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Irritation after shaving

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
 
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Irritation after shaving is a problem known to most men, and women too.

Men suffer especially, of course, because they have to shave their faces almost every day. And the growing new hairs dig into the skin with their sharp ends, thereby causing inflammation and, as a result, irritation.

Causes shaving irritations

Causes of irritation after shaving include:

  • Using an electric razor;
  • Long-term use of disposable razors;
  • Failure to change razor blades in a timely manner;
  • Daily shaving, which does not allow the skin to adapt;
  • Poor hydration of the skin.

Irritation after shaving with an electric razor

Electric razors have many advantages, but they also have disadvantages. Among the disadvantages of these devices is that they often cause skin irritation. Because the electric razor does not completely clean the pores, the skin becomes dirty and pimples appear on it. Rotary electric razors cause irritation, since their blades directly contact the skin.

Symptoms shaving irritations

Externally, irritation after shaving appears as small red dots and pimples on the area of skin that was shaved.

Irritation and itching after shaving

After removing unwanted hair from the body, unpleasant consequences are often observed - such as itching and severe irritation of the skin. Blood flows to the treated area, the vessels expand - as a result, itching occurs. What causes these sensations?

One of the reasons may be the wrong way of shaving. Also, irritation and large red spots may appear on the skin due to the use of a loofah or hard loofah. Inflammatory processes are also caused by alcohol-based aftershave lotions.

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How long does irritation last after shaving?

Usually, irritation after shaving goes away after a few days, during which it is not recommended to shave again.

Complications and consequences

If you have bumps or so-called "burns" on your skin after shaving and they do not go away within a few days, or if the skin looks infected, you should see a doctor. Complications such as increased swelling, the appearance of purulent wounds, pulsation and heat on the inflamed part of the skin are also possible. All of these manifestations may indicate the appearance of an infection.

If inflammations recur, resulting in uneven skin, you should be treated under medical supervision. You should not use a razor at this time, as it can further worsen the condition of the skin.

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Treatment shaving irritations

You can get rid of razor burn simply by stopping shaving every day. To treat pustular razor burn, apply aloe juice to the treated area immediately after shaving.

Ointments such as Healer and Rescuer are also good for irritation. Hydrocortisone ointment is also considered a good remedy, as it has an anti-inflammatory effect - it is often used in medicine for purulent wounds and inflammations. It is important to remember that this remedy is a "first aid" drug, it is not suitable for continuous use, as it can cause skin atrophy.

Dry shaving irritation can be relieved by cooling the skin with cold water or dry ice. After shaving, you can apply a moisturizing cream or lotion to the treated area.

The best option is to stop shaving altogether for a while, although this method is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, you should use other options.

  • Shave only with quality razors that have a sharp and clean blade.
  • It is better to use disposable razors no more than 3 times. If possible, alternate using the razor and an electric razor.
  • When using an electric razor, remember that it can only be used on dry skin.
  • Before you start shaving, you need to soften the area of skin to be treated.
  • Use a cream or gel for sensitive skin to make the glide smoother.
  • The razor should be moved in the direction of hair growth or to the side, but not against it. After the procedure, the skin should be moisturized with cream.
  • The razor should be stored in a dry place. Also, after shaving, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse and dry the machine. These actions will prevent the proliferation of bacteria that cause itching and skin irritation.
  • Try not to shave too often – at least every other day.

If you experience persistent irritation after shaving, you should consult a dermatologist. In some cases, more serious skin problems are hidden behind the guise of simple irritation.

Prevention

Irritation after shaving can be prevented by taking the following steps:

  • Before shaving, you need to thoroughly moisturize your skin. A good option would be to steam it during shower procedures.
  • When shaving, it is better to use warm water rather than hot water, since boiling water opens the skin pores, which trap hair particles and dirt, causing the skin to become inflamed.
  • You should not use soap when treating the skin, because it has a drying effect, preventing the razor from sliding smoothly over the surface. It is better to use special gels or moisturizing creams.
  • Change your razor blades regularly, as irritation can occur due to a dull blade.
  • After use, rinse the razor in a disinfectant solution.
  • After shaving, use moisturizers – lotions, gels or creams, which should be applied to still damp skin. Alcohol-based lotions are a good remedy, but they are not suitable for sensitive skin.
  • Do not wipe the treated areas with a towel, as it may contain hidden dirt that can cause inflammation and acne. It is also important to remember that after shaving, the skin becomes very sensitive, so do not apply additional mechanical stress to it.

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