Thread: Mild rash (razor burn?) that does not go away.

Originally Posted by trondsi

Hi folks!
I have a rash/razor burn on my left face that simply will not go away. First time I noticed I assumed it was razor burn, but I'm not 100% sure. It behaves oddly; it seems to get more irritated by shaving and NOT shaving Let me explain: it is red and irritated immediately after the shave, then it almost disappears over the next day or so, but as my stubble grows the skin starts flaking a bit and feels itchy and irritated again. Then red when I shave etc etc. On most days it calms down with some after shave balm, so it's not a huge medical emergency, but it's annoying still. Any ideas?

I know this thread is a few years old, but as fate would have it, I just went to the Dermatologist for this very issue. I had a spot about the size of a quarter above my lip and to the side for the last year or so. I had thought it was Ringworm from using a reconditioned straight razor. I tried just about every application of anti fungal cream and spray on the market. None worked. The symptoms were exactly as the OP described.

My Dermatologist said it was Dermatitis, not Ringworm, and that it was similar to Dandruff. I believe he said it was Seborrheic Dermatitis. He said over-the-counter anti fungals typically do not work very well. He suggested putting some anti Dandruff shampoo on the area, but I asked if he could prescribe an ointment meant for this. He did. In a few days after starting the prescribed ointment, it cleared up. Just an FYI for anyone else that may have this. If anti Dandruff shampoo does not work, a trip to the Dermatologist will probably be a good idea.