Razor Burn: What Is It?

Razor Burn Symptoms and Signs

Razor burn symptoms might include a rash with red pimples that sting. 

It will most likely resemble itchy, reddened skin areas.

Razor Burn Causes and Risk Factors

The damage from your razor blade when shaving results in razor burn. Razor blades can damage the top layer of skin as they pass over it, causing tiny fissures, dehydration, and irritation. This correlates to the possible red, itchy rash you’ll get.

Razor burn can also result from not using shaving cream, shaving gel, or other emollient-containing products. Emollients coat the skin with a barrier that keeps moisture in and minimises irritation.

How are razor burns identified?

Consult a dermatologist to find out whether you have razor burn if you often shave and get a painful, red rash that doesn’t go away on its own. The clinical diagnosis of razor burn is based on the site of the rash, a history of previous shaving, and recognisable red, irritated patches of skin.

Razor Burn Duration

Depending on how bad it is, razor burn can linger anywhere from a few hours to many days. When your symptoms are gone, stop shaving to hasten the healing process.

Razor Burn Treatment and Medicine Options

There are several alternatives available to you for treating razor burn. One can:

• To moisturise and restore the skin barrier, use mild moisturisers.
• To lessen inflammation, apply an over-the-counter lotion containing 1% hydrocortisone. For one to two weeks, apply it twice daily.

Visit a board-certified dermatologist if your razor burn doesn’t go away after a few weeks. They may examine your skin and make treatment recommendations based on their findings.

Remedies at Home for Razor Bumps

Although prevention is the best course of action for razor bumps, the following home treatments can ease irritation:

Aloe Gel

Aloe vera provides a calming, hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial action. The itching, swelling, and redness brought on by the razor bumps are rapidly relieved.

Apply the aloe gel to the afflicted regions after removing it from the plant’s leaves. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes to dry. Repeat many times daily. Discover more fantastic applications for aloe vera.

Oil of tea tree

Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic qualities are all present in tea tree oil. Ingrown hairs are released, pores are opened, and razor bumps’ irritation and redness are reduced.

In a basin of warm water, add 10 to 15 drops of tea tree oil. Apply a washcloth to the afflicted region for 30 minutes after soaking it in the bowl of water. As necessary, repeat a couple times daily.

Scrubbing soap

To get rid of any dead skin cells that could be obstructing the pores, gently exfoliate the afflicted region. Use a gentle store-bought exfoliant, or make your own exfoliating paste by combining sugar and olive oil.

Five minutes should be spent circling the afflicted region with the exfoliant or paste. Use warm water to rinse.

Avoidance of Razor Burn

Your risk of getting razor burn can be reduced by using proper shaving technique. Here’s how to shave smoothly without becoming irritated:

•       First moisten the skin After a warm shower, when your skin and hair are soft and wet, is the ideal time to shave.
•       Use shaving cream or gel. This will prevent the blade from contacting your skin and improve the razor’s glide.
•       Use short, gentle strokes to grow your hair in that direction. Avoid returning to the same spot more than once, and avoid going against the flow. While it may seem that shaving against the direction of hair growth will result in a closer shave, it actually irritates the skin.
•       Rinse your razor often. To get rid of dirt that collects between the blades, clean the razor after two to three strokes. The unique polymer coating that is applied to most razor blades might be damaged if you tap them on the sink.
•       Moisturize To moisturize and rebuild the skin barrier, use a hydrating aftershave lotion.
•       To stop the growth of bacteria, store your razor in a dry location. A razor blade should be changed after five to seven usage, according to dermatologists.

Hazards of Razor Burn

Razor pimples, also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, can develop alone or in combination with razor burn. Razor bumps are ingrown hairs that result in red bumps and pus-filled pimples, as opposed to razor burn, which is skin irritation. Rather of spreading as it should, the hair retracts into the skin.

People with curly hair tend to get razor bumps more frequently. Use the right shaving method outlined above to avoid razor pimples.

The most effective remedy for razor pimples is to quit shaving. Under the guidance of your primary care physician or dermatologist, you can use creams containing hydrocortisone or tretinoin to treat severe razor bumps.

Conclusion 

PFB is a chronic illness that might cause discomfort. However, in the majority of cases, it may be managed and avoided by making little changes to your hair removal routine. To avoid problems that might lead to permanent scarring, get expert treatment as soon as you realise you can’t get rid of razor bumps on your own.

You can read some related articles here for more information on choosing the right razor.