# 1: What are 'Razor Bumps'?
Ans- The rash consisting of red raised lesions and sometimes small pus filled papules or small bumpy lesions in the beard area of the face is known as Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB). It can also present in other shaved areas like pubic region and underarms.
# 2- What is the cause of PFB or Razor Bump?
Ans- When the hair is shaved too close to the skin, it develops a sharp tip that grows and curves downward and re -enters the upper layer of the skin.
# 3-Why only few people get it and what are the causative factors?
Ans- Few factors which cause and hence can be prevented are-
·
Stretching the skin before shaving causes the
sharp edged hair to retract underneath skin.
·
Use of a double edged razor encourages
penetration , The first blade serves to pull the hair out of the follicle while
the second blade cuts it and allows for retraction.
·
Improper shaving technique -Shaving against the
direction of hair growth.
·
Dry Shaving
#4- What can I do to prevent them from coming again? How Do I Shave?Ans -
·
Washing the beard with warm water and an
antibacterial soap for several minutes in circular motion
·
Avoid very close shave (
as popularized by advertisements these days) especially twin or
triple -blade razors. Single blade razors are the best for such patients.
·
Leave the shaving product for atleast 2 to 3
minutes. The harder the beard, the longer it takes to soften the hairs.
·
Shave in the direction of hair growth , with
short strokes and without using the other hand to tense the skin.
·
After shaving, rinse the beard area well and
dry with a clean towel slowly massaging the beard area in a circular area.
·
Rinse the blades after every use and change
them frequently as well.
·
Electric razors as there is a protective gap
between the blade and the comb hence preventing close shave. Use them at the
medium (not the close) shave position.
·
Shave only when necessary to allow more time
for the skin and beard to recover between shaves.
·
To prevent the area from darkening , the
patient should avoid shaving products containing alcohol and apply a sunscreen
after shaving.
#5 -What are the treatment options?Ans -
·
Prevention is the best cure and easiest too.
·
It is advisable to stop shaving for some time
(around 4 weeks) as the hair above the skin acts as a lever and pulls the
ingrown hair itself.
·
Warm water compresses should be applied for 10
to 20 minutes everyday followed by application of topical hydrocortisone 1%
cream.
·
Topical antibiotics , Benzoyl peroxide and AHA
agents can be helpful.
·
Lasers like long pulsed Nd :YAG , Alexandrite
and Diode laser is most effective treatment and in terms of patient
satisfaction.
·
Consult your dermatologist before considering
any treatment option.
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