle or burrow into the nearby skin, causing the razor bumps.

Similarly, if your hair texture is hard and course, it is more likely to get tugged and pulled during shaving. As aired explained in an earlier section above, tugging and pulling may lead to the formation of razor bumps.

Probably, this is one of the reasons why some people tend to develop razor bumps more than others. The more cully and coarse the hair, the more likely that bumps will form and that they will be more severe.

5. Nature of Your Skin

The nature of your skin is definitely another factor that may influence the development of razor bumps and how severe they will be. For example, a sensitive skin is likely to be irritated more during shaving. Since, one of the effects of irritating the skin while shaving is the development of bumps, they are likely to be more and severe for sensitive skins.

How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps Fast (Overnight)

When you want to get rid of razor bumps or shaving bumps on any part of your body, it is always advisable to first try home remedies. Generally, home remedies tend to have fewer side effects and hence are not likely to damage your skin, even on sensitive areas of your skin.

Home Remedies for Razor Bumps

There are several home remedies that can be used to get rid of razor bumps on sensitive areas such as the pubic area, bikini area, bikini line, inner thighs, vagina or vaginal lips. These home remedies can also be used to get rid of razor bumps on face, neck, armpits or underarm.

The same remedies can still be used to get rid of the razor bumps on less sensitive areas such as the thighs, legs, head, and along the hairline. Some of the common and effective home remedies for razor bumps include:

1. Hot Compress

A hot compress is an effective way of getting rid of razor bumps. In addition, it soothes the pickling and itchiness that may be experienced on the razor bumps. The heat applied to the affected skin helps open up the clogged pores to enable the trapped hair to grow freely.

A hot compress can be applied on a skin that is already affected or just after shaving as a preventive measure.  To apply a hot compress, follow the following procedure:

• Dip face towel in fairly hot water for a few seconds
• Wring out all the excess water and ensure that it is not too hot to burn your skin
• Apply the hot towel on the affected area gently while applying a little pressure

2. Cold Compress

A cold compress is usually applied on the razor bumps when you experience an irritation caused by burning sensation. This remedy provides a quick relief to this discomfort. The cold condition temporarily numbs never endings on the affected area and clears the discomfort fast.

A cold compress is usually applied upon experiencing the burning sensation. However, you can apply a cold compress immediately after shaving to soothe pickling and prevent possible formation of razor bumps. Use this procedure:

• Put some ice cubes in a thin plastic container
• Gently apply a cold compress to the affected skin for about 10 minutes.
• Remove the cold compress for some minutes.
• Do this several times in a day for about 2 to three days

Note: Do not apply ice cubes directly on the affected skin as they may burn your skin.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera gel is a quick remedy for razor bumps. It has a spectrum of medicinal properties that deal with many skin problems, including bruises, cuts and burns. Aloe Vera has antimicrobial properties that cure and prevent infections on the razor bumps, making the razor bump heal faster. Being an all-natural gel, I also soothe the swelling and burning sensation that normally accompanies irritated skin and razor bumps.

Procedure:

• Cut a fish leaf of Aloe Vera to obtain the gel or buy it the Aloe Vera juice from a drug store.
• Rub the gel on the area affected by razor bumps. In case of juice, rub it on the affected area using a cotton ball.
• Let the gel stay on the affected skin until it dries on it
• Rinse the area with cold water
• For best results, start this remedy immediately after shaving and repeat this procedure about 2 times daily for a few

4. Baking Soda

Baking soda has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and prevents irritation of the affected skin, which may encourage the formation of razor bumps.

In addition, baking soda is amphoteric in nature and hence helps balance the PH level on the inflamed and irritated skin, which further helps reduce the chances of bumps forming on the shaved skin.

Procedure:

• Add one tablespoon of baking soda to one cup of water in a wash basin.
• Soak a piece of cotton wool in the solution and squeeze out excess solution from the cotton wool
• Rub the cotton wool on the affected area for about five minutes
• Remove the cotton wool and rinse off solution the area with cold water.
• Repeat this procedure several times daily until all signs of razor bumps disappear

5. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has been used for a long time for the treatment of many skin problems because of its medicinal properties. It has antibacterial, antiseptic and and-inflammatory properties which make it a suitable remedy for many skin problems. On shaved and irritated skin, it helps relieve swelling and prevent infections on the razor bumps, which makes them heal faster.

Procedure:

• Dilute some tea tree oil with water in the approximate ratio of 1:3
• Dip a cotton wool in the resulting solution and apply it on the itching razor bumps
• Let the solution stay on the affected area for about 10 minutes
• Wash it off with lukewarm water.
• Repeat this procedure about 2 times per day until you are for a few days to cure the razor bumps.

Note: Instead of diluting the tea tree oil with water, you can add another antiseptic substance such as lavender oil to improve the effectiveness of the remedy.

6. Honey

Honey is an excellent remedy for razor bumps, especially when they are already showing signs of an infection. Because of its antibacterial properties, honey is found as one of the ingredients in many skin care products. Honey cures infected bumps and prevents infection on the bumps, thereby making them heal and disappear faster. In addition, it reduces swelling and keeps your skin well moisturized.

Procedure:

• Apply a thin layer of honey on the affected area
• Let it stay and air-dry on the skin for about 15 minutes
• Rinse off the honey with warm water so that it comes out easily
• Repeat this procedure two times a day for a few days to get rid of the razor bumps.

7.  Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a very helpful remedy to razor bumps. It contains acetic acid that cures and prevents infections. Also, it is a natural anti-inflammatory, meaning that it helps relieve swelling and redness on the irritated skin. It also has anti-itching properties that relieve itchiness and hence stops the scratching, which may worsen the condition.

Procedure:

• Dip a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar for a few
• When it has soaked, carefully pat it on the irritated area.
• Let is stay on the affected area for about 10 minutes
• Repeat this procedure 2 to 3 daily for a few days to cure the razor bumps.

Note: If you have a very sensitive skin, dilute the vinegar before use.

8. Black Tea

Black tea contains tannin as a natural astringent. Tannin helps relieve inflammation and redness on the razor bumps, making them heal faster. It is preferred that you use a cold tea bag to give a cold massage in addition to the medicinal properties of the black tea. This makes the remedy even more effective.

Procedure:

• Moisten a tea bag and chill it in a refrigerator for about 15 minutes
• Gently rub the cold tea bag on the affected area
• Let it stay on the skin for about 10 minutes
• rinse it off with cold water and moisturize the skin
• repeat this about two times daily for a few days to cure the razor bumps

9. Lemon Juice

The acidic properties in lemon help eliminate bacteria that may cause infection on the razor bumps. Also, the citric acid in lemon is a natural astringent which helps reduce inflammation and dry out the razor bumps. This speeds up the healing process and soon the razor bumps will disappear.

Procedure:

• Extract lemon juice from a lemon fruit using a juicer. Instead, you can obtain a fresh juice from a drug store.
• Add some water to the lemon juice to dilute it
• Dip a cotton wool ball in the resulting solution and apply it on the affected area
• Let the juice stay on the razor bumps for about 10 minutes
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water
• Repeat this procedure two times or more daily for a few days to cure the razor bumps.

10. Witch Hazel

As a natural anti-inflammatory agent, witch hazel soothes the skin area affected by the razor bumps. It also reduces the swelling and redness on the irritated skin. Hazel also has antimicrobial properties that eliminate and prevent infection on the bumps, making them heal faster.

Procedure:

1. Soak a cotton ball in witch hazel tea.
2. Apply it on the razor bumps
3. Let it stay on the affected area for about 10 minutes
4. Rinse it off with cold water and apply a moisturizer on the affected area
5. Repeat this procedure at least twice a day for a few days to cure the razor bumps.

11. Other Home Remedies for Razor Bumps

• Coconut oil
• Strawberry paste
• Sugar Scrub
• Cucumber

How to Treat Razor Bumps Using Medications

You can also get rid of razor bumps using both over-the-counter and pharmaceutical medications. Generally, special medications for razor bumps tend to work faster them home remedies.

Therefore, if you want to get rid of razor bumps faster, use such medications. They come in different forms including creams, gels, and paste. Some of the common medications used to treat razor bumps include

1. Aspirin Paste

Aspirin contains Salicylic acid, which helps shed dead skin cells, opens up clogged follicles, and destroy bacteria on the skin. Due to these medicinal properties, aspirin is often used topically to treat inflammatory skin problems such as eczema, pruritis (itchiness), and psoriasis.

In the same way, aspirin can be used to get rid of razor bumps fast. To use aspirin for treating razor bumps:

• Crush about 3 aspirin tablets and add a just enough water to make a paste.
• Apply a light layer of the paste on the razor bumps and let it dry before rinsing off with lukewarm water.
• Repeat this procedure twice daily for a few days to get rid of the razor bumps

2. Antibacterial Creams

One of the ways of getting rid of razor bumps is to prevent them from being infected. This way, they heal and disappear very fast. To prevent infections in razor bumps, consider using an antibacterial cream. Some of the best and commonly used antibacterial cream brands include Bacitracin, Neosporin, and Polysporin.

3. Glycolic Cream

Glycolic cream contains glycolic acid. When applied on the skin with razor bumps, this cream causes dead cells on the epidermis exfoliate more readily. This unblocks the clogged hair follicles and releases the ingrown hairs, thereby making the razor bumps heal faster. Although this cream may cause stinging upon application on the skin, it usually subsides almost immediately.

4. Alum Block

Alum block is a special antiseptic in the form of a bar that looks like a bar soap. It is mainly used as a shaving product for men, but women can use it too.

Alum block is an anticoagulant. It can be used to get rid of razor bumps because it prevents infections by closing open pores, and cuts sustained during shaving. It can also be applied on waxed or shave sensitive areas such as the bikini and groin area to prevent bleeding in case of cuts during shaving.

How to Get Rid of Razor Scars Fast (Overnight)

If your razor bumps scars on face, pubic area, bikini area, bikini line, on vagina or vaginal lips, on neck and in armpits are conspicuous, you can get rid of them fast using scar removal techniques. Some of these techniques are quite expensive and may cost you some huge amounts. Common treatments for razor scars include:

• Laser scar treatment
• Chemical peels
• Punch technique
• Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion

Instead of going for the treatments mentioned above, you can opt for creams lotions and gels. However, this option of treating razor scars might not be as fast as the treatments mentioned above.  You can reduce the appearance of scars left by razor bumps fast with the help of the following creams gels and lotions.

• AMBI Fade Cream
• Retin A cream
• Glycolic acid lotion
• Melarase creams
• Bio oil – for mild fresh scars
• Mederma Advanced Scar Gel
• Origins Super Spot Remover Blemish Gel
• philosophy “Miracle Worker” Dark Spot Corrector

How to Prevent, Stop or Avoid Razor Bumps

You can prevent razor bumps on your skin if you check the factors that cause the development of razor bumps. Generally, the measures entail good shaving techniques and habits or opting for long for other hair removal methods. Some of the measures you need to take prevent the formation of razor bumps include the following:

1.  Shave Along the Grain

Always shave along the grain (in the direction of hair growth) to prevent razor bumps. Hair on any part of your body usually grows with grains. Although shaving against the grains removes all the hair, it irritates your skin so much. Furthermore, as we have seen, cutting the hair too close to the skin can lead to ingrown hairs. This is because the hair follicle may get clogged, compelling the hair to curl or coil under the skin as it grows. Shaving with the grain reduces irritation and prevents clogged hair, which may lead to razor bumps.

2. Don’t Ever Dry-shave

To avoid razor bumps, never shave without lubricating both your skin and the shaving blades. Dry-shaving encourages tugging and pulling of the hair being cut, which irritates the skin hence leading to the development of razor bumps. Lubricate the both skin and the shaving blade with the right oil, cream or gel. Using water as the lubricant will hardly be effective.

3. Shave with Sharp Blades

Always make sure that the blades you use to shave are sharp enough to discourage tugging and pulling. Always replace the blades in case they are dull or worn out.

4. Do Not Shave Very Rapidly

Avoid shaving very rapidly to prevent razor bumps. Shaving at a high speed is likely to causes and tugging and pulling at the hair being cut and also pulling at the skin as the blades move rapidly. This is likely to cause an irritation on the skin involved, hence razor bumps.

5. Moisturize the Skin after Shaving

After shaving, always dry the carefully shaven area and apply a moisturizer. This will open the hair follicles and reduce redness and irritation resulting from the shaving process. This discourages ingrown hairs and hence prevent the development of razor bumps on the affected area.

6. Exfoliate Before and After Shaving

Exfoliate your skin before and after shaving to get rid of dead skin on it to prevent razor bumps. The presence of dead skin on the skin may clog the hair follicles leading to ingrown hairs that cause razor bumps.

7. Soak the Hair in Warm Water Before Shaving

Before shaving, it is good practice to subject the hair to warm water as this will help prevent razor bumps. You can do this by pressing a clean washcloth soaked in warm water on the hair or by taking a warm bath. Soaking the hair in warm water makes it soft and kind of lubricates the skin to prevent irritation during shaving.

8. Avoid Going over the Same Area Repeatedly

Try to avoid going over the same area more than twice as you shave. This will reduce chances irritation on the shaved skin and hence prevent the development of razor bumps. Using well-sharpened blades will help you to avoid going over the same area again and again.

9. Don’t Apply Too Much Pressure While Shaving

Do not apply too much pressure on the skin while shaving. This may irritate the skin, especially in sensitive skin areas such as the groin, pubic area, face, and neck. The irritation may lead to hair getting trapped in beneath the skin and hence cause the development of razor bumps.

10. Rinse with Cold Water after Shaving

Immediately after shaving, rinse the area shaved with cold water to prevent razor bumps. Cold water lowers the temperature on your skin. This causes the tiny muscles around hair follicles contact and closes the pores, preventing bacteria from invading the shaved skin.

11. Shave When the Hair Is Bit Long

Avoid regular shaving because increases chances of developing razor bumps. Learn to shave after waiting for some time, preferably every 5 to 7 days after shaving.

12. Wear Loose Clothing after Shaving

Wearing loose clothing discourages sweat and bacteria from getting trapped on the shaved skin. It also gives room for new hair strands to grow freely. This minimizes chances of clogging and ingrown hairs, thereby preventing razor bumps.

13. Opt for Hair Removal by Chemical Depilatory

You can prevent razor bumps by opting to use chemical depilatory. It refers to the use of chemicals for hair removal. Therefore, this method eliminates shaving and waxing, which are the main causes of razor bumps.  Chemical depilatories are available in different forms, including cream, gel lotion, aerosol, roll-on, and powder forms. Some of the common of chemical depilatories available over-the-counter include Veet, Nair and Magic Shave.

14. Use Long Term Hair Removal Techniques

Shaving from time to time increases chances of developing razor bumps. Therefore, you can avoid razor bumps by using semi-permanent hair removal techniques that eliminate frequent shaving. Some of the common semi-permanent shaving methods include:

• Waxing: Waxing refers to a technique of removing hair from the root. It takes up to 6 months for hair removed by this method to regrow. You may experience some skin irritation after waxing, especially in the sensitive skin such as the bikini area and in the armpit. However, the risk of developing ingrown hair is very low meaning there are no bumps formed.
• Laser Hair Removal: This is a procedure that is used to remove unwanted hair by destroying hair follicles with pulses of laser light. It takes up to 6 months for hair removed through laser treatment to regrow. Laser hair removal does not involve razor shaving and hence there is no razor bumps. However, this technique is relatively expensive.

How to Shave without Getting Razor Bumps

One of the main causes of razor bumps is poor shaving technique. The best way to shave without getting razor bumps is to ensure that you:

• shave along the grain
• don’t ever dry-shave
• shave with sharp blades
• do not shave too rapidly
• Do not pull the skin while shaving
• do not cut the hair too close to the skin or beneath the skin

When Should I See a Doctor over Razor Bumps?

You need to keep a close eye on your razor bumps. In case they fail to get better three days after using one or some of the suggested remedies and treatment, consult your doctor. This is because they might have been infected and need special attention and medication.

Since severe razor bumps might lead to scarring and decolonization of your skin, your doctor will be in a position to treat and give you the best advice.  The doctor will also be able to examine your razor bumps and direct you to special products that will deal with your condition effectively.

Sources and References

[showhide type=”links” more_text=”Show Sources and References” less_text=”Hide Sources and References”]

1. How Can I Get Rid of Razor Bumps on My Legs? http://www.healthline.com/health/get-rid-of-razor-burn-on-legs#overview1
2. Ways to Get Rid of Razor Burn Anywhere on the Body: http://www.beyonddisease.com/how-to-get-rid-of-razor-bumps
3. Ways to Get Rid of Nasty Razor Bumps or Bikini Bumps: http://naturalremedyideas.com/get-rid-of-razor-bumps/
4. Tricks To Get Rid of Razor Bumps Fast: https://www.tendskin.com/blog/5-tricks-to-get-rid-of-razor-bumps-fast/
5. Fastest Ways To Get Rid of Razor Bumps or Bikini Bumps: http://www.nowloss.com/How-to-get-rid-of-razor-htm
6. How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps in the Bikini Area: http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Razor-Bumps-in-the-Bikini-Area
7. Razor Bumps: Why They’re There And How To Destroy Them: https://content.dollarshaveclub.com/razor-bumps-theyre-destroy
8. What Home Remedies Work Best To Help Reduce Razor Bumps: https://getbevel.com/bevelcode/other/what-home-remedies-work-best-to-get-rid-of-razor-bumps
9. Banishing Razor Bumps — A Quick Guide to Make Them Disappear: http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/eliminating-razor-bumps-guide-black-men-skin/
10. Why do I get ingrown hairs and razor bumps? How can I prevent razor bumps and ingrown hairs?: https://help.getbevel.com/hc/en-us/articles/200595223-Why-do-I-get-ingrown-hairs-and-razor-bumps-How-can-I-prevent-razor-bumps-and-ingrown-hairs- [/showhide]