Bumps from Haircut: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention – Healthline

Rashes can sometimes develop after a haircut, and these may contain bumps. The exact cause can vary. Symptoms may also include itchiness, burning, or infections. Assess your symptoms and talk to a doctor about the following possible causes of bumps on your head after your haircut.

Bumps on your head are commonly associated with haircuts using clippers or razors rather than scissors. Widespread areas of small bumps with a red rash are known as razor burn.

As the name suggests, razor burn can feel like a burning sensation, which gradually goes away as inflammation decreases. Razor burn is more common with shaving facial and body hair, but it can occur during haircuts with razors that are dull or unclean.

Razor burn is sometimes confused with a separate condition known as barbers itch. This is a fungal condition that affects the neck and face when your hair is shaved in these areas.

Barbers itch is characterized by large bumps that are red that may or may not be itchy. The bumps tend to also crust over and develop acne pustules.

If you develop red, itchy, or pus-filled, pimple-like bumps after your haircut, you may have an inflammation of the hair follicles known as folliculitis. Also called a barbers rash, this rash is most often caused by an infection from Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

Unlike ingrown hairs, you may still have hair growth breaking through the surface of these types of bumps.

If you also experience bumps on your face after shaving, you may have a related condition called pseudofolliculitis barbae (also called razor bumps). Research shows that men of Asian and African descent may be more susceptible to this condition during hair removal.

Once healed, barbers rash bumps may scar and harden. These are called acne keloidalis nuchae. During a haircut, these bumps may bleed, making hyperpigmentation and enlargement worse in the long-term.

Its also possible that a haircut may reveal inflammatory acne lesions you might not have noticed were there before. Pustules, papules, and nodules may be red and pus-filled, while also painful to the touch.

If you have a history of eczema, its possible that scalp rashes you experience after a haircut may be attributed to seborrheic dermatitis (eczema of the scalp).

These bumps tend to be flatter and may scab over, but they arent pus-filled. Youll also notice that the patches are itchy and greasy, with flakes that appear white, yellow, or red in color.

Its possible that getting a haircut can aggravate seborrheic dermatitis because of the tools and chemicals being used on already-sensitive skin. You may also be prone to infections if you scratch at your scalp and cause the rashes to bleed.

Any bumps that worsen should be looked at by a doctor. Even if haircut bumps arent itchy or painful, recurring rashes may require a medical evaluation to rule out any inflammatory conditions.

You should also see a doctor if youre experiencing signs of an infection, including oozing, swelling, and fever.

Severe cases of acne keloidalis nuchae may require laser therapy or surgical removal. See a dermatologist if these lesions continue to bleed or grow, and if they are bothersome.

Bumps on your head and neck arent uncommon after getting a haircut, but its important that you determine the cause so you know when to seek medical attention. Mild causes, such as razor burn, may resolve on their own within a few days.

See a doctor if you experience recurring bumps when you get your hair cut, or if your current rash is particularly painful or itchy.

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Bumps from Haircut: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention - Healthline