Pseudofolliculitis (razor bumps)
What is pseudofolliculitis (razor bumps)?
Pseudofolliculitis, also known as razor bumps or shaving bumps, are red, inflamed bumps on the face, neck, scalp, or any area where hair is shaved. They can also occur after waxing or plucking.
This condition is most common in people with naturally curly hair, especially those with Black skin. When curly hairs are shaved too close, they curve back into the skin, causing irritation and bumps. Over time, razor bumps can lead to dark marks or scarring.
Razor bumps are more likely to develop if you:
Pull the skin tight while shaving
Use razors with multiple blades
Shave against the grain of hair growth
Shave over the same area repeatedly
Pluck hairs with tweezers
Remove hairs by waxing
For comparison, see my folliculitis page to understand the difference between folliculitis and pseudofolliculitis.
How do I treat pseudofolliculitis (razor bumps)?
These steps can help calm redness and irritation, but the key to pseudofolliculitis is prevention (see below):
Medicated acne wash – Use a benzoyl peroxide wash (5% or less) in the shower. Higher strengths (10%) dry out the skin without added benefit.
Favorites: CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser (4%) or AcneFree 2.5% wash.
Switch razors – Use a Skinguard blade (or Venus Skinguard for women). These are designed to prevent overly close shaving that triggers razor bumps.
Alcohol hand sanitizer – After your shower, rub hand sanitizer (like Purell) on areas prone to bumps. It dries quickly, kills bacteria, and you can apply moisturizer over it.
Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) wash – A powerful antibacterial wash used in hospitals. For best results, leave on the skin 5–10 minutes before rinsing.
Steroid ointment (for itchy, red bumps) – Over-the-counter hydrocortisone ointment (not cream) twice daily can reduce irritation.
Warning: Overuse of topical steroids may cause thinning skin, stretch marks, and bruising.
How to use a medicated wash or Hibiclens
In the shower, rinse the areas where you get pseudofolliculitis with water.
Apply a benzoyl peroxide wash or Hibiclens wash to those areas.
Leave it on for 5–10 minutes (or longer if you can) so the medication has time to work.
Rinse off thoroughly at the end of your shower.
Use once or twice daily.
Tips:
Benzoyl peroxide can dry out your skin. Apply a generous moisturizer after each wash.
Benzoyl peroxide may bleach towels or clothing.
How do I prevent pseudofolliculitis (razor bumps)?
If you get red bumps or pimples where you shave (face, neck, scalp, thighs, groin), try these tips:
Before shaving:
Wash the area with a benzoyl peroxide wash or Hibiclens wash (as described above).
Choose the right razor:
Use a Skinguard blade (or Venus Skinguard for women).
Try single-use disposable razors (for women).
Consider an electric razor (good or great) that doesn’t shave as close to the skin.
Shaving technique:
Use your non-dominant hand to shave (this helps avoid pressing too hard).
Do not stretch or pull the skin tight.
Shave only in the direction of hair growth.
Keep blades sharp so you only pass over each area once.
Shave less often if possible.
Avoid plucking hairs with tweezers.
After shaving:
Apply a good moisturizer immediately after shaving and again before bed.
Special tip:
If your job requires a clean shave, ask your dermatologist about getting a “beard card” or medical permission to keep a well-groomed beard.
What if my pseudofolliculitis (razor bumps) isn’t getting better?
For most people, the steps above help prevent or improve razor bumps. But if your pseudofolliculitis is severe, scarring, or not improving with over-the-counter options, you may need prescription creams or oral antibiotics. In that case, see a board-certified dermatologist in your area. If you are in or near Utah, see one of my excellent colleagues at the University of Utah or me virtually with Honeydew.
DISCLAIMER
The statements expressed and content of this website are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Readers should seek their own professional counsel for any medical condition or before starting or altering any treatment, exercise, or dietary plan. Please see our full disclaimer here.