Razor bumps and razor burns
February 17, 2009 by admin
Razor burn is irritation of the skin usually caused by not using a sharp enough blade so the skin is dragged and chafed or by not using the correct technique. Razor burn usually presents itself as a mild rash and some redness of the skin may occur usually 2-4 days after shaving. It can be short lived and disappear in a few days or can last for days if severe enough. If you experience a rash at the time of shaving it is usually more to do with the skin being too dry during the shaving process, applying too much pressure, going against the natural growth direction or shaving too closely.
Razor bumps can occur on the face after shaving but also in areas where the hair removed is coarse and the area sensitive such as genital area shaving. Curly hair also tends to curl inwards as it grows and can curl back into the skin causing inflammation and can also cause pimple like bumps. These papules or pustules that form can be red and sore especially if the area becomes infected.
Pseudofolliculitis Barbae is the medical term for ingrown hairs and these can be two gifferent types - transfollicular and extrafollicular. The transfollicular hair never leaves the hair follicle and the extrafollicular hair is a hair that has exited the follicle and reentered the skin.
Tips for Prevention:
- Keep the face or area being shaved well lubricated.
- Shave in the direction of the hair growth.
- Use a sharp blade and avoid dull blades.
- Cleanse the face first to soften the hair growth.
- Shave lightly –don’t apply too much pressure.
- Use an aftershave that has no irritating ingredients and is an effective moisturiser. XXX Skinsaviour Cream was formulated for sensitive skins and is ideal for use after shaving.
- Avoid colognes and aftershaves on the affected area.
- Gentle exfoliation – lightly rub over with a washcloth the area after shaving to help prevent razor bumps forming. Ingrown hairs may be gently squeezed to release the hair.
- Severe chronic cases may need to let beards grow or investigate other forms of hair removal such as laser or electrolysis.
- Seek medical advice if the rash or bumps do not heal.
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