Thread: Razor Burn and resulting acne from ATG

What you describe sounds like folliculitis, or "barber's itch" (could be just irritation, or a mild to severe bacterial infection.) One of the reasons shaving against the grain is not recommended.

To avoid it in the future you should only shave with the grain of your beard, make sure you prep the beard thoroughly with water and lather, and finally use a very sharp razor.

BTW - Bay Rum (Pimenta Racemosa) was originally used as an aftershave to help prevent post-shave skin infections/ irritations such as folliculitis.