What Causes Razor Bumps?

Razor bump or shaving bump technically known as Pseudofolliculities Barbae is a derivative of ingrown hairs. Ingrown hair is known to occur when a close shave scraps the skin which causes the hair stubble to become trapped below the surface of the skin. When the hair begins to grow some of it fails to grow out of the hair follicles but instead grows and curls inwards. When the tip of the ingrown hair pierces the skin, it becomes irritated, consequently redness and inflammation sets in which causes a bump on the surface of the skin known as razor bump or shaving bump.



The main cause of razor bump is improper shaving. Shaving with the razor blade follows after some rules. When these rules are not applied however, shaving bumps is the result. If shaving with the razor blade is properly done, ingrown hairs, razor bumps or shaving bumps is avoided. Improper shaving could therefore come in the following ways:

• Use of dull blades to shave: Using dull blades to shave causes the hair to tear unevenly resulting in ingrown hairs which consequently result in bumps. You should therefore endeavor to use new and sharp razor blades to shave.
• Shaving without scrubbing the hair with warm water to moisten it could result in the irritation of the skin and also make the hair hard for shaving thereby causing bumps.
• Shaving against the grain of hair growth points the hair back into the skin causing ingrown hairs and irritation of the skin.
• Shaving over the same area too many times could also cause it. Each stroke removes skin cells which results in unnecessary irritation and consequently bumps.
• Picking or squeezing on razor bumps when it develops the bumps when they develop could make them worse. It should therefore be avoided. Instead treat the bumps as they develop.
• Exerting too much pressure on the skin when shaving could also cause razor bumps. It must therefore be avoided.
• Shaving without applying after shave lotion (especially the one containing lidocrane, oats and talc) could also cause bumps.
• Use of multiple blade shaving sticks could also cause bumps. The “cut” and “lift” effect of multiple blade shaving sticks causes unnecessary irritation and consequently bumps. Single blade shaving sticks is therefore recommended.

Did you find these tips on the causes of razor bumps educative? You can learn about the most effective way of treating razor bumps by reading page 2 of this article HERE!!!