Q&A: Any Natural Remedies For Razor Bumps?

One of our facebook fans asks: Any natural remedies for razor bumps or folliculitis? - M. Thompson

A: Razor bumps, also known by the much longer name pseudofolliculitis barbae, are a shaver's nightmare. They can be painful, irritating, and a flat out nuisance. The bumps are caused when hair that has been shaved takes a U-turn and begins to poke back into the skin, leaving it red, inflamed, and itchy. Here are a few home remedies to help ease the pain and shrink the bumps.

- Lemon juice has long been known to be an anti-inflammatory for the skin. It also has anesthetic effects that are soothing and can relieve irritation. This method works best if you use a fresh lemon. Cut the lemon in half, squeezing the juice into a small bowl. Coat a cotton ball in the juice and gently dab it onto the irritated area. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

- Black tea is also an effective soother because it contains tannic acid. Tannic acid is known to reduce inflammation and redness. Buy some inexpensive black tea bags because the cheaper brands actually contain more of this miracle ingredient. Place the bag in some warm water and lightly rub it on, then let sit for a few minutes. Repeat over a few days if necessary.

But the best way to treat razor bumps is to stop shaving. If you cannot stop shaving, use a clean needle to release the embedded hair shaft. This usually stops razor bumps from developing, depending on how bad they are. But if shaving is restarted, razor bumps typically return.

African-American girl shaves in white tank-top her legs (focus on legs)

Severe razor bumps that do not go away with home treatment may be treated with medicine you spread on the skin, such as hydrocortisone, antibiotic, or tretinoin cream.

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Following these shaving instructions can help prevent razor bumps from forming:

Take a hot shower before shaving, to soften the hair and open the pores.
Use a thick shaving gel.
Don't stretch the skin when shaving, and always shave in the direction your beard grows. Use the fewest razor strokes possible. Rinse with cold water.
Use an electric razor if it can be adjusted to a higher setting.
After shaving, press a cold, wet cloth against your face for five minutes.

Visit the BlackDoctor.org Mens Health center for more articles and tips.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to 'Ask Dr. Renee'. Follow me on Twitter @AskDrRenee and on my website.