If the skin itches after shaving, in most cases a phenomenon known as "razor burn" is the cause. The razor burn (Pseudofolliculitis barbae) is often shown by redness, irritation and itching of the affected skin areas.
In addition, most of those affected report the additional occurrence of small reddish shave bumps that last for several days. The cause of this strong skin reaction is usually a lack of care after shaving.
Read more here: Razor burn - ingrown armpit hair
Itching is not uncommon after a shave. There are a number of different causes that can make the skin itchy after shaving. Typical accompanying symptoms can further narrow down the causes. Small bleeding from the skin, cuts or scratches indicate that the improper shave is causing the itchiness. Pain or swelling, on the other hand, usually only occurs after a few days.
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In combination with extensive reddening, these symptoms suggest an infection of the tissue. This can be caused by minor injuries when shaving. Pathogens use such injuries as a portal of entry into the tissue and cause painful inflammation. However, itching is not the focus of such an infection.It can occur at the beginning after a shave due to the acute irritation, but then fades into the background, whereas the pain is increased.
Itching and the appearance of hives (hives) suggest an allergic cause of the itching. Fleeting, raised redness that can spread to the entire body is typical. Other accompanying symptoms of itching after shaving are small pimples, redness and generally dry and sensitive skin in the affected area.
The genital area is a very sensitive region. Here irritation occurs particularly easily after a shave. Itching is also not uncommon. There are several things you can do to prevent itching in your genital area after shaving. The skin in the genital area should be shaved as gently as possible. Using fresh razor blades will prevent irritation. It is also advisable to shave the genital area immediately after showering. Cooling the skin with a cool washcloth beforehand can also help to minimize the itching.
$config[ads_text2] not foundIrritant shaving products should be avoided as far as possible on sensitive skin. It is much more important to take good care of the skin after shaving. Baby powder is found to be very beneficial for many people. Applied to previously dried skin, baby powder has a calming effect and relieves itching. A nourishing cream that donates a lot of moisture or a wound healing ointment such as Bepanthen is also very beneficial for many sufferers. However, the products used should not come into contact with the mucous membranes (vaginal or anal mucous membrane) as they can cause irritation there.
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Many women, but also men, regularly shave their legs. Irritation and itching after shaving are not unknown to many people. The skin on the legs is usually hard-wearing and more resistant than on other parts of the body, such as the armpits or the genital area. The itching is usually caused by dry skin or irritation from shaving. More rarely, it is an expression of an intolerance to shaving products such as shaving gel or shaving foam. Blurred blades that have been used several times can also cause itching on the legs.
However, the most important thing is good and rich care after shaving your legs to prevent itching. The severe dehydration is usually the decisive factor in the development of the itching. After a shave, cream should therefore be applied to the legs immediately. Applying baby powder can also help prevent itching. Before shaving, a peeling can help to optimally prepare the skin.
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$config[ads_text3] not foundYou should always shave with clean, sharp blades. Shaving products such as shaving foam or shaving gel are often not necessary at all. If you want to use such products, you should be careful to buy unscented products as they cause less irritation. The best way to find out if you have an intolerance is to skip it or change the product.
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The skin of the face is very sensitive and therefore often reacts to various kinds of irritation with itching and redness. Shaving is such an irritation. So that the shave is as gentle as possible, it is recommended to soften the beard with warm, damp towels before shaving.
The whiskers should be shortened to a few millimeters so that the shave is easier and more thorough. Shaving against the direction of growth tends to lead to itching more often, but is also more thorough. After shaving, the skin of the face should be cared for with moisturizing face creams.
Also read the article on the topic: Burning in the face
It is impossible to say in general how long the skin itches after shaving. Since this is a skin reaction to irritation, the skin will itch until the irritation is gone. This can take a few minutes, but it can last for hours or even days. Skin-friendly products should be used to prevent irritation after shaving.
Proper skin care after shaving is also important to reduce itching. If agents are applied against the itching or irritated skin, the itching should be alleviated or disappear after a short time.
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As soon as the skin shows such symptoms, shaving should generally be avoided for a few days, at least until the redness has subsided and the skin is no longer itchy.
In very severe cases, razor burn and the associated itching of the skin can last for days up to a week. Any further stress on the skin will inevitably worsen the problem and lead to small inflammations.
If the itching of the skin lasts longer than a week and does not show any improvement, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist, because an infection caused by pathogens cannot be ruled out in these cases.
In addition, most of those affected report the additional occurrence of small reddish shave bumps that last for several days. The cause of this strong skin reaction is usually a lack of care after shaving. Antibacterial after-shave balms can help disinfect and soothe the skin. This is especially true after hair removal. One example of this is the Dr. Severin Body After-Shave Balm from the pharmacy.
Antibacterial aftershave balms can also help disinfect and soothe the skin. This is especially true after hair removal. One example of this is the Dr. Severin Body After-Shave Balm from the pharmacy.
Products that soothe the skin and reduce redness and inflammation can relieve itching. For example, Fenistil creams can be used. These are applied directly to the itchy and reddened skin and can thus relieve itching. If the itching is severe, creams containing polidocanol can be obtained without a prescription. Polidocanol numbs the skin superficially and can thus alleviate the itching.
If the skin is irritated very much, cortisone-containing creams - some of which are available from pharmacies without a prescription - can be applied to the itchy areas of the skin. Cortisone has an anti-inflammatory effect and so relieves itching. It should be noted, however, that these cortisone creams should not be applied to the genital area and only with caution on the face. To further soothe the skin, creams that contain aloe vera can also help. Aloe Vera cools the skin, counteracts inflammation and can thus reduce itching.
For more information, see: Treat rash with ointments and creams
$config[ads_text1] not foundAfter shaving, the affected skin can be rubbed with juniper berry oil, which can be bought in pharmacies or drugstores. This should be done twice a day until the irritated skin is calm again. Poultices - for example, diluted apple cider vinegar (one tablespoon per liter of water) - can help relieve itching. Applying yoghurt or quark to the affected areas of the skin can also help relieve itching. The yoghurt or quark is washed off again after it has dried out.
St. John's wort oil can also soothe the skin after shaving. Evening primrose oil can also be applied to itchy skin. Foods containing histamine such as cheese or tuna should be avoided during the period when the itching persists. Drinking alcohol and smoking, which can prolong the inflammation and thus the itching, should also be paused. Which home remedy works must be tested individually, as not every remedy provides relief for everyone.
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In order to prevent the phenomenon that the skin itches after shaving, it is advisable to make sure that you never remove the hair against the natural direction of growth while shaving. Particular attention should be paid to the areas of the cheeks and chin. To prevent skin irritation and the development of razor burn, the blades of the razor must be replaced at regular intervals.
Disposable razors should really only be used once, because nothing is worse for the skin than the mere hair loss with blurred razor blades. In addition, one should always be careful not to run the razor over the skin with too much pressure, this is not necessary with sharp razor blades and damages the skin surface enormously. Furthermore, people with sensitive skin should make sure to apply cream to the relevant areas before shaving.
