You may not think much about those little hairs that sprout up on your legs, under your arms and around your bikini line. In fact, a lot of people think about them only in terms of getting rid of them, whether it’s through shaving, waxing or plucking.
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But that hair actually serves a purpose — and removing it can cause skin issues like razor burn. “Although being hairless or hair-reduced is considered ‘in,’ it causes you to lose hair’s protective features,” says adolescent medicine specialist Ellen Rome, MD, MPH.
Here are some of the options for getting rid of razor burn on your own — and when you might need to see a healthcare provider for an assist.
How to treat razor burn at home
You were in a hurry to de-fuzz your legs before you hit the beach, and you didn’t give shaving the careful time and attention it requires. Now, you’re fuzz-free but paying the price in the form of a painful, blotchy red rash. Ouch!
“Shaving, plucking and waxing can cause razor burn or inflame the hair follicles, which is called folliculitis,” Dr. Rome explains. “This can also cause tender pimples, pustules or larger skin lesions to develop.”
So, what’s the solution? Here are a few home remedies for razor burn.
No more shaving … for now!
When your skin is already irritated from shaving, doing more of it will only make things worse. Lay off all hair removal tactics (not just shaving but waxing, too) until the inflammation subsides and your skin clears up.
Apply something soothing
It’s called razor burn for a reason. If your freshly shaved skin feels like it’s on fire, try applying a cool washcloth to the area to provide some sweet relief. A blow dryer on a cool-air setting can also feel soothing.
Another option is to apply a bit of aloe vera gel — yep, the same kind you sometimes slather atop a sunburn. Though it won’t cure razor burn, it has cooling qualities that can help ease the discomfort while you heal.
You may have heard that other natural products can help, too, but Dr. Rome advises against them. “Apple cider vinegar and witch hazel may sting, and tea tree oil may contain other ingredients with unwanted consequences,” she cautions. Stick to the aloe vera!
Stay moisturized
Razor burn can happen when you shave skin that’s already dry and prone to inflammation. To give your skin back its moisture, apply an emollient like:
- A fragrance-free moisturizing lotion.
- A natural oil, like coconut oil.
- An alcohol-free aftershave.
Just be sure to read the labels closely to avoid anything that could further irritate your already-angry skin. “Stay away from products that contain fragrances, alcohol or other ingredients that can irritate your skin,” Dr. Rome warns.
Take an oatmeal bath
Colloidal oatmeal can help relieve itchy skin, making it a top choice for calming conditions like eczema — and razor burn.
Just sprinkle some colloidal oatmeal into your bathwater to help soothe itchy legs and restore some moisture. When you get out of the tub, pat yourself dry (rubbing can make things worse) and apply a fragrance-free moisturizer.
Talk to a doctor
Razor burn often goes away on its own, but if yours persists, escalate from home remedies to a more tried-and-true method: Speak with a healthcare provider.
Razor burn can lead to ingrown hairs, which can then cause a condition called pseudofolliculitis barbae, or “razor bumps.” Instead of the bumpy, red rash that accompanies regular razor burn, razor bumps look (and feel) more like little pimples.
“If it looks like a pimple, over-the-counter or prescription acne medicines can tackle the surface or deeper skin layers to prevent more of them,” Dr. Rome says, “but you should only use them with your doctor’s blessing.”
But if things are really painful, you could be dealing with something more, like an infection.
“Big, juicy lesions may signal a pocket of pus that needs attention,” Dr. Rome states. “See a doctor for help getting rid of these.”
How long does razor burn take to heal?
Razor burn can clear up within a couple of hours or it may take a few days. If yours isn’t going away, or if it seems to be getting worse, make an appointment with a healthcare provider who can help you can find relief.
