How to Use Aspirin for Razor Bumps

Aspirin for Razor Bumps

Have you ever experienced red, painful bumps where you have just shaved? These are razor bumps, also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae. Affecting both men and women, razor bumps develop right after shaving, when hair strands curl back onto themselves before growing back into the skin. They cause irritation, pimples, and lead to scarring.

The good news is that a common household medicine may hold the answer to the effective treatment of razor bumps.

Does Aspirin Work for Razor Bumps?

There are many home remedies for razor bumps, and one that users appear to swear by is Aspirin, otherwise known as acetylsalicylic acid. This is a form of salicylic acid, one of the ingredients in expensive skin care products. Its natural anti-flammatory properties can alleviate the pain of inflamed skin when applied directly to the skin. Our Everyday Life cites a study at the University of Bonn in Germany, which indicated a 92 to 96 per cent decrease in pain at the affected site.

How to Use Aspirin for Razor Bumps

So how can you use Aspirin to fix your razor bumps? You are likely familiar with the idea of taking Aspirin orally, as you would for a fever or headache. If you do this to treat your razor bumps though, you probably will not notice much of an improvement. While Aspirin has the ability to target pain and inflammation, for skin swelling and redness a topical application is best.

Aspirin Paste for Razor Bumps

Method – 1

It is easy to make up an Aspirin Paste to apply directly to your skin.

You’ll need:

  • 2-3 Aspirin tablets
  • 1 teaspoon of water

How to prepare

  • Just crush 2-3 Aspirin tablets with the back of a spoon and mix them with 1 teaspoon of water.
  • Twice a day apply the paste directly to the razor bumps and let it dry, then wash it off.

Method – 2:

You’ll need

  • 2 Aspirin tables
  • 1 teaspoon of warm water

How to prepare

  • An alternative is to dissolve two Aspirin tables in a teaspoon of warm water in a cup,
  • Then allow the solution to sit until it begins to solidify into a glue-like substance.
  • Spread the glue onto the reddened area, and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes.
  • Wash away with warm water, and pat dry.

How it works: Aspirin’s anti-inflammatory properties will help calm the redness and irritation of the affected area.

3. Aspirin And Witch Hazel For Razor Bumps

  • In addition to using Aspirin, another suggested remedy is to use Witch Hazel. Basically, Witch Hazel is a flowering shrub (Hammemelis virginiana) that grows in Asia and North America.
  • The twigs, bark as well as leaves, are processed in order to create a crystal-clear liquid that is commercially marketed as witch hazel.
  • Used topically, it may help reduce swelling, help repair broken skin, and fight bacteria.
  • The natural tannin’s in this plant also act as astringents to tighten the skin.
  • Apply a few drops of Witch Hazel extract directly to the razor bumps two or three times a day. Let it dry and try not to touch the area.

Razor bumps are distressing, but your home’s medicine cabinet holds the key to alleviating some of the discomfort. It can also help to keep your skin moisturized, avoid shaving dry or broken skin, and keep your razor sharp. But if these things don’t work, see your doctor or a dermatologist.

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