Skin Aggravation From Shaving Or Waxing

By Author: Jill Cohen
Total Articles: 79
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Rashes from shaving or waxing are among the most embarrassing and annoying of skin irritations. They’re known by different names, such as "razor bumps" and "barber's itch," but the medical term for this condition is folliculitis, or the inflammation of the skin’s hair follicles.

When the skin gets overly dry and irritated from shaving or waxing, the hair in the follicles can grow inward. What develops is folliculitis or barber's itch. This usually occurs along the beard area and the upper lip or men, and on the legs, armpits, and bikini lines of women.

Rashes from shaving are often the result of razor burn. If you do not have enough moisture in your skin when you shave your legs, armpits or bikini line, you run to risk of razor burn because the skin gets wounded or aggravated by the friction of the razor. These bumps have a reddish or pinkish color, and sometimes might have a lighter ring or halo around it signifying inflammation. When the bump is scratched off, there may be a coil of ingrown hair within. Infections can develop and the need for antibiotics may be needed in certain cases.

If you have ...
... rashes from shaving or waxing, making changes to your routine are helpful. Women can often skip a day or two of shaving their legs and this will help the skin prevent unnecessary irritation. You can use warm, moist compresses on the bumps. This will assist in the softening of the swollen follicles. Another suggestion is to shave in the same direction the hair grows, rather than against the grain. Once there is irritation, leave the skin alone and don't increase
irritation.

Remember to moisturize the skin regularly. During the summer, be aware that the skin gets more dry due to sun exposure and can be further irritated by perspiration getting trapped under the skin.

Reflect on your shaving and waxing habits. Changing patterns are not easy, but aggravating the skin is damaging. The skin needs to heal and not be irritated over and over again. Women often feel the need to have perfectly smooth skin constantly due to advertising and television commercials.

Learn more about Razor Burn Rash and Preventing Bikini Rash .