Razor burn of the skin is a painful and often embarrassing rash that almost every single person will contract at one point in their life. But getting rid of this unsightly condition is much more difficult that one would imagine. Luckily, there are some tips and tricks to making sure razor burn and even razor bumps never affect you. Stopping razor burn basically means learning the most effective way to shave. It also means finding products that will work best with your specific skin types.

What is Razor Burn?

First off, it’s important to understand the difference between razor burn and razor bumps, as both problems require a different treatment approach. On one hand, razor burn occurs when the top layer of the skin is damaged by incorrect shaving. Luckily, the signs of razor burn are pretty easy to spot.

• Does your skin sting, or feel like sunburn?
• Is the skin red, mottled or bleeding?
• Did you recently shave with a brand new razor?
• Did you use a shaving lubricant or dry shave instead?

Most often, razor burn occurs when a new razor is used, pressed to hard against the skin. Razor burn can also occur after a fast shaving job, or one that was completed without soap or shaving cream to help the blade slide over the skin. On the other hand, razor bumps are not as simple. Characterized by little red spots after shaving that soon turn into the typical “white head,” razor bumps occur when shaved hair curls under the skin. Bumps are commonly seen paired with razor burn on pubic area. After becoming lodged, these shaved hairs will cause inflammation of the hair follicle, causing the red bumps that afflict so many of us after shaving.

Preventing Razor Burn

Keeping razor burn from happening in the first place is the key to never having to deal with the uncomfortable affliction. The key here is to shave carefully, using the correct techniques. But which way is the right way to shave? Take a look at some shaving tips that will help you remove hair like a pro.

• Use shaving cream or gel: Preventing razor burn on legs, face, or bikini area means lubricating the blade with a cream designed to help fight the rash.
• Take your time: Shave slowly, with long, even strokes. Fast shave jobs will injure the skin, causing rash.
• Shave with the hair: Instead of shaving up, shave down with the way your hair grows. This will prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
• Use after shaving treatment: After shaving, use an aftershave or aloe cream to prevent razor burn on neck or bikini areas. For your legs, simply use a fragrance free lotion.

Getting Rid of Razor Burn

The key to razor burn treatment is to pay close attention to your own methods of shaving. But if you’ve already gotten razor burn and need a cure fast, there are still things that you can do to get rid of the red, unsightly stinging rash. First off, do not put any scented or perfumed lotions on the affected area. To minimize the appearance of irritation, try using a lotion or cream that contains aloe vera. You can also apply a hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching and pain. Most importantly, do not shave the area that has been irritated until the rash is gone. Shaving over the area could cause and even worse rash, possibly leading to infection.

Say Goodbye to Razor Burn

While getting rid of razor burn fast is the main goal for many, preventing the irritation in the first place is the most important step you can take to never having to deal with the problem again. First, always use shaving cream when shaving your face, legs, or bikini line. Use long, slow strokes that go with the hair to prevent irritation. Then be sure to follow up with a non-irritating aftershave or lotion.

If you ask anyone what the itchiest thing they’ve ever experienced is, you’ll find a group of people whose first response is the terrors of poison ivy. Often the most miserable rash that many people can describe, poison ivy is nothing to be casual about. Learning how to prevent coming into contact with the poisonous plant is the first step to avoiding a nightmare. But if you suspect you’ve already broken out in a rash, knowing the stages of irritation and how long does poison ivy last will help you get through the itchy illness.

How Poison Ivy is Contracted

You can contract a rash from poison ivy by simply coming into contact with the toxins that produce the nasty side effects we’ve all come to dread. While many people think that the only way to get a poison ivy rash is touch the plant directly, there are many different, sometimes unusual, ways that poison ivy can interfere with your health. Some of these methods include:

• Direct contact: This includes brushing up against the plant while running and removing it while gardening. Be advised that the whole plant is toxic, not just the leaves. So when removing poison ivy from your property, make sure to wear sturdy gloves that you then dispose of afterwards.
• Secondary contact: Direct contact isn’t necessary in order to get a rash. For example, you can get a rash from a pet that has come into contact with poison oak. Handling gloves or clothing that has brushed up against poison oak can also cause the side effects of burning and itching.
• While mowing or weed eating: If you plan to mow or weed eat any area, like a wild hillside, where you suspect there could be poison oak, make sure to wear long sleeves and plants. If you mow over a poison oak plant while cutting back foliage, microscopic bits of the plant can potentially be sprayed over your body, causing the rash.
• During a controlled burn or wildfire: If you’re burning brush or clearing land using a controlled burn, be aware that poison ivy can still cause problems. Breathing it large amounts of the smoking plant can cause damage and irritation to your lungs. Your best bet is to check the area and brush you plan to burn before lighting the first match.
• Immunity: Some people seem to have a natural defense against poison oak, but be aware that these immunities can fade over time. So even if you are immune to the rash and irritation, be cautious around the plant.

Photo by cygnus921

Symptoms of Poison Ivy Irritation

Everyone should know the signs of poison ivy to best prepare themselves if they find themselves breaking out in a mysterious rash they know nothing about. A mis-diagnosis of an unknown rash could mean life or death, so knowing exactly what you’re looking for is key to a safe and healthy treatment. Take a look at the step by step approach most poison ivy rashes start with:

1. You’ll notice redness and irritation of either a small or large patch of skin. At this stage, the rash will feel like sunburn.
2. As the poison oak progresses, your skin may break with hives or small, red sores. Swelling and itchiness will increase. Victims will most likely feel intense pain and burning.
3. The rash may settle into large, purple blotches and become extremely swollen. Itching will be very intense. If the face has been affected, make sure that the victim’s airways have not been constricted.
4. The rash should last about one week if treated properly, but up to three weeks if proper steps have not been taken to control the rash and spread of poison oak oil.

Poison Ivy Irritations

Avoiding a poison ivy outbreak is as simple as being aware of the brush you’re coming into contact with and keeping your skin covered. But if a rash has already broken out, expect itchiness and redness for anywhere from one to three weeks. As a victim of poison ivy, you may be wondering how long does poison ivy last? The answer comes in a variety of forms depending on how you handle the initial reaction.

Infections, heat, allergies, weakened immune system: all of these can be causes for skin rashes. Not only can a skin rash be uncomfortable or even painful, but they can be embarrassing, too, especially when they show up on the face, or other noticeable areas.

If you are experiencing the discomfort of a skin rash, or an allergic rash, then this article will help by describing some common rashes that occur, and give 5 simple things you can do to treat most common rashes.

Common Skin Rashes

Eczema

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic condition (meaning that it is ongoing) that occurs on the face, neck, torso, or limbs. It favors the back of the knees and inside of the elbows. This condition will usually come and go in cycles, intensifying during the winter months when the skin is not as exposed to the sun.

Avoid harsh, drying soaps and detergents. Use moisturizing creams such as Eucerin or medicated ointments if your doctor prescribes it. Sunlight can also help flare ups. Talk to your doctor before tanning in a salon.

Contact Dermatitis

This dermatitis is a common allergic rash. Appearing as a dry, scaly rash, Contact Dermatitis causes a burning itch or pain. This is an allergic reaction, usually to a cleaning chemical or other product.

A second type of allergic dermatitis can create an itchy red rash with bumps and blisters. This can be caused by any of the following:

• latex rubber
• Nickel
• costume jewelry
• Perfume
• Cosmetics
• nail polish

Photo by Gotham City Lost And Found

Heat Rash

Milaria, or Heat Rash, occurs on the face, neck, chest, back, and thighs. It is the result of sweat ducts becoming plucked and rupturing. It creates an irritating red rash that may sting. Common instances are due to hot, humid weather, overdressing, and tight fitting clothes.

Miliaria rubra appears as clusters of small, red bumps. Miliaria crystallina looks like clear bumps filled with fluid. This form of Heat Rash may not have any other symptoms or discomforts.

5 Simple Treatments

Whether genetic, allergic, or infection, most skin rashes are treatable. Here are 5 simples steps to take towards relief.

1) Talk to your doctor.

Your family physician may be able to recognize your skin condition and prescribe a medicinal cream. Or he may send you to a dermatologist for a more specialized diagnosis. Either way, it is always a good idea to seek professional advice. Skin irritations and rashes can be as unique as the skin they are on, and you may have other considerations that your doctor will account for. Also, if you are in need of a steroidal cream, you will need your doctors prescription.

2) Use a mild soap.

The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology recommends washing your face with mild soaps like Dove. Or use a cleanser like Cetaphil. Try not to scrub your face, or infected area. Instead, wash gently. Your goal is to cleanse the area without irritating it further.

3) Antibiotics.

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to fight of a bacterial infection. You will need a doctor’s prescription to obtain antibiotics, but they can be helpful in clearing up a rash on your face.

4) Avoid cosmetics.

Makeup and perfume can be a cause of your rash. Try going without it for a while and see if your condition clears up. If it does clear up, then you will want to consider changing brands. Try using a hypoallergenic makeup.

5) Corticosteroid Cream.

Corticosteroid creams can be bought over the counter, so you do not need a doctor’s prescription. The active ingredient is hydrocortisone, which is useful for minor skin rashes and irritants. Usually, these creams will provide temporary relief, but they may not be strong enough to fully cure the condition.

Skin rashes are uncomfortable, painful, and embarrassing. Unfortunately, they are difficult to diagnose due to the nature and variety of skin conditions. Seek medical advice, especially for severe cases. Hopefully, these treatments and preventions will help you reduce and maintain your skin rash conditions.

Coming in contact with poison ivy is a most unpleasant experience. This plant that can be hard to spot in nature by the untrained eye has toxic properties in the form of an oily resin called urushiol. When human skin is exposed to urushiol, it causes an irritating rash to develop. Fortunately, this is not considered a serious medical condition unless you are severely allergic. People who do get poison ivy rash quickly realize how bothersome the condition is until they use a poison ivy treatment home remedy to cure their rash and find peace again.

Using a poison ivy treatment home remedy is highly effective and affordable compared to expensive pharmacy creams that do not deliver the same fast results. When people develop a rash from poison ivy they want a remedy that works quickly to free them from the irritation so they can return to their normal lives. Two proven home remedies will be shared in this article that provide relief and will cure the rash caused by a toxic plant. Your kitchen cabinet can contain a treasure trove of ingredients you can use to alleviate the itching and cure your rash.

Photo by cygnus921

Oatmeal is not only good for dietary health, but works wonders externally when used to treat poison ivy rash. It is surprising how easy this home remedy is to prepare and use. Cook the oatmeal like you would normally would with water only. Let it cool until it is warm enough to apply comfortably to the areas of your body that have the rash. The oatmeal will harden as it dries creating a natural paste the relives itching and promotes healing.

Adding a tablespoon or two of baking soda to the oatmeal paste while preparing it can add extra relief. Once the paste has fully hardened, you can remove it in the shower with mild warm water and repeat during the day as needed. Skin greatly responds to this easy to use home remedy to treat poison ivy rash. The toxins that cause the allergic reaction are neutralized by natural healing properties that exist in simple oatmeal.

Another effective rash remedy that is inexpensive and can be done at home is taking a baking soda bath to relieve itch and increase healing of the skin. After you draw a bath, slowly add a half cup of baking soda to the slightly warm water. The benefit of this remedy is you are able to immerse your entire body into the tub to make sure every area affected is treated. Poison ivy suffers have used this method with fantastic results. It is calming, relaxing, and an effective way to treat the itch caused by the oily resin urushiol that is the root cause of the problem.

Finding a poison ivy treatment home remedy takes research online to see what people have found success using. The best part of utilizing the Internet community to get real answers on poison ivy relief is the unbiased advice shared. People are happy to share remedies that have worked for them. This information is priceless because it comes from real life experiences. These are tough economic times and when you can use very inexpensive household ingredients to treat your rash that is a win-win situation.