Severe razor bumps throughout my entire life

[katyaLova]

Ever since the first day I shaved as an early teen to now in my mid-20's I have suffered from severe razor bumps and  burn every single time I shave. I have tried waxing, shaving in the same direction as the hair, coconut oil, tea tree oil, witch hazel, electric shaving, shaving with organic creams for extra moisture, single blades, multiple blades, brand new razors after exfoliating each time and aloe-vera baby powder after shaving. Nothing has worked. Each time, I get huge swollen bumps along my inner thighs and bikini area. Sometimes these bumps seem to get infected, and the heat tends to make them worse. My hair is thick and dark, and my skin is very fair, which makes these inflamed bumps all the more noticeable. I fear that laser hair removal is the only solution for me. Now that I'm in my 20's, I don't want to feel so self-conscious about my razor bumps anymore. I'm tired of wearing jeans in the hot summer and never joining my friends at the beach or pool b/c of my bumps that I cannot hide in a bikini. This problem has been consistent and I'm ready to do something effective about it. Is there some secret that I don't know about on how to fix this? I would greatly greatly appreciate some advice on this.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
These bumps are due to folliculitis or irritated hair follciles after shaving/ waxing. After shaving or waxing, apply cold compresses(ice cubes wrapped in a towel) on the rash and take some antihistaminic like benadryl or claritin. You can also apply calamine lotion on the rash.It will help in soothing the skin.A mild corticosteroid cream like dermacort will also help.

Also you can go in for laser hair removal which causes permanent reduction of hair and does not cause folliculitis also. Please consult a good cosmetologist/dermatologist for that.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Caryopteris]

No big deal.  You need laser treatment.  Save up your money and get it done.  Problem solved.