Skin itches after shaving

Causes of itchy skin after shaving

If the skin itches after shaving, in most cases it is caused by a phenomenon known as “razor burn”. Razor burn (pseudofolliculitis barbae) often manifests itself through redness, irritation and itching of the affected skin areas. Most affected persons also report the additional appearance of small reddish shaving spots that persist for several days. The cause of this severe skin reaction is usually a lack of care after shaving.

Associated symptoms

After a shave itching is not uncommon. There are several causes that can cause the skin to itch after shaving. Typical accompanying symptoms can further narrow down the causes.

Small bleedings of the skin, cuts or scratches indicate that improper shaving is the cause of the itching. Pain or swelling, on the other hand, usually occurs only after a few days. In combination with a flat redness, these symptoms indicate an infection of the tissue.

This can be caused by small injuries during shaving. Pathogens use such injuries as an entry point into the tissue and cause painful inflammation. However, itching is not the main symptom of such an infection.

It can occur at the beginning after shaving due to the acute irritation, but then recedes into the background as the infection progresses, whereas pain is more intense. Itching and the appearance of hives (hives) indicate an allergic cause of itching. Typical are fleeting, raised reddenings that can spread to the entire body.

Other accompanying symptoms of itching after shaving are small pimples, redness and generally dry and sensitive skin at the affected location. The genital area is a very sensitive region. Irritations occur here particularly easily after shaving.

Itching is also not uncommon. There are several things to consider to prevent such itching in the genital area after shaving. The skin on in the genital area should be shaved as gently as possible.

The use of fresh razor blades prevents irritation. It is also recommended to shave the genital area immediately after showering. Cooling the skin with a cool washcloth can also help to minimize itching.

Irritating shaving products should be avoided as far as possible for sensitive skin. It is much more important to take good care of the skin after shaving. Many people find baby powder to be very soothing.

Applied to previously dried skin, baby powder has a soothing effect and relieves itching. A moisturizing cream or an ointment for healing wounds, such as Bepanthen, is also very beneficial for many people. However, the products used should not reach mucous membranes (vaginal or anal mucosa), as they can cause irritation there.

Many women, but also men, shave their legs regularly. Irritation and itching after shaving are not unknown to many people. The skin on the legs is usually tougher and more resistant than on other parts of the body, such as the armpits or the genital area.

Mostly the itching is caused by dry skin or irritation from shaving. More rarely, it is an expression of intolerance to shaving products such as shaving gel or shaving foam. Also repeatedly used and blurred blades can be the reason for itching on the legs.

However, the most important thing is a good and rich care after shaving the legs to prevent itching. Severe dehydration is usually the decisive factor in the development of itching. After shaving the legs should therefore be creamed directly.

Applying baby powder can also prevent itching. A peeling before shaving can help to prepare the skin optimally. Shaving should always be done with clean, sharp blades.

Shaving products such as shaving foam or shaving gel are often not necessary. 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 there is an incompatibility is to try to vent or change the product.

The skin of the face is very sensitive and therefore often reacts to irritation of various kinds with itching and redness. Shaving is one such irritation.To ensure that shaving is as gentle as possible, it is recommended to soften the beard with warm, moist towels before shaving. The beard hairs should be shortened to a few millimeters so that the shave is easier and more thorough. Shaving against the direction of growth tends to cause itching more often, but is also more thorough. After shaving, the facial skin should be treated with moisturizing face creams.