Razor burn is an uncomfortable but largely innocuous condition in which shaving causes the skin to become irritated. A red rash and small bumps may develop. For those with sensitive skin, dry skin, or underlying conditions that complicate the immune system, razor burn may be a recurring and embarrassing issue.
Here are five terms to help you get educated about razor burn—and to know when it might be more than razor burn.
- Folliculitis: When the area where razor burn forms develops a bacterial or fungal infection, it becomes folliculitis. Folliculitis refers to the irritated hair follicles (small holes hair grows out of). Larger bumps and whiteheads may form. As the infection spreads, the skin may become crusty, itchy, and swollen.
- Pseudofolliculitis barbae: This condition, also called razor bumps or barber’s itch, may develop when hairs become ingrown from shaving or waxing. Although it refers mostly to razor bumps that develop in the beard area, it is not uncommon in the bikini area, either. The skin may appear dark or raised from inflamed hair follicles. Areas with coarse, curly hair are more susceptible to pseudofolliculitis barbae.
- Sycosis barbae: Occurring primarily in men, sycosis barbae forms mainly on the face (particularly the lip, chin, and jaw line, where shaving is necessary). More than just razor burn, sycosis barbae is an infection of staphylococcal bacteria. Rather than getting better after a few days, the condition continues to grow worse. It can be itchy and painful, with lots of oozing, crusty bumps that tend to leave obvious scarring.
- Staphylococcus aureus: One of the more common infections that can occur from trying to pop razor bumps is staphylococcus aureus (staph infection). A staph infection requires antibiotics to treat. Bumps that look like whiteheads but are painful or itchy (especially when attempting to pop them) may in fact be a staph infection.
- Furunculosis: When razor burn turns into folliculitis, potential complications may include furunculosis. This infection develops deep in the hair follicle. A boil or abscess can appear under the skin; either of these may look like a large, tender bump with a pocket of pus inside.
