DEAR DOCTOR,

Every time I shave I get painful blisters that take time to heal. I’ve switched shaving creams many times but nothing seems to work. What causes these blisters and how can I avoid them?

PETER

DEAR PETER, 

Do the blisters form every time you shave or on some occasions? Is there associated redness, swelling, pain, itching, e.t.c. one or more of these symptoms. The most common cause of formation of blisters after shaving is razor bumps. Razor bumps are most likely caused by friction from the razor and ingrown hairs. In grown hairs are caused when hair grows into the skin, instead of out. They cause pimple like bumps on the skin. There may be associated symptoms like redness, itching and or pain. Individuals who have a very sensitive or dry skin or curly hair are more vulnerable to develop razor bumps. 

Overused razors with blunt blades can also cause razor bumps, due to irritation of the skin. Razor bumps can be prevented by using some moisturizer over the skin. Rubbing coconut or olive oil lightly over affected part also helps prevent razor bumps. Cold compression after shaving  also helps in preventing and even treating  razor bumps. If very troublesome, some pain relieving ointment can be used after shaving. Blisters can also form due to infection, which can occur  because of using  contaminated razors. Sharing razors, reusing razors without cleaning it adequately, are some  of the reasons of infection of hair follicles, resulting in bumps.

Using very hot water or harsh soap for lather during shaving can irritate the skin of the affected part, making it vulnerable for bacteria to enter and cause blisters.  Here the blisters are invariably red,  swollen and painful with or without itching. Sometimes one or more blisters may become filled with pus, becoming painful to touch.  Infection can be bacterial or fungal or viral. Viral infections like herpes cause blisters which mostly heal spontaneously within a week or 10 days. Other infections are cured with suitable antimicrobial drugs. Prevention lies in maintaining good hygiene during shaving, like avoiding sharing razors, cleaning razors adequately after use. Diabetic patients need to keep their blood glucose well controlled with life style measures and medicines, otherwise uncontrolled diabetes makes one more susceptible  to develop infections.

Sometimes blisters can occur after shaving due to allergy to the shaving cream used during shaving  or  the after shave lotion used after shaving.  Here the blisters may be small and itchy. Scratching can result in pus filled pustules. To avoid this,  one can stop using the products being  used currently for 2 to 3 days. If the bumps improve after this and reappear if the product is used again, it is definitely due to allergy to it. Hence it is best avoided. A simple blood test, that is complete blood count can also indicate whether bumps are due to allergy or infection and suitable treatment can be initiated.

Dr Rachna Pande is a specialist in internal medicine