How To Prevent And Treat Razor Bumps According To A Doctor

Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.

Use a sharp razor, and don't go over the same area more than once.

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While razor burn and razor bumps are commonly used to describe the same thing, they are in fact separate skin conditions. Razor burn usually appears in the form of a tender red rash after shaving, while razor bumps are due to ingrown hairs (i.e., recently trimmed hairs that curl down and grow back into the skin), Dr. Chen explains. But both types of skin irritation are often caused by incorrect shaving practices. The most common culprits include not using shaving cream or soap, shaving in the opposite direction of your hair, using a dull razor, over-shaving an area or shaving too quickly, Dr. Chen says.

But both types of skin irritation are often caused by incorrect shaving practices. The most common culprits include not using shaving cream or soap, shaving in the opposite direction of your hair, using a dull razor, over-shaving an area or shaving too quickly, Dr. Chen says.

Applying moisturizer can help soothe razor burn.

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