Razor Burn - Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

What Is a Razor Burn?

Razor burn is a common skin irritation that can develop after skin shaving. Razor burns can appear on any part of the body that is subject to shaving, including the face, legs, armpits, or pubic area. A razor burn usually appears as a red area on the skin and can be considered an irritant contact dermatitis. The skin irritation often shows up a few minutes after shaving, usually lasting from a few hours to days. Razor burn is different from razor bumps. Pseudofolliculitis barbae, often called razor bump, is a condition that can happen due to ingrown hairs (a strand of hair that curls back into the skin after shaving or hair removal, causing inflammation). Although both these conditions can result in red, irritated skin, razor bumps appear as tiny pimples, and the razor burn looks more like red streaks or a blotchy skin rash.

What Causes Razor Burn?

Razor burn typically happens because of the interaction between the razor blade, hair, and skin. Small cracks in the skin's top layer (epidermis) and a loss of hydration and inflammation can occur when a razor blade moves across the skin. Other common causes that can lead to razor burn may include the following:

• Dry shaving. This means shaving without soap, water, shaving cream, or gel.

• Shaving too quickly.

• Shaving with an old, dull razor blade.

• Shaving against the direction of the hair.

• Use a razor plugged with hair, soap, or shaving cream.

• Using products that can irritate the skin.

• Sensitive skin.

• Shaving a particular area multiple times.

What Are the Ill Effects of Razor Burn?

Razor burn can affect anyone who removes or shaves unwanted hair off their body. This condition is a little more common in people with acne. Razor burns may also affect people with sensitive skin more frequently.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Razor Burn?

Razor burn appears as a red, irritated skin patch or a streaky red rash. Other signs and symptoms of razor burn may include:

• Burning or stinging sensation.

• Pain or discomfort.

• Itchiness.

• Tenderness.

• Swelling.

How Is Razor Burn Diagnosed?

One can easily self-diagnose a razor burn by looking at the red, blotchy skin rash after shaving. However, call a healthcare professional if the uncomfortable rash does not disappear within a few days. They can help make a diagnosis based on the characteristic red, irritated patches of skin, location of the rash, and history of prior shaving, and hence treat the condition.

How Is Razor Burn Treated?

Razor burn can be uncomfortable, painful, and unsightly. The rashes usually disappear on their own, but there are a few steps one can take to help skin recover more quickly and prevent future incidents. There are several razor burn treatment options, including relieving the uncomfortable razor burns and speeding the healing process by applying soothing products to protect the skin and keep it moist. Read the labels of skin products to choose a product with the right ingredients. The following ingredients can help protect the skin's top layer, which is most prone to razor burn:

• Vitamin E.

• Shea butter.

• Yeast extract.

• Wheat germ.

• Jojoba seed oil.

• Evening primrose oil.

• Aloe vera gel helps provide instant relief from razor burn symptoms. It acts as a moisturizer, antiviral, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory substance. Aloe vera is commonly used to treat sunburn, but it can also help eliminate razor burn symptoms in an hour or less. Aloe vera soothes and moisturizes the skin while healing it simultaneously.

• Home remedies like apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil mixed with water can help stop inflammation from razor burn. Tea tree oil has good antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

• An oatmeal bath or an over-the-counter (OTC) Hydrocortisone cream can also work.

• Apply an emollient like an aftershave or a moisturizing cream for dry and irritated skin.

• Choose products that are free from fragrances, alcohol, or other irritants.

• Natural oils like coconut, avocado, and olive oil can also help moisturize the skin.

• Avoid shaving the razor burn area to help it heal.

• Put a cool moisturizer or washcloth on the affected area to relieve razor burn. This also helps heal the skin.

• Call a healthcare professional if over-the-counter products or home remedies cannot clear up the condition within a few days. Further treatment, such as an antibiotic, may be required.

How Is Razor Burn Prevented?

The best thing one can do to prevent razor burns and other shaving irritations is to practice good shaving techniques. Some of the recommendations include the following:

• Ensure that skin is moist and soft before shaving to avoid razor burn.

• Always use a lubricant such as shaving cream, shaving gel, or soap to create a barrier between the skin and the razor blade. This also helps the razor blade glide over the skin easier. Look for a mild product that will not irritate the skin.

• Shave in the direction of hair because shaving in the opposite direction can cause inflammation.

• Keep light and short strokes. Refrain from shaving too quickly, and avoid repeatedly shaving over the same area.

• Clean the razor blade after every few strokes. Rinse it to remove the hair and the soap clogged between the blades.

• Choose a good-quality razor.

• Apply a fragrance-free, hydrating cream after shaving to restore the skin's natural barriers.

• Store the razor in a dry place to prevent bacteria growth.

• Change the razor blade frequently. Razor blades should always be sharp and rust-free.

• After shaving, avoid wearing tight-fitted clothing or underwear to prevent skin irritation.

• If someone is prone to razor burn, consider waxing instead to prevent recurrent skin irritation.

What Is the Outlook for People With Razor Burn?

Razor burn is a common skin issue lasting from a few hours to a few days, depending on its severity. It generally clears up on its own without any intervention. However, avoid shaving on the affected area for quicker healing until the symptoms dissipate.

What Are the Potential Complications of Razor Burn?

Razor burn is a condition that usually clears up on its own. However, razor bumps or pseudofolliculitis barbae are other conditions that can also happen due to shaving. In addition, ingrown hairs can also cause a condition called razor bumps, a type of folliculitis (a condition that occurs when a hair follicle becomes infected or inflamed). Razor bumps are common in people with curly hair and people with dark skin. The condition mainly occurs in the beard and neck areas. After shaving the beard or neck hairs, they become sharp like spears. These small little spears can turn back and penetrate the skin. This can irritate the skin and cause pimple-like bumps. Pseudofolliculitis barbae is treated in the same way as a razor burn. But severe cases may require medical treatment.

Conclusion

Anyone can get razor burns after shaving unwanted hair on the body. Razor burns can be uncomfortable and unsightly, but thankfully, they are avoidable. While razor burn can cause an irritating rash, it should resolve on its own within a few days of home care. If the condition looks infected, contact a healthcare professional and get a prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment.