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Don’t Let Ingrown Hairs Get In Your Way

“No shave November” is long gone and with warmer weather and spring break approaching, it’s time to start shaving more often. Unfortunately, for many people with more consistent shaving comes razor burn and ingrown hairs.

What is an ingrown hair?

Ingrown hairs occur when a hair is trapped inside the follicle or when it grows back into the skin. Then an inflammatory response typically occurs signaling that you have an ingrown hair. This means that you will experience redness, itchiness, pain and/or a raised, pimple like blemish.

Ingrown hairs often heal on their own. For the pesky ones that don’t want to go away, there are several ways to treat them. Try using tweezers to lift the ingrown end, but don’t puck or dig it out as this could make it worse. Also, try using products that contain azulene or allantoin to reduce the swelling.

How to treat

The best way to treat ingrown hairs is to take precautionary steps to prevent them. Ensure that you are using proper shaving techniques including: not shaving too closely, shaving the direction of your hair growth and using a sharp razor. Exfoliate your skin in areas where you shave when you shower to dislodge ingrown hairs. Also, use products containing active ingredients, such as salicylic acid, after you shave.

If you have questions or concerns regarding ingrown hairs call to schedule an appointment with KDG  at (865)690-9467 or visit www.knoxderm.com.

Calm the Razor Burn

Photo Courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos

Photo Courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos

Most of us welcome a little break from shaving during the winter. “No shave November” has even taken on a life of its own. But there’s something about that smooth skin feeling that is irresistible. So after a shave break when we pull the razors back out during these chillier months, we are more susceptible to razor burn. The official name for this bumpy situation is folliculitis.

Razor burn, or folliculitis, is an infection caused by either bacteria or a fungi. The infection leads to the small, pimple-like bumps that itch or burn after shaving. Commonly triggered in the scalp, face, groin and thighs, folliculitis affects damaged hair follicles. Irritation usually occurs as a result of friction from clothing or shaving. It may seem an obvious and simple solution, but keeping skin moisturized can help you avoid these pesky bumps.

If you do experience a bout of razor burn, try pressing a warm, moist rag on the area. This will allow pores to open up and the damaged follicles to relax a bit. ALWAYS use clean razors when shaving to prevent any further infection. If you continue to experience itchiness or pain, please contact one of our certified dermatologists. Depending on the severity, a topical or oral antibiotic or anti-fungal medication should do the trick. You don’t have to “feel the burn” post-shave, and we’ll help you get quick relief.

If you have any questions about razor burn or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.