How to avoid shaving rash

Use a clean, sharp blade and light pressure. Rinse the skin afterward, pat it dry and apply a fragrance-free moisturiser. If the area is already sore, allow it to settle before shaving again.

A razor can remove part of the skin's protective surface as well as cutting hair. Friction, pressure and repeated strokes may then cause burning, redness or small bumps. Curly or coarse hairs can bend back into the skin after cutting, producing inflamed ingrown hairs.

A rash that persists beyond shaving may have another explanation. Contact Dermatitis can occur after exposure to fragrance or another product ingredient, while Atopic Dermatitis may make the skin barrier more easily irritated.

Shave after warm water has softened the hair. Apply shaving gel and let it sit briefly, then move the razor in the direction the hair grows. Rinse the blade between strokes instead of pressing harder when it becomes clogged.

Avoid stretching the skin, dry shaving and going repeatedly over one patch. Replace a blunt or damaged blade, do not share razors, and clean reusable equipment according to its instructions. An electric trimmer that leaves a little stubble may suit people who repeatedly develop ingrown hairs.

For current irritation, use a cool compress and a plain moisturiser. Stop any new fragranced aftershave or exfoliating product if it stings or seems to worsen the rash.

Arrange a clinical assessment if bumps keep returning, leave dark marks or scars, spread beyond shaved areas, or do not improve after you change your technique. A clinician can distinguish irritation and ingrown hairs from infection or another skin condition.

Seek prompt care for rapidly spreading redness, increasing warmth or pain, pus, fever, swelling around the eyes, or difficulty breathing. These features need assessment rather than another shave or a stronger cosmetic product.

Ask whether the pattern fits razor irritation, ingrown hairs, infection or a reaction to a product. You can also ask which hair-removal method suits your skin, whether a treatment is appropriate for inflammation, and how to reduce marks after the skin heals.