Clive Anderson - AT THE DERMATOLOGIST RAZOR BUMPS develop on the skin after shaving. Often these bumps are red and irritated or they may become pus-filled. They develop as a result of ingrown hairs. Our tightly-curled hairs growing into the skin cause these bumps. These hairs are sharpened by shaving and easily pierce the skin.
To the skin, the hair shaft, when not enclosed by a sheath as it normally occurs, is a foreign body. The skin mobilises its defences against the intruder. It encloses the foreign body in a bump and calls in its defenders, the white blood cells, and inflammation occurs. The hair, in piercing the skin's barrier, allows bacteria to enter and infection may ensue. If the inflammation and/or infection is not quickly resolved a scar may develop.
Razor bumps often heal leaving blotchy, dark spots on the skin. The bumps may develop anywhere that the skin is shaved bearded area,
underarm, legs or pubic area.
LET THE HAIR GROW
The only 100 per cent effective treatment is to let the hair grow. Once the hairs are over a certain length, they no longer have the rigidity to pierce the skin. This, however, is often not an acceptable option. To prevent razor bumps, use a depilatory cream instead of a razor. These creams dissolve the hairs by breaking certain bonds (disulfide bonds) resulting in the hairs being broken off bluntly at the skin's surface. These substances are packaged as creams, lotions or powders. They can,
however, cause allergic or irritant reactions on the skin and the smell may be offensive to some persons. Use only once or twice weekly.
Double or triple blade razors shave too closely and should not be used. The 'bump fighter' razor has a single blade that is foil guarded so as not to shave too closely. This results in less trauma to the skin and reduces razor bumps. Electric shears that can be adjusted to leave one to two mm of stubble are a good option.
The preparation of the skin and hairs before shaving is also important. Washing the area before shaving with warm water serves to soften the hairs somewhat making them easier to cut. Use a toothbrush, rough washcloth or Buf-Puf to massage the area before shaving, thus freeing and lifting the hairs.
SHAVING PATTERN
Shave in the direction of the hair growth only, never against the growth. Do not pull the skin taut when shaving as this causes the hairs to retract below the surface leading to irritation. Lather with a shaving gel instead of a shaving cream. The extra moisturisers in the gel serve to protect the skin's surface. Shave regularly to keep the hairs low thus not allowing them to grow into the skin. Apply a moisturising gel to the skin after shaving. Use tweezers or a clean needle daily to free the hairs embedded in each bump. Do not pluck the hairs as inflammation will result.
Your dermatologist has several treatment options for razor bumps. The treatment recommended will depend on the severity of the condition and the site affected. Topical retinoids like adapalene and tretinoin (used in the treatment of acne) are useful. Antibiotics such as topical erythromycin, clindamycin and antibacterial agents such as benzoyl peroxide may also be used. Severe episodes with pus-filled bumps will require oral antibiotics.
Glycolic peels are a useful treatment modality both for the bumps and the dark spots that follow.
A cream called Vaniqa is now available in the U.S. and, hopefully, will soon be registered locally, to slow the regrowth of unwanted hair. Vaniqa inhibits an enzyme necessary for hair growth. Improvement occurs gradually over a period of four to eight weeks. Laser hair removal is very promising in treating this condition. The laser selectively destroys the hair follicle and stops hair growth. Multiple laser treatments are, however, necessary.
Dr. Clive Anderson is a dermatologist and venereologist; yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
