Posts tagged "hair bumps"

Hair Bumps: What Are They?

Hair bumps are often referred to as ingrown hairs or razor bumps. The terms are often used interchangeably and while a hair bump can be referred to as a razor bumps both are somewhat different from ingrown hairs defined here.

Wikipedia gives a detailed overview of pseudofolliculitis barbae or hair bumps in this article. Once again let us quickly differentiate between hair bumps and ingrown hair.

Hair bumps or razor bumps occur anywhere on the face or body where shaving or other types of hair removal has occurred. Due to several special hair bumps causes the hair can curl back into the follicle prompting an infection which results in pimple like reactions on the surface of the skin. The reactions or pimples can be pustules (with fluid inside or papules, elevated without the pus).

When the hair grows out of the skin’s surface and grows back into the skin this scenario is referred to as extrafollicular.

In the case of ingrown hair, the shaved hair will not have had an opportunity to break the surface of the skin. Due the its curly nature it would have curled and continued to grow under the skin, again causing infection and the resulting hair bumps. This scenario is referred to as transfollicular.

Here is another brief description of hair bumps at Wikianswers.

Weird Bumps On Your Vagina?

Reader Email:

I recently discovered extremely sore red bumps on my vagina. They are just pimple like, sore and seems to have pus in them. Could they be razor bumps? I am sort of worried that they can be herpes, what should I do and how do I tell the difference?

Answer:

This is a common problem where hair bumps can be mistakenly diagnosed as herpes by people who do not know the difference. If the bumps appear soon after shaving you can put your mind at ease that they may be hairs bumps caused as a result of shaving.

Understanding the differences in the appearance of the bumps can also help. Razor bumps show as tiny red bumps which can be itchy, swollen, painful and sometimes filled with pus. Razor bumps will normally diminish after a few days after the hair starts to grow out. It is easy to see why they can be  commonly mistaken for herpes.

Herpes presents itself as a series of bumps or blisters and they rupture or break open and form lesions. The initial outbreak of herpes is normally the most severe. After the body has had a chance to adapt to the invasion of the virus future outbreaks are smaller and less frequent.

When using general observation to determine if the cause of your breakout is herpes or razor bumps you need to understand the nature of each condition. Razor bumps won’t break open and form lesions like herpes do.

That said, if you suspect that you have been infected you should see your doctor at the time of the outbreak to receive a proper evaluation.

How To Remove An Ingrown Hair

So far we have provided you with a lot of preventative methods for getting rid of hair bumps. In this post we will give you a guideline for removing ingrown hairs that may be stuck within the bumps.

Exfoliate. You should not be surprised since exfoliation is mentioned time and time again on this site. This in itself helps to loosen the hair in preparation for removal. Exfoliation will also remove dead skin cells that from the surface of the bumps. Remember to exfoliate gently and in such a way that you do not cause bleeding to the irritated bumps.

Apply a solution that contains salicylic acid. A lot of manufactured treatments for hair bumps contain salicylic acid. Apply your solution or cream daily to prevent further clogging of pores and to reduce swelling associated with hair bumps.

Apply a warm, moist compress directly to the area. Wet a washcloth with hot water and hold firmly over the bumps. This will soften the hair and skin around it and bring it to the surface. This will also serve to open your pores which will help to loosen the hair. If the compress cools, wet and apply again until the hair is visible on the surface of the bump.

Use a sterile needle or tweezers to lift the hair. Only after the hair becomes visible should you then use a needle or tweezers to gently lift the tip of the hair from out of the skin. Do not pull the hair out of the follicle, it is enough to just remove the tip from under the skin. Avoid digging into the skin or cutting to cause bleeding or increase chances of infection. Sterilize the needle or tweezers by cleaning with rubbing alcohol or boiling water.

Clean and moisturize. Wash the area with a gentle, moisturizing cleanser and warm water. Rinse with cool water to close your pores again. Apply a light, water based moisturizer to keep skin soft, moist and supple.

Get your copy of  Say Goodbye To Razor Bumps to find out how you can prevent future occurrence of razor bumps.

Hair Bumps: Prevent them by using the right razor

We always recommend electric shaving for men and women who are having problems with hair bumps. Using an electric shaver is one surefire way to fight the onset of hair bumps. That said, how do you go about choosing an electric razor?  As with most products there are so many options, types, brands available that is sometimes very difficult to just choose a razor.

When choosing a product to purchase, whatever it is, we tend to go for the brand names that we so advertised most. This is all well and good if you are choosing a brand that is right for your particular needs and for your budget. This is especially true when choosing an electric razor. Do not go for the biggest and best names only to find out it does not suit your individual needs.

Always keep in mind that not all electric razors cut the same way and this is as it should be. There are various types of cutters, some are rotary type razors, others are foil-based type razors and this is itself will affect the shaving style.

So What Are The Differences?
Rotary type razors are razors which feature two or sometimes three spinning blades that are covered by a circular screen. Variations in these types of razors include the double-action razors which are fitted with special devices to lift the hair before cutting for an overall closer shave. Micro-action razors are fitted with a thinner screen thus giving a closer shave because there is less metal between the blade and your skin.

With foil shavers the blades move from side to side with a thin metal mesh over the blade which keeps the blade from cutting your skin. There are three variations, single foil razors which have only one blade, double- and triple-foil razors which two and three blades. The main difference is that with its triple action blade this variation will do the job faster than the other options.

Mobility: This feature will determine if you go with a plug-in, a battery operated, a rechargeable, or a razor that is a combination rechargeable/ plug-in. The type you choose should be based on your shaving habits.

If you shave in the same place (eg. at home) then the plug-in will work fine. If you are on the move a lot then the rechargeable or battery operated shavers may be best for you. Of course, as you would expect the battery operated razors and the most expensive in the long run and are really not ideal for everyday shaving.

Waterproof: Do you prefer to shave in the shower? A water proof razor will give you this flexibility.

Shape and comfort: Make sure that you can grasp the handle of the razor comfortably. Also, you will want to ensure that the blade can move across the contours or your face, legs or rest of your body without discomfort.

Price: After all the above factors are considered, a razor that fits your budget is also a major consideration. When shelling out your money keep in mind that a razor is an investment and buying the cheapest may cost you more in the long run.

Moving from normal wet shaving to the use of an electric razor might seem daunting to some but those suffering from hair bumps willing embrace it in order to reduce the pain and embarrassment chronic hairs bumps can bring.

What are your favorite electric razors?

Prevent Hair Bumps In Your Pubic Area With Proper Shaving Techniques

As a first choice I would be hesitant to recommend “wet” shaving to anyone suffering from hair bumps. However it is easier and wiser in most cases to shave than to wax if hair bumps are a problem.

There are a few things that you can do to decrease the onset of hair bumps after shaving. This is especially important with bikini season right around the corner. If  you have never shaved your pubic area I caution you to gather as much facts as you could before you do and weigh the pros and cons to ensure that it is the right decision for you.

That said, here are a few guidelines for reducing the occurrence of hair bumps after shaving your pubic area.

• Choose the right razor. If you have had problems with hair bumps in the past, stay away from razors with multiple blades. It may mean using the cheap bic single blades but you will be better off in the long run. Most of the razors manufactured these days are geared toward producing as close a shave as possible and while that is good for most it is not a good idea for someone struggling with hair bumps. Ensure that you are using a new razor. 
• Trim hair with sharp scissors first. If you have longer hair in your pubic region, use a sharp scissors to trim hair as low as possible first. This will make shaving easier when you begin to use the razor.
• Prepare the remaining hair for shaving. Wash the area and shampoo with a mild shampoo. If the water is warm the hair will be softer when you begin to shave.  Apply your shaving cream generously. Use a shaving cream with mild ingredients.
• Begin shaving. Shave in the direction of the hair growth and try to avoid going over the same area too often to avoid damaging the skin.
• Moisturize. Moisturize the area after shaving is completed. Again, it is important to stay away from harsh products.

Include a routine of exfoliation between shavings to remove hardened plugs of proteins and reduce instances of hair bumps.

Use these simple steps to make hair bumps in your pubic area a thing of the past.

Exfoliation: It’s Not Just for Women

The thought of exfoliation will summon the deep sighs, adamant protests, and rolling of the eyes from the 90% of the male population who are not familiar with the benefits of exfoliation. Men, especially those who are coping with the discomfort associated with ingrown hairs, should welcome the procedure with open arms.

So what is exfoliation anyway?

If men can disassociate the term from the visions that they conjure of women primping and fussing  they may very well welcome the process of exfoliation. Exfoliation in its simplest form means the removal of accumulated dead skin from the skin’s surface in order to expose the underlying skin. The skin revealed is softer and more even-toned and frankly I cannot imagine anyone who would not want that.

Research has proven that men’s skin is thicker than that of women, therefore they will ultimately reap greater benefits from exfoliation.  For men suffering from the effects of ingrown hair exfoliation is key!  Men in general can reap the benefits of all body exfoliation especially in problem areas likes chest, back, hands and feet.

Methods of Exfoliation

Men who prefer to exfoliate without the intrusion of prying eyes can do so in the privacy of their own home. There are a number great products that can be purchased at local beauty counters on online. For special occasions men can go all out and use the services available at nearby spas.

Available options include specially made loofah pads, gloves, stones, scrubs or creams whose main active ingredient consist of Glycolic, Salicylic, and Alpha-Hydroxy Acids. Often it takes trial and error to find the one that works best. An exfoliating solution containing salicylic acid is best for those with ingrown hair.

Other more expensive options for exfoliation include deep down treatments like like micro-dermabrasion. This process involves the use of tiny crystals to remove deeper imperfections.  Spa versions are the more expensive options but there are a number of over the counter products that will cost less than a trip to the spa.

Men, especially those prone to breakouts and ingrown hair, should exfoliate at least once weekly. It all depends on the skin type and intensity at which you exfoliate.

As a final note, I caution you to reduce exposure of the exfoliated skin to sunlight until the skin is back to normal.

If you are considering adding exfoliation to your routine especially if you have ingrown hair I will like to recommend Anthony Logistics For Men Mud Scrub. It is an absolutely amazing product and leaves your skin feeling so refreshingly soft and smooth. I purchased this for my husband and I love to feel his skin after he uses  it. He says that it feels like he has dropped ten pounds of skin after he washes it off.

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