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Overview
Shaving irritates hair follicles.
Hot tubs can cause folliculitis.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayPainful lumps or fever.
See a doctor soonBumps that keep coming back.
Causes
Causes include shaving, tight clothing, and hot tubs.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause bumps around hairs or after shaving. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Folliculitis and razor bumpsOften treated at home
Small red or pus-filled bumps around hairs, often after shaving, waxing, or using a hot tub.
What you can do at home
- Shave with the grain.
- Use warm compresses.
Medicines
Antibiotic washes or creams.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Shaving
The exam
A skin exam.
Tests
- None
Prevention
Shave carefully.
- Use a sharp razor
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.