Thread: Do any of you get a heat rash after shaving?

Originally Posted by Firefighter2

Is it possible that you're having an allergic reaction to some soap or cream that you may be using? You might have to experiment with some different products.

I don't think it's a reaction unless it's from something that most products have in common like alcohol. This has been a problem every summer for decades and I have tried so many different bath soaps and deoderants that I've lost track. Several years ago (pre-wet shaving) I tried what amounted to a huge alum crystal. It worked well for a few weeks but then on a very hot humid day the rash came back with a vengence.

Oh BTW, since I didn't answer this earlier I try not to rub the area very hard with a towel because that just causes more irritation and sort of jump starts the rash if it's going to happen. I just dab most of the moisture away and then air dry for a few minutes.

Lori

I get the same thing in the summer, Lori.

I sweat freely from May through September when the air seems like it's been passed through a Yeti's buttcrack... I generally have no use for summer.

Winter shaves go fine, but as soon as the heat and humidity hit they go right down the toilet. My neck used to suffer until I started using a straight and making do with whatever a single pass takes off with a super light touch. Anything with a hint of "menthol", "medicated" or "cooling" in the name is just like pouring acid in an open wound. I find the only thing I can tolerate is Old Spice which is my favorite anyway.

Try 'lightening up' a bit and/or using something that's not an antipersperant and see if that helps....

or you could just go 'Patti Smith' in the summer and tell your Husband you're not coming back from the dark side until he tries straight shaving... LOL!

try using an alum block on the area after you shave, and if that works, you may want to switch to alum based deodorant

I have psoriasis that I take injections for, so I have had to change my deodorant and soaps. I find that Proraso pre/post on wet face, left on while I build lather and strop, works wonders. After shaving and alum block, I rinse all off and apply Thayers witch hazel with aloe on face and neck and have no problems.
Hope this helps

I'll second (or third) the alum block suggestions.

I don't shave my underarms, but I do commute by bike (12+ miles each way - with a bunch of hills). In the summer, when the humidity is over 90% for days on end, I sweat a lot and my face gets red (sometimes). I've found that the alum block usage keeps any irritation down. Also, my face has been in better shape since I got good at straight shaving.

Your case is different, but the remedy may be the same. Try the alum block.

Let us know how it works out.

Have you considered using just an alum block the day you shave, instead of applying an antiperspirant?

BTW, alum block = "crystal" deodorant found in most drug stores, Walmart, Target etc.

It will not stop sweating, but it will prevent the bacteria that cause odor from multiplying and causing odor. Actually works quite well for about 24 hours.

Thayers lavender witch hazel, GNC, . The best rash medicine that I have ever used is "Aquaphor". Don't ask why this "petrolatum" based product is better than others, I don't know. But it has been known by me to remove some rashes, completely, in a few hours.

Originally Posted by LoriB

Well, last time it was that hot I was still using shave gel and cartridges but the rest of the routine is the same. I take a shower or hot bath to prepare the skin to be shaved and also to make sure the skin is clean. Then I apply the lather and shave. After that I am careful to rinse all the shaved area to make sure all the soap and lather are gone and then I towel dry. I wait as long as possible (at least several minutes) to make sure my underarms are dry and the pores are closed before I apply an antiperspirant. Antiperspirants can be irritants to freshly shaved skin. If need be I apply body lotion to my legs but I seldom do that to my underarms. It leaves too much moisture to my underarms and that is especially bad when it's hot outside.

Lori

Lori,
I think that may the deal breaker. Stop using the AP and see what happens. For years now, my wife and I are using something a bit less harsh (Crystal deodorant - not AP). AP has nasty stuff in it and really prevents your sweats glands from doing what they're supposed to do, i.e., sweat, creating problems down the road like irritation. Just my 2 cents