How do you remove razor bumps?


Quick Answer

To remove razor bumps, exfoliate the skin, release the hairs with a clean needle, apply hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation, and reduce the frequency of shaving. If the bumps persist and look infected, see a doctor.

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Full Answer

  1. Exfoliate the skin

    Exfoliate the skin with a washcloth or loofah to remove dead skin. Dead skin cells can build up and clog the hair follicles, leading to infection. Exfoliation also discourages ingrown hairs. Mechanical exfoliation may be enough to clear the skin. If not, look for over-the-counter face or body washes containing salicylic acid as the main ingredient.

  2. Release stubborn hairs using a clean needle or a pair of tweezers

    Clean a needle or a pair of tweezers with rubbing alcohol. Use the needle or the tweezers to gently ease the hair shaft from the follicle, as if removing a splinter.

  3. Apply cream

    To speed up healing, apply topical hydrocortisone cream. This cream also helps reduce swelling.

  4. Reduce the frequency of shaving

    If you can stop shaving entirely, do so. If not, cut back to between two and three times per week. Reducing the frequency of shaving prevents further razor bumps by decreasing the number of cut hairs that curl back on themselves and re-enter the skin, causing skin irritation, pimples and secondary infection.

Learn more about Skin Blemishes

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