After shaving, hair follicles can get stuck inside your skin, due to clogged pores, thereby causing red bumps. Along with red bumps, you may also experience a burning sensation on your skin, tenderness and itchiness. Some may notice blister-like pus-filled pimples as well.
So, does shaving cause acne? It can. But acne caused by dead skin cells in a clogged pore can also already on the skin, and shaving with acne is a challenge in and of itself. If you already have zits and are shaving with acne, it can actually make that acne worse.
Before shaving, wash your skin with a non-comedogenic cleanser. While shaving, always use a moisturizing shaving cream. Once you're done shaving, apply a soothing aftershave formulated to reduce risk of razor bumps and irritation.
You should also avoid picking or squeezing razor bumps. Skincare products that contain salicylic acid or glycolic acid may help the bumps heal faster. These acids exfoliate the skin to clear out dead skin cells and let the ingrown hair make its way back to the surface.
Don't squeeze the bumps. Trying to pop the bumps could cause an infection or leave a scar. Don't dig under the skin. If you do try to remove the hair, do it gently.
Razor Burn, Hot Tub Rash, and Barber's Itch
In most cases, the condition is caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. It first appears as a series of small, red bumps. These tend to rapidly develop into painful, pus-filled pimples that form around the hair follicles.
Razor bumps tend to resolve on their own, within 2 or 3 weeks of shaving. However, some people get them with every shave. This causes a cycle of shaving, which leads to razor bumps, then healing. Re-shaving the area triggers the bumps again.
It is typically not a cause for concern and will remedy independently. However, folliculitis can result in painful skin inflammation, sores, and pimple-like bumps. It is often the result of improper shaving technique, poor hygiene, and wearing tight clothing. Avoiding these practices can help prevent folliculitis.
Folliculitis isn't considered a sexually transmitted infection, though in some cases it can transfer via close skin contact. However, the herpes simplex virus is spread through sexual contact. In rare cases, this virus can cause folliculitis.
You cannot get a sexually transmitted infection (STI) from shaving. However, getting rid of your pubic hair may make it slightly easier for you to get one. Around 60% of people who remove any of their pubic hair experience at least one health complication from it.