Razor burn is one of the most familiar skin complications usually happens after shaving. Almost every adult man and women have experienced razor burn in their life, though they are totally curable. Do you know how long does razor burn last? In this write-up, I will cover its answer, causes behind razor burn, prevention and the right time to meet a doctor.
The explanation of razor burn
Actually, the painful temporary skin condition occurs right after shaving and the symptoms become visible within a few minutes. The common signs of razor burns are bumps (not Goosebumps), irritation, terrible itching, redness and rashes on the skin.
Generally, people who have sensitive skins are mostly the sufferer by razor burn while they remove hairs by shaving on the sensorial skin areas such as beards, bikini line, underarm, chest and more.
Razor burn happens when someone accidentally cut skin cells with high pressure or aggressive shaving motion during a shave. In most cases, people experience razor burn while they attempt dry shaving. Though cutting skin cells don’t cause bleeding, our body instantly enhances the blood flow to the affected area that seems like a burn.
Our body itself can recover razor burn and the burning skin takes few hours to days to become normal.
Though razor burn and razor bumps are entirely different, yet they can be a mix-up to many. Both of them are way more different skin conditions and require indispensable treatments.
Pseudofolliculitis Barbae also is known as razor bump is an after shaving abnormity on the skin that was described in 1956 for the first time. Pseudofolliculitis can be visible in two forms, one is Extrafollicular and another one is Transfollicular.
Razor bumps happen because of abnormal hair growth on the shaving spot, mostly on the neck and cheek of men. Generally, hairs regrow in a straight direction within 72 hours after a shave. In the case of Pseudofolliculitis Barbae, the hairs regrow abnormally in the opposite direction and puncture back in the skin.
In general, people with coarse or curly hairs have a higher chance of suffering from razor bumps.
Reasons for razor burns
Dry shaving
Many people like shaving dry either they want to save time or eliminate shaving product usage. However, dry shaving may cause razor burn in individual cases.
Dirty razor
Razor brands are continually developing technologies to make razor cleaning procedure as easy as possible. Dirty razor not only causes razor burn but also culpable for many other diseases.
Dirty skin
Shaving might not be a good idea if your body is not clean properly. Passing a shaver on dirty skin even causes a serious fungal attack.
Shaving wrong direction
Some people like to shave in the opposite direction for extra closeness. Performing a wrong direction shave can cause razor burn on the spot.
Using a dull razor
A razor with dampen blades will pull and tug your hairs and cause razor burn.
Shaving too much
A good razor should cut your hair off enough from a single stroke. Shaving for a long time and too much is another reason of razor burn.
Very fast movement
Fast and aggressive shaving motion can seriously injure your skin and create painful razor burn.
Bad shaving products
Not all shaving products are suitable for your skin. You may experience razor burn if your skin is sensitive and denies particular shaving products like shaving cream or gel.
Prevention
Prevention is always better than cure. You can easily prevent this burn if you know the reasons that belong to the problem and avoid them during shaving.
- Use a high quality razor that is manufactured following health standard.
- Choose the right type of razor between foil and rotary if you are using an electric shaver.
- Avoid too fast and aggressive motion. Try slow and gentle moves.
- Use shaving cream, gel or foam to perform a gentle wet shave rather than a dry shave.
- Shave hair in the right direction of hair growth avoiding the opposite direction.
- Shaving after a shower is a good idea since your skin and hair are ready and well hydrated.
- Always keep your razor well clean after every shave.
- Do not shave every day. Three to four times a week is sufficient for most of us.
- Avoid using cheap and low quality shaving products.
- Drink a lot of water and keep your skin moisturized.
Home treatment
In nearly every case, it is treatable by applying some DIY remedies. Read some easy treatments below to get rid of razor burn at home.
Do not touch
The affected area can itch a lot but never touch on the irritated skin. Leave it alone for a little time to recover the damaged cells.
Natural oils
You can use some natural oils as a primary treatment on the damaged skin. Essential oils from the extract of avocados, olives, coconuts and sweet almonds help to soften the affected skin.
Cold compress
Applying 20 minutes of a cold compress can be surprisingly effective to prevent itching and inflammation caused by razor burn.
Strawberry paste
One of the best natural remedies you can prepare at home is some strawberry paste. The fruit is full of anti-inflammatory components that will provide a soothing experience.
Razor burn cream
If you want the quick outcome and have no time to prepare natural home remedies, you can buy and apply a razor burn cream to the hurt skin.
When should you see a doctor for razor burn?
In the overall, razor burn is nothing serious to worry about. But, sometime it may go badly wrong as well that needs to be treated by a professional.
Your razor burn should be faded within a few hours to few days. However, if you notice the affected area turns to swell badly or bleed, call your doctor for an appointment.
Moreover, you must consult your doctor if any fungal infection appears. Having a razor burn sometimes is quite normal. But, if you suffer it every time after shaving, you likely have very sensitive skin and you should meet a dermatologist immediately.