Hive after shaving/sensitive skin solutions?

Question

My skin is super, SUPER sensitive. Shaving has alway been an issue for me, mainly on my calves and thights and arm pits- my skin just freaks out. I get terrible, terrible razor burn that ends up scarring, and I get cuts and bleed everywhere. I always use a very thick shaving cream and a certain kind of razor because I find that it does less damage to my legs than evey other kind of razor.

My first question, is "Is it possible to break out in hives after shaving?" After I shaved the other day, I got big red itchy bumps all over my legs and it wasn't razor burn or ingrown hairs.

My second question is Is there anything I can do to remove hair that is inexpensive and won't scar me everywhere? I've tried waxing and my skin freaks out after that too...

Thanks!

Answer 1

wow... it sounds you are having some trouble with the shaving. well, first of all, use always a new razor, second, have a moisturizing lotion applied on your skin 20-30 min before you shave (dove, jergens, nivea), then apply the shaving foam and after you finish wash your skin and re apply the moisturizing lotion.

concerning your questions: 1- very unlikely. I guess what happened is a irritation of your skin. 2- laser hair removal would be the best option. I know it is not cheap, but it would be the best if the above mentioned do not work.

Answer 2

Oh no!  You aren't having much fun!

It's a good idea to use a thick shaving cream (try to get one that's got aloe vera or another moisturisng agent in it).

It's hard to tell what you're suffering from (hives) without seeing it but it does sound like it from the description.  As soon as you get a reaction like that, head to the local pharmacy and get an antihistamine (there are several antihistamines available and some vary considerably...ask for the pharmacist and show him/her the bumps).  The sooner you take the antihistamine, the more effective it will be.

I am not aware of an inexpensive hair removal option.  I know dermatologists (at least some) offer hair removal treatments and, trust me, it's expensive but worth it.  I have seen the results from other 'hair removal specialists' and the scarring is terrible (to say the least).

Save up and your skin (your largest organ) will thank you.  Good luck with it! :-)