What is Razor Burn?
Razor burn affects just about every person that shaves, and that is just about everyone. Shaving is one of the most popular forms of hair removal and it is fast and easy. Most people shave not just one but several parts of their bodies and enjoy a clean, smooth feel of skin sometimes for as long as a couple days. Sadly, shaving does not permanently remove hair and those who do shave must repeat the process several times a week (depending on where the shaving is taking place). Despite the popular myth, shaving does not cause the hair to grow back faster. However, because the hair grows back a blunter tip, it can often appear this way. For this reason, it can seem like shaving is necessary more often when they continue to use this method for hair removal. The main problem with this is that the thicker the hair is, the more lubricant and lathering material is needed to remove the hair painlessly. Many times people do not realize this and either dry shave or shave using inadequate amounts of shaving cream; this results in razor burn which can sometimes turn into razor bumps. The difference between these two things is that razor burns are rashes and irritation of the skin, whereas razor bumps are repeating and sometimes long term inflammation of the skin that can occur when a burn is not properly taken care of.
The issue is widespread and affects a very large number of people who shave and it affects them on all parts of their bodies. Generally speaking, however, razor burn occurs most often and is most painful on skin where there are ingrown or thick hairs. Such a burn, caused by a razor, can become itchy, irritated and sometimes can even get infected. Most of the time the burn will heal by itself, but if the problem progresses, other measures need to be taken to heal the burn.
Razor Burn Treatment
There are ways to prevent the razor burn in the first place (discussed later on); however, if it has already occurred and is causing a disruption in an individual’s life, there are several different types of treatments that will speed up the healing process. The treatments vary from natural and drug free to more serious and invasive methods that sooth and heal the burn sometimes faster. Both of these types of treatments have their positives and negatives, and which treatment one chooses depends on the severity of the razor burn and whether there were previous incidents.
One of the simplest things one can do to treat a razor burn is to simply rinse it with cool water and an astringent that is relatively mild, such as witch hazel. This may not get rid of the burn instantly but will soothe it enough to not bother the individual and can jump start the healing processes. Other natural treatments include the use of organic lotions that also sooth the burn, aloe which is especially effective on not just razor burn but all types of burns and yogurt which has shown to decrease inflammation and help colonize the skin with healthy bacteria that help the healing processes.
One of the most popular, non natural treatments for razor burn is using hydrocortisone. This is a topical treatment that reduces the itching sensation and helps decrease inflammation. The cream is generally composed of large numbers of other ingredients and has only about 1% hydrocortisone in it because hydrocortisone is a steroid and using too much of it can come with serious side effects. Similar to the hydrocortisone cream are a large number of other topical treatments that have various types of steroids and anti inflammatory agents infused in them. Any local drug store will likely sell a large selection of these types of products and some work better than others. It is often best to go with topical treatments that have the least amount of chemicals and steroids listed in the ingredients.
Side-effects of Razor Burn Treatments
This brings us to the topic of some side effects that certain razor burn treatments may cause, especially ones with steroids in them. Generally speaking, below are only some of the effects of various treatments:
- Stretching of skin (with over use of hydrocortisone)
- Formation of stretch marks
- Discoloration of skin (with some steroid treatments)
- Hair growth.
- Allergic reactions
- Thinning of skin
- Dryness of skin in treated area (can be prevented with moisturizing creams)
As you can see, it is important to use these treatments with care and to try the natural remedies first before jumping onto the hydrocortisone and anti inflammatory wagon.
Men and women both experience razor bumps and razor burns caused by shaving. Generally speaking, men experience them in different places than women (because they shave in different places). However, these issues cause the same problems in both sexes and can be treated in the same way. One thing to be aware of, however, is that certain topical creams should be used with extra care on the face because facial skin is more sensitive to invasive substances. Other than that, both men and women can use similar treatments for these types of burns and they can use these treatments similarly wherever the problem may present itself.
Prevention
The most ideal situation would be to never have to deal with burns and bumps caused by the sharp blade of a razor. Probably the best way to prevent them all together is to use sufficient amounts of good quality shaving cream. Shaving cream creates a barrier between the surface of the skin and the razor blade that protects the skin from being irritated yet does not prevent the blade from reaching and cutting the hair at its base. Some people also find that in addition to the shaving cream, they can prevent burns and bumps by using a good quality lotion on their skin right after shaving. This soothes the skin and decreases inflammation even before it has a chance to get out of control.
Shaving can be and often is the best and fastest way to remove hair, but knowing the possible consequences, such as razor burn, and then how to deal with them, can make the experience much more enjoyable.