Rash Decisions: Treatments for Shaving Bumps at Platinum Dermatology

In a quest to keep parts of our bodies smooth and hairless, patients who visit Platinum Dermatology are understandably upset when they discover that shaving has caused raised red bumps to form on their skin. This problem is a common one known as folliculitis.

When folliculitis occurs on the face and neck, this problem is known as folliculitis barbae, razor bumps, shaving rash, and shaving burn. Depending on the cause, the inflammation may be deep or quite superficial. Regardless, it is unsightly and uncomfortable, and can affect both men and women.

The 3 Main Causes of Shaving Bumps

Folliculitis generally occurs due to:

• Infection – viral, fungal, or bacterial
• Irritation – either mechanical or chemical
• Certain skin conditions

Folliculitis barbae is a type of mechanical folliculitis. This means it is caused by frictional factors that occur when you run a razor over your beard.

Men’s Skincare at Platinum Dermatology: Razor Bumps

Our skin specialists treat many patients with razor bumps. The condition is quite common, especially for men with curly hair. Improper shaving techniques can result in ingrown hairs

• Hair re-enters the skin while growing (extrafollicular penetration)

• The sharp tip of a cut hair pierces the follicle wall (transfolllicular penetration)

Your body treats these hairs as foreign bodies and launches an inflammatory response.This results in a painful, acne-like eruption and the development of bumps. The lesions that develop on the skin can be

• Flesh-coloured
• Red and inflamed

Razor bumps are not threatening to your health, but they can lead to keloidal scarring, permanent hard bumps in the beard and neck areas.

4 DIY Solutions for Folliculitis Barbae

There are many things the skin specialists at Platinum Dermatology recommend to patients whose beard rash is mild. These simple steps can relieve discomfort, accelerate healing and prevent infection from spreading, too.

If you’ve been troubled by red bumps and irritated skin when you shave, we suggest:

1. 1. Take a Shaving Break – a 30-day break in your shaving routine will allow inflamed skin to calm itself.

2. 2. Use a Warm Compress – applying a moist washcloth to the affected area will help sooth discomfort and drain pustules. Use a solution of one-teaspoonof table salt in two cups of warm water.

3. 3. Get an Antibacterial Soap– check with your pharmacist for infection-fighting creams, gels, and washes. Be sure to monitor the results carefully, and immediately discontinue any treatment that seems to be worsening your skin. Wash the infected area twice daily, using a clean washcloth and towel each time to avoid spreading infection.

4. 4. Have Some Oatmeal – oatmeal lotion will soothe itchy skin.

When lifestyle changes and home remedies fail to sooth irritated facial skin, a trip to the dermatologist is in order.

How Platinum Dermatology Solves Razor Bumps

The skin specialists at Platinum Dermatology are trained medical professionals with extensive experience treating skin problems. Our doctors meet with each patient to determine which beard-bump treatment will produce optimal results and healthy skin.

Among the solutions we provide:

• Topical antibiotic treatments

• Laser hair removal

• Oral medications to reduce inflammationinfection

If you or someone in your life is troubled by folliculitis or any other skin issues, we invite you to contact Platinum Dermatology on 02 8014 6500 or use the contact form to discover what we can do to solve your skin problems.