Razor Burn

[AKIRA]

I got a real fucking extreme case of razor burn next to my mouth. For some odd reason, shaving with a razor or an electric razor, its when my hair grows back is when I break out. Its almost as if my hair fallicles (sp?) heal and close up, meanwhile my hair has to 'push' back through the fallicle...

Now I am in a dilema. My hair grew back and I shaved it off and it made it WORSE. Now its time to shave again, what the fuck do I do? I certainly cant shave it again right now and spread it.

What are some home remedies for razor burn? I have been using witch hazel and some sort of aftershave swab that is for this shit, but nothing is helping thus far.

 

[Arnold]

I think you need to see a dermatologist, I know this condition is common in african american men.

 

[AKIRA]

A doctor for razor burn?
I am white.

 

[Trouble]

Razor burn is a general irritation of the skin surface from the debriding of surface tissue by the edge of the blade.

What you describe sounds suspiciously like folliculitis, most likely a variety of localized opportunistic infection from Candida albicans (common yeast found in the oral cavity) in your mouth, given the location. If you had general razor burn, you should have it elsewhere (unless you are shaving only certain portions of the face, as in maintaining a certain beard style, if so, I stand corrected).

You should probably see a dermatologist for confirmation of the cause of your shaving related outbreak if you wish to pursue a remedy.

You might want to read over this useful webpage on Candida infections, why they form and various treatments your doctor may recommend, or that you can try once a diagnosis is confirmed.

On the flip side of the coin, it could be simple irritation of the skin around your mouth from your shaving method or choice of razors. However, my guess would be that there is more at play here than simple skin irritation.

 

[AKIRA]

Ive got razor burn around my neck. Always.

This seems to always happen when I first use a new razor. The razor is actually better after 2 uses, but then the blades dull.

I have gotten this shit before, I think and I was just wondering what people have always done since I am bored at work.

Jumping the gun and paying to see ANOTHER dr. without doing small things first, is a little out of hand (right now). Thats like replacing/rebuilding a motor cuz you hear a loud "tick" when all it could be is one of the spark plug wires arching.

 

[Trouble]

*shrug* whatever You gave a vague description of the problem, and you thought it enough of a problem to post it here. You have overly sensitive reaction to skin irritation; you also have a mild problem with overgrowth. Use a glycolic aid wash and skin lotion to help increase the rate of excess skin shedding to reduce the chances of forming ingrown hairs (from follicular occlusion).

 

[AKIRA]

Oh thank god! I thought using this moisturizer (to prevent the shedding) was a bad idea.

Hah! So I posted it here. Does that mean the newest "Describe your ideal woman" thread in open chat means the thread starter is narcisistic(sp?) or is a socialpath (sp? AGAIN!)?

I dont mean to sound like a smartass or ungrateful, but I hoped someone would say they get razor burn and they use butter for after shave. ~Seinfeld

Just a ponderment. And you scared me!

 

[AKIRA]

OK. I see your points.

My first thread does sound a bit..intense. Looking at it today, when putting on skin lotion, I noticed it hasnt really "spread." And it doesnt look like its gotten worse either.

Its just annoying is all. But my neck does always break out, thats fo sho.

 

[Trouble]

I remember seeing a thread on another forum that discussed shaving chests and ..uh, other areas.. and how to avoid irritation and minute infections/ingrown hairs. You might try doing a search and posting what you find here. I think there are treatment products that have been developed explicitly for this purpose that might benefit others as well.

 

[AKIRA]

I read in a mag a few years back about shaving with a razor versus an electric razor.

It said that a razor cuts the hairs at an angle and forms the ends of the hairs into "spears." I suppose the hairs would the spear into the skin, sprouting ingrown hairs. Electric razors chop off the hair on a more flat angle.

Not sure, if its BS but Id say its possible. But I know most people break out from electrics. I never did.

 

[Arnold]

A doctor for razor burn?

Yes, a dermatologist is a doctor the specializes in skin problems. Why does my suggestion seem so irrational? How do you know it is just "razor burn"? He/she may be able prescribe a medication, possibly an ointment, to help with your problem.

 

[Gordo]

I use to get razor burn really bad....

At minimum get a Mach 3 (you don't have to get the turbo, but it's better). The design is really good because it's open and allows you to clean the razor inbetween really well....so it doesn't clog up.

a. don't shave like a typical guy where he only leaves himself 2 secs left to shave, brush teeth and run out the door.
b. Hot water....the hotter the better. Shave after your shower
c. Look into preshave products...mild abrasive to open pores
d. shave slowly. always with the grain first then if you need to, go against the grain. I'd relather before round two.
e. COLD water to rinse
f. pat your face dry with a towel....don't rub (skin is already irritated from shaving).
g. Look for an after-shave that is alcohol free and preferrably says for senstive skin (you do slightly get what you pay for).

I made those changes and found that I don't get irritated. The biggest change was not rushing and changing razors to the triple blade. If you rush, you wind up pulling out hairs or cutting yourself (even with a safety razor).

my nickel.

 

[Trouble]

Preshave lubrication, postshave cleanup (to remove irritants and close pores) is important, really important. Preshave treatments put a protective layer over the skin that helps the blades ride over the skin and abrade it less harshly.

Go slow, and always shave with the direction of hair growth, never against it, as it causes very minute buckles (resistance ridges) with pressure and causes substantially more irritation by skin abrasion.

Use a really good razor, as Gordo suggests. If yours has to dull in order not to damage your skin excessively, you're using the cheap ass approach and paying the accordant price.

 

[AKIRA]

I use Mach 3s and the first use does always suck.

I think I spend some time shaving, but I shave in the shower, which means I rinse with warm water...

Preshaves? This is applied b4 shaving lather, yes? What are some good products?

My aftershave swab is something called Min2, I think. Its nto sold in places like publix, wal mart, etc.

 

[MCx2]

I use Mach 3s and the first use does always suck.

I think I spend some time shaving, but I shave in the shower, which means I rinse with warm water...

Preshaves? This is applied b4 shaving lather, yes? What are some good products?

My aftershave swab is something called Min2, I think. Its nto sold in places like publix, wal mart, etc.

Check out Nivea Shaving Gel for Sensitive Skin. That stuff protects you so well, I have problems shaving close even with brand new razor. I use the Nivea balm afterwards as well. Works wonders.

 

[Trouble]

I and a couple others recommended the Nivea products for shaving sensitive skin a while back on another forum (M2). Feedback on these products (Nivea Shaving Gel and Aftershave Balm) from forum members was very positive.

 

[boilermaker]

How old are you? How long have you been shaving? If you have a persistant problem with shaving your face, then you have a problem with your skin. Shaving your face should be routine. It's pretty tough. Not something that just occurs. If the problem is persistant, see a doc. It's most likely something that needs to be cleared up with an antibiotic.

 

[AKIRA]

I cant find any pre-shave shit unless its for electric shavers.

 

[Gordo]

These work well for softening your morning beard:

http://products2.nivea.com/products.php?page_id=157&lan=ca1
or
http://www.neutrogena.com/men/MenDetails_139.asp?lProductLineID=10

Wash with the scrub first, then apply shaving gel...I like:
http://products2.nivea.com/products.php?page_id=138&lan=ca1

Finish off with something like this:
http://www.neutrogena.com/men/MenDetails_212.asp?lProductLineID=10

Ideally, something with an spf is helpful.

You can find these at any drugstore, pharmacy, department store, WalMart etc...

My wife laughs a little, but even she admitted it made a big difference.

 

[Tatyana]

Do you have Sebamed creme?

I think it is basically a zinc oxide cream.

Works a treat for stopping shaving rash with me.

I think you could also use nappie/diaper rash creme or go to a black beauty shop and try one of their 'no bump' things, cause someone did mention this is a problem for black men.

x
x
x

T

 

[AKIRA]

I think you could also use nappie/diaper rash creme or go to a black beauty shop and try one of their 'no bump' things, cause someone did mention this is a problem for black men.

x
x
x

T

Yeah someone did mention this...and the fag that cut my hair mentioned it too. Something about my hair growing out in a curled direction, like a black man's. He said Italians get it too...im 50% of that.

 

[Trouble]

Really good suggestion and feedback, Tatyana and Akira!