How to Treat a Razor Burn Bikini Rash
A bikini line razor burn, a skin irritation that can occur after shaving, not only ruins the bathing beauty look you're going for, but it can be painful. When you shave, you remove the outer layer of skin along with your hair, so your body sends blood to the affected area to heal it, causing your blood vessels to dilate and your skin to become red and irritated. You can prevent a bikini line razor burn by shaving the area properly (see Tips), but if you do end up with razor burn, reduce redness and soothe your skin with at-home treatments. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Apply hydrocortisone cream to the affected area as soon as razor burn occurs. Hydrocortisone reduces redness by constricting blood vessels in the affected area so that less blood flows to the area, and it also soothes stinging and itching. Do not use this treatment for more than two days and apply only once or twice each day, as overuse of hydrocortisone can make your skin even more red and irritated.
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Apply a topical acne treatment containing 2.5 to 5 percent benzoyl peroxide to the affected area to minimize bumps associated with razor burn. If you're prone to razor burn and razor bumps, regular use of benzoyl peroxide will decrease the chance of razor bumps returning.
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Use natural remedies to further treat razor burn, especially if you have very sensitive, easily irritated skin. Apply aloe vera to the affected area to reduce redness, soothe pain and irritation and quicken the healing process. You can also soothe razor burn irritation with tea tree oil, vitamin E oil or lavender oil. Pat a small amount of apple cider vinegar to the affected area to kill harmful bacteria and avoid infection.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are prone to razor burn, only shave when you absolutely need to or try a lotion depilatory, which dissolves hair and causes less trauma to hair follicles than shaving. Test a small area of your skin before using a depilatory to make sure you're not allergic.
To prevent razor burn, shave after you shower and use shaving cream, not soap, containing aloe or other soothing ingredients. Using a clean, sharp razor, shave in the direction of your hair growth. Immediately moisturize your bikini line with lotion after shaving, rinsing and drying the area.
Replace your razor or razor blade after three or four uses, as a dull blade can cause razor burn.
See a doctor for razor burn treatment if your razor burn does not heal within a few days of at-home treatment or looks infected. Signs of infection include pus, increased swelling, heat or throbbing in the affected area.
References
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