Itching after shaving is caused by irritation from the razor, also known as razor burn. In some cases, the itching may be caused by ingrown hairs. No matter what is causing the itchiness after shaving, stopping it is necessary as scratching the area to relieve the itchiness may break the skin and allow bacteria into the lesion. If this occurs, infection is possible.
Step 1
Exfoliate the skin daily to remove dead skin cells, which can lead to irritation and itching. Rub the skin you will shave in a gentle, circular motion using a warm washcloth. Ingrown hairs, which can cause itching after shaving, are aggravated by dead skin cells blocking the skin. These dead skin cells can also cause an uneven shave, which may lead to razor rash or razor burn.
Step 2
Apply shaving cream or shaving gel to your skin and shave with a new single blade razor. The Nemours Foundation states that razor burn often results from shaving with an old razor, dry shaving and shaving against the grain of the hair.
Step 3
Press cool compresses on the area for at least five minutes after you shave. If you shaved your legs, bikini line, pelvic area or any other area that can be soaked in cool water, take a cool bath or shower instead of applying compresses.
Step 4
Moisturize your skin with a hypoallergenic lotion or aloe vera gel after shaving. Your skin may itch if it gets dry. To increase the hydrating effect of the lotion, apply it immediately after toweling the area off.
Step 5
Apply 1 percent hydrocortisone cream to any lesions or bumps that itch. Hydrocortisone will help to reduce the itching, and it also helps to alleviate inflammation, notes dermatologist Evelyn Placek.
Step 6
Take a break from shaving until the itching stops and don't shave until any bumps or rash is gone. If you shave too often, such as daily, your skin doesn't have a chance to heal from the previous shaving session.
Things You'll Need
- Washcloth
- Towel
- Shaving cream
- Shaving gel
- Razor
- Cool compress
- Moisturizer
- Hydrocortisone
