What Is Razor Burn? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Most people have had the unpleasant experience of razor burn at some point in their lives. The skin irritation that occurs while shaving your face, legs, or other body parts is caused by the interaction between the blade, hair, and skin.
Razor burn occurs in both men and women, and it can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on how severe it is. People with sensitive skin may be more susceptible to razor burn.
Symptoms of razor burn may include:
Itchiness
Redness and irritation
Stinging or burning sensation
Pain or discomfort
Swelling
Most likely, razor burn will look like red, irritated patches of skin or a rash.
Anyone can get razor burn, which is ultimately the result of trauma from your razor blade while shaving, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, an associate professor of dermatology and the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
“As the razor blades move over the skin, they can disrupt the outer skin layer, leading to microscopic cracks, loss of hydration, and inflammation,” he explains. This translates to the red, itchy rash you may experience.
Dry shaving — or not using shaving cream, gel, or other products with emollients while shaving — may also lead to razor burn. Emollients layer the skin with a protective film that traps in moisture and prevents inflammation. Additionally, shaving too fast, using a dull razor, or shaving in the opposite direction of hair growth can cause the unpleasant effects of razor burn.
If you experience an uncomfortable, red rash after shaving that doesn’t go away on its own, see a dermatologist who can determine if you have razor burn. “Razor burn is a clinical diagnosis based on the location of the rash, history of prior shaving, and characteristic red, irritated patches of skin,” Dr. Zeichner says.
Razor burn can last anywhere from hours to days depending on how severe it is, says Zeichner. To speed up healing, stop shaving until your symptoms dissipate.
When it comes to treating razor burn, you have a few options, says Zeichner. You can:
Apply gentle moisturizers to hydrate and repair the skin barrier.
Use an over-the-counter 1 percent hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation. It can be used twice daily for one to two weeks.
Try aloe vera gel, which can soothe razor burn in the same way it soothes sunburn.
Consider home remedies like witch hazel extract or tea tree oil mixed with water to help stop inflammation from razor burn.
Avoid shaving, as well as products containing alcohol or fragrances.
If your razor burn doesn’t improve within a few weeks, visit a board-certified dermatologist, who can evaluate your skin and recommend a proper course of treatment.
Proper shaving technique can minimize your chances of developing razor burn. Here’s how to get a smooth, irritation-free shave:
Moisten skin first. The best time to shave is after a warm shower, while your skin and hair are soft and moist.
Apply shaving cream or gel. This will create a barrier between the blade and your skin and enhance the glide of the razor.
Use single strokes, in the direction of hair growth. Do not go over the same area multiple times, and do not go against the grain. You may think that shaving in the opposite direction of hair growth provides a closer shave, but it actually leads to irritation.
Rinse the razor frequently. Clean the razor every two to three strokes to remove debris that builds up between the blades. Do not tap the blades against the sink because this can disrupt the specialized polymer coating that is used on most razor blades.
Moisturize. Apply a moisturizing aftershave lotion to help hydrate and repair the skin barrier.
Be sure to store your razor in a dry place to prevent bacterial or fungal growth. Dermatologists suggest replacing a disposable razor blade after three to six uses.
Razor bumps — also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae — can occur in conjunction with razor burn or on its own. Unlike razor burn, which is skin irritation, “razor bumps are ingrown hairs that lead to red bumps and pus pimples,” says Zeichner. “The hair turns back into the skin rather than growing out as it should.”
Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a form of the broader skin condition known as folliculitis, which occurs when a hair follicle becomes infected or inflamed. If you are prone to folliculitis, an antibacterial cleanser can help prevent razor burn.
The best way to treat razor bumps is by stopping shaving. If your razor bumps are severe, you can treat them with medication under supervision by your primary care doctor or dermatologist.
Razor bumps are especially common in people with curly hair.
Although there are no statistics regarding how many people experience razor burn, Zeichner says it’s “a very common condition that I see on a daily basis in my practice.”
Although anyone can get razor burn, razor bumps in particular may be more common among men of subequatorial African descent, with a prevalence as high as 83 percent. It’s believed to be caused by an inflammatory reaction to the removal by the razor of strongly curled hairs, which are common in this population.
Black men are encouraged to either grow their beard or take measures to prevent razor bumps while shaving, including using a sharp razor, shaving in the direction of hair growth, and applying a moisturizing shaving cream even when using an electric razor.
If you have acne, you may be more susceptible to razor burn; and shaving, which can irritate your skin, can also worsen your acne. To minimize irritation, use a razor with a sharp blade or try using an electric razor. Use light strokes to prevent nicks, and don’t try to shave off pimples (that can make your acne worse).
Razor burn is a common condition that results from the trauma a razor blade can cause to the skin while shaving and leads to itchiness, redness, and irritation.
Gentle moisturizers, aloe vera, over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream, and witch hazel or tea tree oil mixed with water can soothe symptoms of razor burn and help it go away quicker.
If your razor burn doesn’t improve in a few weeks, visit your dermatologist, who can recommend further treatment.
