Razor Bumps Under My Chin
When you shave in the morning, the little pesky bumps that crop up afterward are fairly common. While they're usually nothing more than a nuisance, it can be embarrassing to sport razor rash on your chin.
When you shave in the morning, the little pesky bumps that crop up afterward are fairly common. While they're usually nothing more than a nuisance, it can be embarrassing to sport razor rash on your chin. By understanding the various causes of those bumps on your chin, you can learn how to properly treat or prevent them for smoother shaving results.
Symptoms
When razor bumps show up on your chin after shaving, they can manifest in a few different ways. Widespread redness with small bumps and bleeding can occur. You may also notice red and flesh-colored bumps that appear in groups. Or, you may notice one or two large red bumps that are swollen, red and tender to the touch.
Causes
The small bumps and widespread redness are most likely caused by razor rash. Shaving effectively removes the top layer of your skin, and if you shave with little moisture protecting your skin, you may get rash-like bumps on your chin. The red and flesh-colored groups of bumps could be caused by folliculitis, which is caused by hair follicles infected by Staphylococcus aureu or another bacteria, notes MayoClinic.com. The large, swollen bumps could be ingrown hairs, where the hair is growing into the follicle, rather than out of the follicle.
Prevention
The best way to treat razor bumps on the chin is to prevent them in the first place. Your shaving technique has a lot to do with the condition of your skin after your shave. First, shave after your shower, when the hairs on your face are soft and easy to cut, suggests Columbia University Health Services. Use a sharp razor, and shave along the chin in the direction of hair growth to reduce pulling and rash. Avoid going over the same area multiple times, which can cause excess friction and infection. Finally, use moisturizer instead of aftershave, which can dry out your skin and make it tender.
Treatment
If your red chin bumps have already cropped up despite your best efforts, smooth a cream containing hydrocortisone over the area. Hydrocortisone restricts the blood vessels, resulting in less redness and irritating itch. If your red bumps are the cause of ingrown hairs, carefully locate the loop of hair at the top of the bump. Gently lift the embedded end from the skin without plucking completely, and then add antibacterial cream to help fight any infection.
Warning
While bumps on your chin after shaving are usually harmless, if you continually get them, you could have sensitive skin. See your dermatologist for alternative methods of hair removal, like chemical shaving products or waxing instead. Your dermatologist may also be able to recommend moisturizing products for a more comfortable shave.