ABOUT SKIN IRRITATIONS

Men and women alike endure the discomfort of these various skin irritations. There are various forms of skin irritations (razor bumps, razor burn, ingrown hairs, and bikini line irritation) that result from hair removal such as shaving, waxing, electrolysis, and laser hair removal. Sweat irritation and chafing are also common skin irritations that often occur from heat, moisture, and exercise.

Razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae) also known as barber’s itch, shave bumps, folliculitis barbae traumatica and scarring pseudofolliculitis of the beard, are formed when the new hair growth curls over and enters into the neighboring skin. This produces a foreign body reaction resulting in an unsightly bump. Shaving causes the ends of the hair to be sharpened thus making it easier to penetrate the skin. Razor bumps itch and burn which make shaving nearly impossible. Razor bumps can be found anywhere shaving occurs - face, legs, arms, pubic region, head, and neck.  

Razor burn is an uncomfortable red or pink skin irritation triggered by an injury to the skin tissues, usually by shaving. Razor burn is usually painful and can appear with or without bumps. Razor burn can occur on any shaved area- face, legs, arms, pubic region, head, and neck.

Ingrown hair is a condition where hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin. Ingrown hair is commonly caused by shaving, waxing or tight clothing. When the hair grows inside the follicles underneath the skin, it generates foreign body reaction in the hair follicle causing an infection. The inflammation of the follicle then produces an unattractive bump, rash, itchy skin, and pus collecting under the skin. Ingrown hairs are most common on the face, legs, arms, pubic region, head, neck, and other shaved areas.

Bikini Area Irritation is also known as razor rash and bikini burn. Bikini area irritation is redness and bumps on the skin caused by improper hair removal techniques. Tight garment and perspiration can also cause bikini area irritation. This can be one of the most painful conditions because bikini area hair is thicker and the skin is more sensitive.

Sweat Irritation is also referred to as heat rash. Heat rash can occur in areas where skin touches skin such as under the breasts, on the inner thighs, and the underarms. Sweat irritation can develop when sweat ducts in the skin becomes clogged, trapping perspiration and triggering irritation, itching, and a rash. The heat rash appears as reddened skin with blisters due to inflammation. Sweat irritation can also occur due to tight clothing where a lack of air circulation produces hot, humid conditions.

Chafing is caused by repetitive skin friction and can be aggravated by the salt residue from sweating. When sweat dries and exercise is resumed, the salt may intensify the friction causing further irritation. Chafing usually occurs through skin-to-skin contact of adjacent body parts or by loose fitting clothing generating extra friction. Chafing is most commonly experienced such areas as the nipples, armpits, and inner thighs. In some cases, obesity can be the main cause of thigh chafing. Chafing is also common among athletes with muscular physiques. Athletes including marathon runners, cyclists, tennis players, soccer players, and football players can experience chafing simply due to repetitive motion. In a notable moment of a globally televised tennis match, a professional player called an emergency medical time out because his chafed nipples were bleeding, causing him excruciating pain and discomfort.