Identifying Razor Burn vs. Razor Bumps and How to Treat Both

Even though shaving has been part of most women’s personal grooming routine for years, it can still lead to frustrating and uncomfortable skin issues such as razor burns and razor bumps. While these two often get confused or lumped in together, razor burn and razor bumps are distinct conditions with different causes and treatments. 

Understanding the differences between them can help you find the best solution for smoother, less irritated skin.

Razor Burn: Causes & Treatment 

If you’ve been shaving any part of your body for any length of time, you’ve likely experienced razor burn. It appears as a red, irritated patch of skin that can feel itchy or burning. 

For example, after shaving, you may notice what seems like a stinging rash on your bikini line, and it may hurt if your underwear elastic rubs against it. This is a common place for razor burn to occur because it can be so difficult to shave against the creases and curves in the pubic area.

Razor burn is often caused by shaving too closely, pressing too hard when shaving, shaving in the wrong direction, or using a dull razor. It typically can be seen within minutes of shaving.

Some tips for preventing or avoiding razor burn include:

• Wet or moisturize skin before shaving.
• Use a shave gel or other protective foam, cream or lubricant to help prevent irritation.
• Shave in the direction of hair growth.
• Shave slowly and gently in light, short strokes.
• Always shave with a clean razor and replace them frequently before they get dull.

Who is more likely to get razor burn?

People with sensitive skin tend to be more prone to irritation and more likely to get razor burn, but anyone who shaves can experience razor burn. Using electric razors or razors with multiple blades instead of a single-blade razor can help minimize irritation on sensitive skin.

How to soothe razor burn

If you have razor burn or rashes from shaving, applying a soothing, hydrating lotion or cream can moisturize the skin, calm the irritation, and reduce the pain and burning sensations. 

Look for fragrance-free products with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or shea butter. Stay away from products containing alcohol as this can cause stinging in the razor burn area and trigger further irritation and dryness. 

A mild razor burn may only last a few hours while some razor burns could last a few days. While it can clear on its own without any treatment, you may at least want to avoid shaving in that same spot until the skin has healed.

Razor Bumps: Causes & Treatment

Razor bumps (medically known as pseudofolliculitis barbae) are small, raised bumps that appear around the hair follicles. They look like tiny pimples or pustules and can be firm to the touch, occurring as just a few bumps or in larger clusters.

Razor bumps are often caused by ingrown hairs. After shaving or waxing, new hair curls back into the skin instead of growing outward, so you may not see bumps right away. The bumps usually arise within a day or two of shaving, waxing, or plucking and can last from days to weeks. This condition can lead to inflammation and sometimes even infection. If you suspect an infection, please contact your doctor or dermatologist (a doctor that specializes in skin conditions).

When shaving too close or too hard, hair may grow back into the hair follicle causing these razor bumps to form. These bumps can be painful and itchy. Razor bumps also occur in areas that are shaved frequently. 

Who is more likely to get razor bumps?

As with razor burn, anyone can get razor bumps since they can be caused by any type of shaving or hair removal. However, razor bumps tend to be more common in people with coarse or curly hair and people with darker skin, including those of African, Hispanic and Middle Eastern descent.

Women who frequently remove hair from underarms and the genital and bikini area may also be more prone to razor bumps. Plus, because pubic hair can be coarse, pubic area razor bumps can happen to almost anyone who shaves this area.