Pseudofolliculitis barbae

As razor bumps ( medically Pseudofolliculitis barbae ) refers to redness and irritation that occur on shaved areas of skin and burn and itch mostly; added Erythematous razor bumps that may last for several days. In most people occurs razor bumps when the skin is treated not by the wet shaving or using the wrong toiletries. But even after a dry shave razor burn can occur. Medically relevant is the razor burn if it does not disappear after a short time, but there is a long-term inflammation of the hair follicles. This occurs especially when the cut hair does not just grow outward, but ( at least temporarily ) continues to grow under the skin - especially this problem affects people with naturally curly hair and strong.

Treatment

If it comes to razor burn, shaving should be adjusted until the skin has recovered. The razor burn lasts for up to one week. In case of complaints, which go beyond this period, a visit to the dermatologist is advisable - it then is no longer a temporary irritation of the skin and hair follicles, but an infection with pathogens. This is treated as Pseudofolliculitis barbae (ICD 704.8 ).

Prevention

It is best to get used to the skin at the shaving, that is, after the very first shave you should shave the authorities concerned regularly and leave no long pauses. Particularly critical for razor burn is the wet shaving against the direction of hair growth (such as on the cheek from bottom to top ), while the shaving produces significantly less irritation in the direction of growth.

To be avoided is mainly the use of fuzzy and inferior blades to often-used disposable blades razor or improperly withdrawn razor, which can irritate the skin much more than sharp blades. And the pressing of the blade to the skin must be avoided, since this is not necessary at a sufficiently sharp blade for cutting the hair.

The beard or neck before shaving ( wet or dry) apply cream may also help prevent razor burn.

Care products

As care products are used while shaving shaving cream or gel, make the skin smooth and straighten the hair. In the dry shave a pre-shave after shave can be applied before shaving to cleanse the skin and relax.

To avoid skin irritation, a skin-friendly aftershave or an alcohol-free lotion should be applied after shaving, which produces no burning sensation. For sensitive skin and baby skin care products can be used.

At tendency to inflammation of hair follicles often strongly alcoholic aftershave be used for disinfection. This is especially with thicker ( older ) preferred skin. Accordingly, there are commercially available a wide range of toiletries from mild to strong cleaning disinfection.