Q:

Every time I shave my face the skin at my neckline gets really irritated (red and bumpy) and stays that way (but not as severe) until the next time I shave (sometimes more than a week). I shave exactly how I'm supposed to, have used numerous creams, gels and lotions (some fragrance free) as well as razors. I'm wary to buy an electric shaver, seeing as they are expensive and I've seen all sorts of products that supposedly cure razor burn and irritation, but I'm tired of experimenting and was wondering if you could help narrow down the options?

 

A:

The usual cause of the symptom you describe is a condition known as "pseudofolliculitis barbae" which is caused by beard hair shafts either penetrating the skin before exiting the hair follicle or curving back into the skin after exiting the hair follicle. When the hair shafts penetrate the skin they cause a reaction to their presence in the skin, which can look like small bumps or pustules.

The tendency of the hair shafts to act like this is genetically determined, and the condition usually, although not exclusively, seen in blacks. Unfortunately, one cannot alter the genetic tendency.

In most cases the best treatment is to allow the beard hairs to grow out, and not cut them close to the skin surface. Shaving with either a blade razor or an electric razor cuts close to the skin surface, so will encourage the problem. It is possible to use chemical hair removers for beard removal, and this may be relatively effective, but the chemical itself can sensitize the skin and lead to irritation.

It would probably be a good idea for you to visit your health care provider and discuss the situation with him/her so that an accurate diagnosis can be made for your particular case, and appropriate measures for coping with the problem suggested.

~The Doc