Dermatology, by video or in person
Razor Bumps (Pseudofolliculitis Barbae)
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Razor Bumps (Pseudofolliculitis Barbae)
- Small, firm, itchy or painful bumps after shaving
- Bumps on the beard area, neck, bikini line, underarms or scalp
- Hairs visibly curling back into the skin
- Pus-filled spots when bumps become infected
- Dark marks left after bumps heal
Razor bumps, called pseudofolliculitis barbae, happen when a shaved hair curls back and grows into the skin, causing an inflamed bump. They are very common in people with tightly curled hair, on the beard and neck, and also on the bikini line, underarms and scalp after shaving. They can become infected, leave dark marks, and in some people lead to raised scars or keloids. The most reliable fix is to change how you shave or to let the hair grow, and a dermatologist can treat the bumps and the dark marks they leave.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Small, firm, itchy or painful bumps after shaving
- Bumps on the beard area, neck, bikini line, underarms or scalp
- Hairs visibly curling back into the skin
- Pus-filled spots when bumps become infected
- Dark marks left after bumps heal
- Raised, firm scars along the jaw or neck
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital or see a doctor urgently if an area becomes very swollen, hot and painful, spreads quickly or comes with a fever, which can mean a spreading infection. See a dermatologist if bumps keep coming back despite changing how you shave, are leaving dark marks or raised scars, or you need to stay clean-shaven for work.
Treatment options
- Letting the hair grow, which clears most razor bumps
- Shaving with the grain using a single-blade razor or electric clippers, not too close
- Softening the hair with warm water and a gel before shaving
- Gently freeing ingrown hairs with a clean needle, never digging them out
- Prescription creams to calm inflammation and fade dark marks
- Laser hair removal for long-term relief, from a trained practitioner
Common Questions
Will razor bumps leave marks?
They can, especially on dark skin. Treating the bumps early and stopping close shaving lets most marks fade over months, and a dermatologist can prescribe creams to help.
Can razor bumps cause keloids?
In people prone to keloids, yes. If bumps along your jaw are becoming hard, raised scars, see a dermatologist early, because keloids are harder to treat once they grow.
Can a dermatologist help by video?
Yes. A dermatologist can see the bumps on camera, advise on shaving, and prescribe creams for inflammation and dark marks.
Need Help?
A skin specialist on a video call, who looks at the skin on camera, plans treatment and tells you if it needs to be seen in person.
See a dermatologist by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
Find a verified dermatology specialist near you.
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