Razor burn can affect any person who shaves part of their body. If you’ve ever had a red rash after shaving, you were likely experiencing razor burn.

You can develop razor burn for a number of different reasons. There isn’t any one specific thing — such as a type of razor or shaving lubricant — to avoid.

The following can lead to razor burn:

shaving without using a lubricant, such as soap and water or shaving cream
shaving against the direction of your hair
using an old razor
using a razor that’s clogged with hair, soap, or shaving cream
shaving a single area too many times
shaving too quickly
using shaving products that irritate your skin
It’s important to remember that your razor is a tool that must be maintained and replaced as needed. Even if you’re using an appropriate lubricant and shaving in the correct direction, a dull or clogged blade can cause you to develop razor burn.

Regularly exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells.
Before shaving, apply a lubricant, such as soap or shaving cream.
Avoid the temptation to pull your skin tightly while shaving.
Shave in the direction that the hair grows.
Shave with light and short strokes.
Rinse your blade frequently during the shaving process.
After shaving, rinse your skin with cold water or apply a cold washcloth to close pores.
Replace your razor or blade frequently.
Try using an electric razor or another safe hair removal method.
You may find it beneficial to switch up your shaving routine. You may not need to shave as frequently as you currently do. If your skin is sensitive, you may find relief by replacing your daily shave with a shave every other day or just a few times a week.

Treating razor burn is often as simple as waiting it out and using gentle methods to reduce your symptoms. You should avoid shaving the affected area again to allow it to heal.

To soothe heat or itching: Applying a cool washcloth to the affected area can calm your skin. Aloe or avocado oil are both cooling and can be safely applied directly to the skin.

To relieve dryness or irritation: If symptoms are appearing, rinse your skin and pat it dry. Be careful not to rub the affected area, as this may further irritate the skin.

Once the skin is dry, apply an emollient. This may be a lotion, aftershave, or other moisturizer. Avoid products that contain alcohol because they can cause irritation. If you’d prefer to go the natural route, coconut oil may help hydrate your skin.

To reduce inflammation: When it comes to treating inflammation, you have your pick between home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) options.

Popular home remedies include:

apple cider vinegar
equal parts tea tree oil and water
witch hazel extract
oatmeal bath for up to 20 minutes
If you prefer to go with an OTC option, look for a topical cream containing hydrocortisone. This can help reduce any swelling and calm any redness on the skin.

To treat small bumps: If you experience razor bumps, avoid shaving the affected area until any sores and bumps heal. This may take up to three or four weeks. In the meantime, you should use a topical cream like cortisone to treat any related inflammation.

If the bumps develop signs of infection, consult your doctor. Symptoms of infection include welts and pustules.

If the area is infected, your doctor will prescribe an oral antibiotic. Your doctor may also recommend products to prevent future razor burns or bumps. For example, you may be prescribed a product with retinoids to exfoliate your skin and reduce the buildup of dead cells on the skin’s surface.

https://www.healthline.com