Dermatologist: Treatment Options for Razor Bumps

Pseudofolliculitis barbae, also known as razor bumps, are one of those annoying side effects of shaving. For women, it commonly occurs in the bikini area where the hair is coarser. Men, especially African-American men, tend to have problems under the neck and in the beard area because of the coarseness of the facial hair.

What causes these unsightly bums that look either red and irritated or even look like a bad case of acne? When this coarse curly hair is cut, it curls back on itself and can re-insert itself into the skin causing the ingrown irritation. There are several things you can do at home to try and remedy the problem before seeking professional help from a dermatologist.

The first step in prevention is to make sure you use a clean sharp razor. Also, give the hair time to soak before shaving. Save it until the last step of your shower. Shave with the direction of the hair too.

If you have tried everything and still have chronic razor bumps, you should make an appointment with a dermatologist for a solution. Medical grade products may help reduce the occurrence or you could try laser hair removal.

The key to laser hair treatments is that it reduces the amount of hair as well as the coarseness. While it grows back, it comes back softer and lighter. The less coarse it is the less chance it will curl in on itself and back into the skin. One downside to laser removal is that it can cause burns or discoloration in dark-skinned people. So, it is important to find an experienced dermatologist who has the right equipment to treat all skin types and all trouble areas.

Treating razor bumps with lasers is tolerated differently by everyone. Some people need a topical numbing cream prior to treatment while others react to it as an annoyance. It does sting and there is sometimes an unpleasant odor as the hair follicle is zapped. The coarseness and color of the hair determines how much it will hurt.

The number of treatments varies depending on the coarseness of the hair and the severity of the razor bumps. If a gentleman wants to keep his beard but eliminate the unsightly bumps, you wouldn't have a full series of treatments. On average, three treatments should suffice. For women wanting to reduce the hair in the bikini line, a series of six should be plenty. Treatments are scheduled by the growth cycle of the hair, about every thirty days or so.

If you feel you have no other option but to seek treatment from a dermatologist, be sure to verify his credentials. Board certification and experience in laser hair removal is essential to achieving the results you want so you no longer feel self-conscious about your face or wearing a bathing suit.