At Almasi Skincare we offer excellent razor bumps treatment in Nairobi Kenya.
What Are Razor Bumps?
Razor bumps which are also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae or shaving rash or barber’s itch or razor burn are swellings which develop on the skin of both men and women after shaving. These swellings can occur on the chin, neck, head, armpits, pubic area, legs and any part of the body that is shaved.
Razor Bumps Causes
Razor bumps or pseudofolliculitis barbae develop as a result of an inflammatory reaction to ingrown hairs after shaving. This reaction occurs when the hair that has been cut coils back into the hair follicle inside the skin where it is perceived by the immune system to be a foreign body and thus attacked.
Razor bumps are more common in men of African descent than in men of other races because of a genetic predisposition that arises as a result of a single nucleotide substitution in the hair follicle companion layer-specific keratin (K6hf). Its prevalence in men of African descent is 45-85%.
This hair condition is also more common in men of African descent because their hair is curlier.
Razor bumps are also more likely to develop in men who shave with manual razors rather than in those who use electric razors.
This hair condition is also more likely to develop in persons who prefer close shaving.
Razor Bump Symptoms
Symptoms of razor bumps or pseudofolliculitis barbae include red bumps (erythematous papules) that develop on skin that has been shaved. These may be itchy or painful and there may also be darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation).
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Razor Bumps Diagnosis
A diagnosis of pseudofolliculitis barbae or razor bumps is made after the Doctor listens to the patient’s history and examines the skin. Dermatoscopy can also reveal the ingrown hairs.
Razor Bump Treatment in Nairobi Kenya
Pseudofolliculitis barbae or razor bumps treatment in Nairobi Kenya includes the use of medications, dermatology procedures and self care measures.
Medications for Razor Bumps Treatment in Nairobi Kenya
Medications used to treat pseudofolliculitis barbae or razor bumps include:
Corticosteroid Creams
Low to mid potency corticosteroid creams are used to reduce inflammation and itching. Examples include Hydrocortisone Cream. These can be used immediately after shaving.
Acne Treatment Medication
Acne treatment medications like benzoyl peroxide and mild retinoids like adapalene (Differin) or tretinoin (Retin A 0.025% or 0.05%) are also used to treat razor bumps because they reduce follicular hyperkeratosis and thus clear the opening of the hair follicle which reduces the risk for hair trapping. A Benzoyl peroxide like Acne.org Benzoyl Peroxide can be used in the morning and a mild retinoid like Differin at night.
Antibiotic Creams
Antibiotic creams are also used to treat this hair condition. A good example is Bacitracin.
Combinations of a tretinoin, low potency topical corticosteroid and hydroquinone are also used to reduce hyperkeratosis, inflammation and hyperpigmentation.
Oral Antibiotics
Antibitotics taken by mouth like doxycyline and other tetracyclines are used to reduce inflammation and if there are signs of an infection.
Dermatology Procedures for Razor Bump Treatment in Nairobi Kenya
Dermatology procedures used to treat pseudofolliculitis barbae or razor bumps include micordermabrasion, chemical peels and photodynamic therapy.
Microdermabrasion
At Almasi Skincare we offer microdermabrasion for razor bumps treatment. Microdermabrasion is a procedure in which a device with a diamond tip is used to remove the dead cells on the surface of the skin. This reduces the barrier that prevents the hair from growing out of the skin. It also reduces the dark marks on the skin (hyperpigmentation) and leaves it soft and smooth.
Chemical Peels
At Almasi Skincare we offer chemical peels for razor bumps treament. Chemical peels utilize glycolic acid, salicylic acid and other acids to remove the dead cells on the surface of the skin. This reduces the barrier that prevents the hair from growing out of the skin. It also reduces the dark marks on the skin (hyperpigmentation) and leaves smooth.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy involves using a drug (photosensitizing agent) and a specific wavelength of light to treat various conditions. It has been used for razor bumps treatment successfully.
Self Care for Razor Bump Treatment
Shave After Showering
Shave after showering or while in the shower because the hairs are soft and the skin is warm and hydrated. This reduces the risk of irritation and developing razor bumps associated with shaving dry skin.
Moisturize Before Shaving
Before shaving, moisturize the skin with a lotion that contains glycolic acid. Glycolic acid removes the dead cells on the skin’s surface and thus reduces the likelihood of these dead skin cells getting in the way of the razor or clogging the hair follicles and obstructing hair growth which leads to the development of new lesions. A good example is the Anthony Glycolic Facial Cleanser.
You can also use a face scrub like Tom Ford Exfoliating Energy Scrub.
You can also cleanse with polyester skin cleansing pads. If shaving the legs you can use loofa sponges.
If you have very thick and coarse hair apply a pre shave oil like The Art of Shaving Pre Shave Oil.
You can also use a shaving gel with moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera gel. A good example is Harry’s Shaving Gel with Aloe.
Shave With Sharp Razor
Shave with a sharp razor and preferably one with a single blade since razors with multiple blades can pull or tag the skin. A good example is the Weishi Nostalgic Handle Razor.
You can also use a razor with an attachment that leaves the cut hairs long.
You can also use electric hair clippers like the Panasonic Electric Razor since they do not cut the hair very short and they are gentler on the skin. They are also able to automatically adjust their cutting power according to the hair density.
As you shave, do so without stretching the skin. Ensure that you shave in the direction of the hair follicle or hair growth by taking short, single strokes. Do not go against the grain as you shave. Make sure that you do not shave the hair completely. Leave the hair at a length of 0.5 mm to 3 mm or aim to have a 5 o’clock shadow immediately after shaving. In addition, shave on alternate days rather than every day to reduce the frequency of shaving and the probability of developing razor bumps.
Use A Moisturizing After Shave Lotion
After shaving apply an aftershave lotion which contains moisturizing ingredients to keep the skin hydrated and antiseptics to prevent infection. A good example is Nivea Men Post Shave Balm.
You can also use an aftershave lotion which contains organic ingredients like tea tree essential oil and lavender. A good example is Brickell Instant Relief Aftershave. Avoid after shaves with fragrance as they might irritate the skin.
After shaving sterilize metal hair clippers and electric razors with boiling water and sterilize plastic items by soaking them in an antiseptic solution.
If you have any ingrown hairs before shaving, loosen them by brushing the area with a shaving brush preferably made of badger hair like the Perfecto Pure Badger Shaving Brush. Brushing the area also causes the hairs to stand at an angle that is close to perpendicular to the skin. This should be followed by applying a warm compress to the area.
Razor Bumps Complications
Complications of pseudofolliculitis barbae or razor bumps include the following:
Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Keloids
Hypertrophic scars
Hair loss which can be temporary or permanent
Sycosis barbae which is a serious infection with abscesses and sinuses.
At Almasi Skincare Clinic we treat al these complications of razor bumps. Consult our Doocot today.
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Razor Bumps Prevention
Pseudofolliculitis barbae or razor bumps can be prevented by doing the following:
Follow a proper shaving regimen like the one above.
Not shaving the hair and allowing it to grow for example by growing a permanent beard.
Permanent hair reduction for example by laser hair removal with Nd:YAG and diode lasers though they may cause post inflammatory hyperpigmenation or post inflammatory hypopigmenation. Intense pulsed light (IL) or electrolysis which destroy the hair follicle and prevents hair growth can also be used.
Use other hair removal methods like eflornithine cream and chemical depilatories which contain barium sulfide paste and calcium thioglycolate. A good example is Magic Extra Strength Shaving Powder which has been specially formulated for black men to remove coarse hair without shaving.
Magic Shaving Powder can be purchased from our Nairobi Almasi Skincare shop located on Moi Avenue, Sawa Mall, 3rd floor, shop C15. Call 0721 963 156 or WhatsApp +254 721 963 156 to order and for countrywide delivery.
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You can also use a depilatory cream like Magic Razorless Cream Shave which is applied on the skin for a few minutes before the hair is wiped off with a warm cloth.
Visit our Almasi Skincare clinic today and receive excellent razor bumps treatment in Nairobi Kenya.