Medically known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, razor bumps are nothing but small and irritated bumps on the skin. They generally happen after you shave and the strands of your hair start curling and growing into the skin itself, resulting in razor bumps.
These bumps can also get infected, resulting in immense pain and irritation.
Causes of Razor Bumps
The chances of developing razor bumps are immensely magnified after having a close shave on skin which is not moisturized enough. Close shaves sharpen the end of the hair and increasing the chances of hair to pierce through the skin and start growing within the skin.
- People who have tight, curly hair are more prone to have razor bumps as compared to people with straight hair, as curly hairs have a tendency of curling and growing back towards the skin rather than growing directly out of the skin.
- Once the hair has pierced the skin and starts growing, the body starts fighting the hair like it does with an infection, resulting in pimples, known as razor bumps.
- Apart from this, using a blunt razor, shaving too often, or using a dirty razor blade that can introduce bacteria into the skin are some other causes of razor bumps.
Symptoms of Razor Bumps
Some of the symptoms of razor bumps are listed below
- Razor bumps are commonly seen in areas that are shaved on a regular basis, like face, legs, underarms, and genital area.
- They can vary from person to person, and can appear like pimples or rashes depending on its severity.
- Razor bumps can be ideally identified by their inflamed, itchy appearance, and the inflammation or burn increases when further irritated.
- If left untreated for long, razor bumps can transform into a severe infection or scarring.
Let us have a look at some of the home remedies to cure the issue of razor bumps.
Home Remedies to get rid of Razor Bumps
If you are suffering from razor bumps and nothing seems to work, do not give up the hope. There are many home remedies which can help you get rid of razor bumps.
Method No. 1 Hot Compress
You Need-
- Water- 200ml
- A cooking utensil to boil water
- Cotton Wool
- A cloth
Directions-
- Boil the water by transferring it into the utensil and heating on stove. Make sure that boiling water is not extremely hot so as it causes burns.
- Set the utensil aside and let it cool for 2-5 minutes.
- Take a dab of cotton wool and dip it into the hot water.
- Squeeze out excess water out of dab.
- Apply the dab against the affected area. You may use a cloth to avoid burns on fingers.
- Do this once a day to avoid excessive practice on the area.
How does this work?
In ideal conditions, the pores in our skin are closed. When the skin is exposed to a heat source, the pores open, allowing air to move freely through the pores of skin.
Any air volume, trapped inside the wound will become free, thereby reducing the bump. Moreover, wounds left open, without any bandaging, heal faster. This is because the wound will be exposed to fresh air for a longer period, which in will be beneficial due to lack of pollutants.
Hot water will also help clean the bacteria breeding on the area affected, which can worsen the bruise. Moreover, by application of hot water, the skin will become soft and thereby, the pain will be reduced.
You can get rid of razor bumps in the most feasible way by following the hot compress method.
Method No. 2 Aspirin
You Need-
- Aspirin- 2tbsp.
- Lukewarm water- 1 tbsp.
- A spoon
- Cotton or towel
Directions-
- Transfer two tablespoons of aspirin and one teaspoon of lukewarm water into a container.
- Let it settle for a few minutes.
- Using a spoon, mix both so that they form a paste.
- Apply the paste on the bruise.
- Let the paste sit for 15 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water. Clean the area with cotton or towel.
- Do the same 2-3 times a day to get rid of the razor bumps faster.
How does this work?
Owing to the large quantities of acetylsalicylic acid, Aspirin proves to be one of the best home remedies for razor bumps. Moreover, aspirin’s anti-inflammatory characteristic helps reducing inflammation and redness in the area.
According to a research conducted by University of Bonn (in Germany), those who practiced Aspirin treatment of Razor Bumps experienced quick relief from pain and the razor bumps itself, the rate of cure mathematically nearing to 95 percent.
Lukewarm water, dipped in the aspirin will help to clean the area of razor burns and cure the area faster.
Method No. 3 Essential Oils
You Need-
- Essential oils (lavender, chamomile, calendula)- 30ml
- Ice-cold water- 1/4th cup
- A cup
- Teaspoon to dilute
- Cotton Swabs
- Soft Towel
Directions-
- Take 30ml of essential oils in to a cup.
- Fill 1/4th coup with icy-cold water to dilute the essential oils, if not, may cause irritation on the area of the bruise. Try to avoid undiluted essential oil application in the area affected.
- Mix both using a teaspoon. Let the mixture sit aside for 2-3 minutes.
- Using cotton swabs, or any other applicator, spread the mixture onto the area of razor burns.
- Let the mixture stay on the skin for a while, until the redness starts to disappear.
- Again, using a cotton swab or cold running water, remove the mixture and clean the area with a soft towel.
- Follow the same procedure 2-3 times a day to gain the maximum benefits.
How does this work?
How to get rid of razor bumps fast? This method is the best bet. The mixture is so formed that the razor burned area is soothed and cured. Myriam Zaoui, the author of book, The Art of Shaving has herself stated the same in the book.
Lavender, chamomile and Calendula oils in the mixture to help cure the razor burns. Oil repairs the damaged skin parts, in addition to one another; the curing process is faster and better.
Cold water also helps to cure the razor bumps by reducing the inflammation.
Method No. 4. Tea Tree Oil
You Need-
- Tea Tree Oil- 1tbsp.
- Water- 50ml
- Tablespoon to mix
- Olive Oil- 1tbsp.
Directions-
- Dip about 1tbsp. of tea tree oil into 50ml water, preferably cold.
- Mix the content using a tablespoon.
- Apply the mixture on the area of bumps. Leave the mixture on the skin for 15 minutes.
- After time is over, using lukewarm water, rinse off the excessive content.
- The alternative is to mix three drops of tea tree oil with one spoon of olive oil. Blend the mixture and apply it directly onto the affected area. Let this be soaked by the skin for 20 minutes and then rinse off using tap water.
- Repeat this step 2 times a day.
How does this help?
Tea Tree Oil has antiseptic properties, which means that it will help cure the affected area just like an antiseptic chemical, however, in a natural way. Other properties include anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial ones, which help to reduce the razor burn effect up to a great amount.
Olive oil is a natural moisturizer. This means that the affected area will be supplied with enough moisture so that the skin is not dried out, which may increase the effect. This method can also be used to prevent razor bumps.
Method No.5. Lemon Juice
You need:
- Lemon- 1
- Cotton balls- 2-3, or
- A clean cloth
Directions:
- Slice 1 lemon in half and squeeze its juice in a bowl
- Immerse a cotton ball or a clean cloth in the lemon juice and apply the juice on the affected areas
- Once the juice starts getting dry, wash your face with lukewarm water
- If you are prone to getting razor bumps, use this remedy everytime you shave
How does this help?
Lemon juice is naturally acidic in nature and this acidic nature works very well in stopping the bacteria from colonizing ingrown follicles. If you have curly hairs and a sensitive skin, lemon juice is an ideal home remedy for treating razor bumps.
Method No.6. Black Tea Bags
You Need:
- Black tea bags- 1
- Water- 1 cup
Directions:
- Place a black tea bag in a cup of warm water
- Let the tea bag stay in the water, while it cools for about 10-15 minutes, or you can also put the water with tea bag in it into the refrigerator for 10 minutes
- Once done, remove the tea bag from water and rub it over the affected areas for 2-3 minutes
- Repeat this daily until you get rid of the razor bumps
How does this help?
The black tea bags that you generally use for making tea is an ideal home remedy for treating razor bumps. Black tea is known to contain tannic acid that helps in reducing inflammation and redness.
Method No. 7. Witch Hazel Oil
You Need:
- Witch hazel oil- 10-15 ml.
- Cotton balls
Directions:
- Take about 10-15 ml. of witch hazel oil in a bowl
- Use a cotton ball to apply witch hazel oil onto the affected areas
- Let the oil stay for about 30 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water
How does this help?
Witch hazel is known to have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that are very beneficial for individuals suffering from razor bumps. Use this remedy twice a day to make sure that the bumps are treated quickly.
Method No. 8. Petroleum Jelly
You Need:
- Petroleum jelly- 15-20gms
- A wash cloth
Directions:
- Apply a thin coat of about 15-20gms of petroleum jelly on the razor burns
- Let it stay on the affected area for about 15-20 minutes
- Once done, remove the excess of petroleum jelly with the help of a wash cloth
How does this help?
This home remedy is highly recommended if your razor bumps are very painful. Petroleum jelly has very powerful pain-relieving properties, which will reduce your razor bump pain and stinging sensation which is generally accompanied with razor burns.
Use this remedy atleast twice a day for better results.
Method No. 9. Salt Scrub
You Need:
- Normal salt: 10gms. (For face)
- Epsom salt- 1 cup (For other parts of the body)
- Lukewarm water- 1 cup
- Cotton balls
Directions:
For Face-
- Add about 10gms of normal salt to a cup of lukewarm water
- Dip a cotton ball in this mixture and swipe it on the affected areas a few times
- Do not rinse off immediately and let the salt stay on your skin for a good 30-40 minutes before washing
For other parts of the body-
- Add about 1 cup of Epsom salt in your bathing water
- Alternatively, you can also apply Epsom salt directly to the wet skin
- Rub it in circular motion and then rinse it off with water after a few minutes
How does this help?
Salt is a fantastic exfoliator that is very effective in removing ingrown hairs. It will also increase the circulation, promote the healing process, and reduce the swelling and inflammation. Apply this remedy on a daily basis until the troublesome hair is drawn out.
However, if your skin becomes irritated or red after using this remedy, stop using it immediately as it can worsen the condition.
Method No. 10. Sugar and Olive Oil
You need:
- Sugar- 15-20gms.
- Olive oil- 1/4th cup
Directions:
- Mix about 15-20gms of sugar in 1/4th cup of olive oil
- Apply this mixture on the affected area
- Let it stay on your skin for about 20-30 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water
How does this help?
Sugar and olive oil mixture help in removing the dead cells from any infected ingrown hair area and also aids in initiating hair growth from an area where the hair cannot grow in part to the infected area.
Apart from allowing you to get rid of the ingrown hair and its related inflammation and pain, this remedy will also help you in keeping your skin smooth and silky.
razor bumps and protects the skin from infection. The remedies are free from side effects and can be used at home.
Let us have a closer look of methods using which you can treat the razor bump at home
Method No. 11 Aloe Vera
You Need-
- Aloe Vera leaf- 1
- Or Aloe Vera Gel- 15-20gm
Directions-
- If you are having an Aloe Vera plant, pluck a leaf and cut it from top with help of a knife.
- Apply the liquid or gel onto the razor cut. Let the gel settle down inside the cracks or pores. If you want, you can wipe off the excess quantity using a cotton swab.
- After the gel is completely settled down, put the affected area under cold running tap water and wipe the area using a soft towel without applying much pressure.
- Do this twice or thrice a day to heal the bump faster.
How does this work?
Aloe Vera possesses anti-bacterial and non-inflammatory properties. This helps repair the razor cuts and bumps on the skin and solves the question ‘how to get rid of razor bumps’.
The plant is a rich source of Vitamin E and C, which helps make the skin firmer and thereby reducing the size of the razor bump. In addition, the chemical structure of Aloe Vera includes Amino Acids, Salicylic Acid, Enzymes and Lignin; all combined make a powerful skin healing medicine.
skin.
Method No.1 2 Honey (and Yoghurt)
You Need-
- Honey- 2tbsp
- Yoghurt (for alternate method)- 1tbsp.
- Cold Water
- Lukewarm water
Directions-
- Apply a small quantity honey on the affected area.
- Leave it on for some time, then rinse off the quantity with cold water.
- Alternatively, take 2 teaspoons of honey and one tablespoon of yoghurt in a bowl. Using a spoon, mix both to form a thick paste.
- Let the paste settle for a few minutes and then apply the same on affected area.
- After 15 minutes, remove the paste off the skin using a cotton dab or lukewarm water.
- Do this 2-3 times a day to get better results.
How does this work?
Honey boasts some anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics, which are helpful in curing the swollen-ness and pain caused by the razor bumps. In addition, honey also doubles as a moisturizer, making the skin soft and healing the layers within.
Honey also offers protection against infection done by external factors, such as contaminations in air, water, chemicals and so on. When exposed to air or water, contaminations can cause irritation nearby the bruise area, which can worsen the condition.
Method No. 13 Apple Cider Vinegar
You Need-
- Apple Cider Vinegar- 200ml
- Water
- Cloth
- Cotton dabs
Directions-
- Clean the area of bruise with water and wipe off the same until dry.
- Take some apple cider vinegar in a bowl. Using a cotton dab, apply and spread the apple cider vinegar onto the affected area.
- Leave it on for some time. After 10-15 minutes, remove the remainder with water or cotton swabs dipped in water.
- Do the same 3-4 times a day, until you feel the burning sensation has ended.
How does this work?
Apple is rich of acetic-acid, which helps in reducing the inflammatory effect pertaining nearby the area of bruise. Moreover, the acetic acid helps in protecting the bruise from being infected by contamination and bacteria.
Apple cider vinegar also helps in regenerating the mass torn, if any, owing to its contents. The chemical compounds are such that they provide immediate relief from the swelling and itching effect on the bruise and the whole curation process is faster than any of the means.
Method No. 14 Baking Soda
You Need-
- Baking Soda- 1tbsp
- Water- 1 cup
- A spoon to mix
- Cotton Ball
- Cold water to clean the area
- A towel to wipe the excess oil
Directions-
- Take a heaped tablespoon of baking soda and dissolve it in the cup containing water.
- Using a spoon, mix both the contents.
- Using a cotton ball, dab the contents onto the affected area. Do not squeeze out the excess water, as water is necessary to spread the mixture. Keep doing the same until the irritation starts to shy away.
- Leave the mixture on the skin for 10 minutes. Then, using a cotton or by placing the area under cold running tap water, remove the mixture off the skin.
- If any excess still persists, use a towel to clear it out.
- Do the same process twice a day for best results.
How does this help?
Baking soda is an excellent compound, possessing anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to reduce the swelling and redness, which is the first step to clear out the razor bumps.
Soothing effects of baking soda in combination with water allow for quick repair of damaged skin cells. Moreover, water also helps to wipe out any dust or particles that may be blocking the air flow through skin pores.
Method No. 15. Oatmeal
You Need-
- Oatmeal- 200gm
- Plain Yoghurt- 100gm
- Lukewarm Water
- Honey- ½ tbsp.
- Towel
Directions-
- Take 200gm of oatmeal and 100gm of yoghurt in a bowl.
- Use about ½ tbsp. of honey to gel up this mixture
- Set it aside for a few minutes, then apply the same with the help of fingers or a cotton swab.
- Half an hour is required by the mixture to soak well inside the shaving bumps. After the timer stops, rinse off the excess with the help of cold water and wipe the area with soft towel.
- This is to be repeated four times a week, two times per day.
How does this help?
Yoghurt helps to moisturize the skin and heal the bruises, thanks to the dairy product categorization. In this mixture, honey is included, which helps to reduce the bacterial rate and promote the repairing of the skin in addition to protective offerings.
Oatmeal possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, both of which are a must when a skin damage is to be cured. Fiber and other nutrients from oatmeal increases the skin cell production, thereby replacing the affected skin faster and in a natural way.
Method No.1 6. Cucumber and Milk
You Need:
- Cucumber- 1
- Milk- ¼ cup
Directions:
- Puree 1 cucumber and mix it with ¼ cup of milk
- Let this mixture stay in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes
- Remove this mixture from the refrigerator and apply on the affected areas
- Let it stay on your skin for about 10 minutes, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water
- Use this treatment twice daily to get rid of razor bumps quickly
OR
- Simply slice a cucumber and put the slices in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes
- Rub these cool cucumber slices on the affected areas for about 10 minutes
- Repeat this at regular intervals until the skin heals completely
How does this help?
Milk, like many other dairy products is known to reduce itching and heal the skin. Cucumber on the other hand is known to have anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties that can be very beneficial for treating razor bumps.
Moreover, cucumber also contains Vitamins K and C that are very useful in reducing pain and itchiness.
Method No.17 Cornstarch
You Need:
- Cornstarch- 10-15 gms
- A clean cloth
Directions:
- Wash the affected area with lukewarm water and a chemical-free soap
- Dry up the area immediately with the help of a clean cloth
- Sprinkle cornstarch over these affected areas
- Once done, cover the area with a clean cloth to ensure that the cornstarch stays in place
- Let it stay for about 15-20 minutes and then wash the affected area with lukewarm water again
How does this help?
Cornstarch will aid in keeping the bumps free from moisture and prevent its worsening. It will absorb the excess moisture to prevent the growth of microorganisms in your bumps and accelerate the healing process.
Use this home remedy for razor bumps atleast twice a day to get quick results.
Method No. 18 Strawberry Paste
You Need-
- 4-5 smashed strawberries
- Sour cream-100 gm.
Directions-
- Mix the mashed strawberries into 100 gm of sour cream.
- Apply the paste onto area to be traded and leave it to dry for 20 minutes
- Wash with tap running cold water.
How does this help?
Strawberry can be very useful when it comes to treating razor bumps. It is proven to have very powerful anti-inflammatory properties, and when used as a paste with sour cream can bring amazing results within a few days.
Strawberry also contains antioxidant-promoting Vitamin C, manganese, iodine, folate, copper, potassium, and omega-3 fatty acids that help in magnifying its effect on razor bumps.
Method No. 19 Coconut Oil and Honey Scrub
You Need-
- Coconut Oil- 1 tbsp
- Honey- 2 tbsp
- White and Brown sugar- 2 tbsp each
Directions-
- Mix 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, 2 tbsp of honey, 2 tbsp of white and brown sugar (each).
- Apply the paste and let it stay for 10 minutes.
- Wash the area affected with tap running water.
How Does this help?
Coconut Oil helps to keep the skin smooth and prevents against further damage. On the other hand sugar and honey improve the condition of your skin, prevents bacterial infection that can worsen your bumps, and heal the bumps. Use this home remedy for razor bumps on a daily basis to get quick relief from this condition.
Method No. 20 Cocoa Butter
You need:
- Cocoa butter- 15-20gms
Directions:
- Take about 15-20 gms of cocoa butter and smear the razor burn with it
- Let it stay over your skin for about 2-3 minutes
- Once done, use lukewarm water to wash the affected area
- Use it twice on a daily basis to get maximum relief
How does this help?
Cocoa butter is an exceptional home remedy for razor burns, especially if your bumps are very painful. Cocoa butter has anti-inflammatory properties that aid in reducing the pain and inflammation experienced by individuals suffering from razor burns.
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