Razor Bumps

Alternate Terms:
  • Razor Burn
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Skin, Hair & Nails



Razor Bumps Definition by Healthwise:

Razor bumps or razor burn

Razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae) develop after shaving when strands of hair curl back on themselves, grow into the skin, cause irritation, and make pimples. Razor bumps are sometimes called razor burn.

Razor bumps develop most often on the neck, but they can occur in any area that is shaved (such as the cheeks, underarms, pubic area, and legs and arms).

Razor bumps occur most often in men who have tightly curled or spiral hair strands. Using different shaving techniques can help relieve this problem.

Author: Katy E. Magee, MA
Medical Review: Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated: August 19, 2009

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