Razor Bumps

Redlands Daily Facts Health Section
Staff Writer

Q:: My husband has razor bumps on his neck. What can be done about that?

Mimi:Razor bumps are treatable but not curable.

Pseudofilliculitis barbi, commonly called razor bumps, is caused by stiff beard hairs growing from curved follicles. The hair tips reverse the outward path and penetrate back into the skin just before they would normally exit. The trapped hairs cause inflammation called "bumping up." A genetic condition, retention hyperkeratosis, is a major contributor to the problem. This build-up of dead skin cells in the pores traps the ingrown hairs. The swollen lesions can also be seen in women where they wax or shave. Pseudofilliculitis barbi is a chronic condition that can persist as long as you shave. Obviously the easiest solution is to grow a beard.

Razor bumps are treatable, controllable but not curable. How you shave matters. Shave downward in the direction of hair growth with a single-edge disposable blade such as the PFB Bump Fighter or the Bic for Sensitive Skin. A twin blade razor should be avoided because it shaves too closely. Use an unscented anti-bacterial shaving cream or soap. The blade should be used no more than three times and should be soaked in alcohol for 20 minutes before each use to kill bacteria. The Remington Black Man's Shaver, the compact Wahl Black Man's Clippers, or barbers clippers can be used. Don't use rotary shavers. Use a disinfectant Clippercide spray to lubricate the blades and kill bacteria. Do not stretch the skin to obtain a closer shave. Don't wax or tweeze! Depilatory creams and shaving powders can cause hyperpigmentation or "shadowing" and should be avoided.

Clinic facial treatments must be given by an esthetician trained in para-medical care of ethnic and black skin. Clinic care includes glycolic or enzyme applications. No resorcinol should be used because it can cause hyperpigmentation.

At home, a gentle scrub can be used before shaving to help free up trapped hairs. After-shave lotions should be alcohol-free and unscented. If cologne is desired, apply it to your body. The scent will last longer, will not irritate your skin, and will not cause discoloration as perfume can do when exposed to the sun. At night a stabilized peroxide, or Alpha Hydroxy Acid or Salicylic Acid lotion must be applied. During the day glycolic(AHA) or salicylic acid is used. If there is hyperpigmentation, the glycolic lotion should contain hydroquinone, and a sun block also must be used. Cortisone cream can help relieve discomfort.

The treatment for razor bumps is tedious and slow, but you will be pleased with the results if you persist.

Mimi Barre is the owner of International Day Spa, 325 Cajon St., Redlands. Send your skin care questions to her at MimiB@INTLdayspa.com. She and her estheticians are available for personal consultations, (909) 793-9080.