Dr. Thrower's Blog: Shave

Razor bumps are a pain in the neck -- literally! And unfortunately, they are daily battle that many ethnic and Black men endure.

We've provided some background information on what causes the dermatological condition, also referred to as shave bumps, and how to prevent it.

When smooth, hair-free skin is your goal, the last thing you want to worry about is bumps caused by shaving. These bumps are not only unsightly, but they are also uncomfortable, resulting in itching and pain, and can even lead to infection and scarring.

For many women, shaving can be a worrisome, but necessary grooming, and hygiene nightmare.

For many ethnic women getting ingrown hairs after shaving too close with a razor can be hard to deal with.

The consequences are usually unsightly shaving rash, bumps, and dark spots.

For many ethnic men, a condition called Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) can be hard to deal with. It’s when you get ingrown hairs after shaving too close with a razor.

As a solution, some men just grow out their beards. PFB is a “splinter” reaction in the skin. This condition is caused because ethnic hair is coarse and usually grows curly. When shaved too closed the hair is cut below the skin and instead of growing straight out of the hair follicle, the curly hair begins to coil and grow into neighboring skin. The skin reacts to the invading hair by becoming irritated and bumpy, which results in dark spots and skin discoloration.