Thread: My dermatologist said...

This morning I went to the dermatologist for something on my back. While there she asked about my razor burn. I told her I was wet shaving and used a puck and some aftershave, and sometimes some balm. She said to stop right away. What?!

According to the doc, I am now to use a gel, like Edge unscented (yuck!) and the lotion she prescribed. THe Rx is for a mixture of Loprox and Cleocin lotions. From what I found on a basic search this is antibiotic mixture. I guess she thinks my burn is minor skin infections on my neck.

I can't make myself go back to the goo of a canned gel. So that will have to wait. However, I'm willing to try the lotion for a few weeks.

My current aftershave rotation included has been Clubman Bay Rum, Vanilla and some Burt's Bees aftershave. Soaps rotation include Col. Conk and Burt's Bees.

Has anyone heard of this prescription before? What about any unscented soaps that may be out there?

Colonel Conk used to cause me some irritation... I'd suggest upgrading the soap and, if need be, get a better (Softer tip) brush... Also, less pressure from the razor if that is a concern...

For me, at least, going back to the canned stuff would make my complexion FAAAAR worse.

Also, quit using the alcoholic/stingy aftershaves (for now) go to Nivea For Men Post Shave Balm (the replenishing one) or some Witch Hazel.. Just use those till it goes away (although her lotion probably wouldn't hurt)

Just from my perspective, Don't go back to Gillette.

Good Luck!

Cheers,
Jeremy

There are plenty of unscented shave soaps. Look at Mitchell's Wool Fat -- it's practically unscented but I'm not sure if it has other ingredients which might cause irritation.

I know Mama Bear has some natural soaps. I'm not a doctor but maybe there's also a suggestion that the brush is causing irritation? I suspect that getting a natural, unscented soap and then applying a built lather by hand would be better than Edge unscented goo.

Ive never used this but it looks like it would work well.

Thayers Medicated Superhazel with Aloe Vera Formula Astringent - $9.95 : Thayers Natural Remedies, Since 1847

Thayers Medicated Superhazel is great stuff but I would follow doctor's orders until it clears up then proceed. Better safe than sorry IMO.

Another thing to try, if you are doing an ATG pass, stop doing it. Because I started out doing the ATG pass, I still have some lumps and bumps on my neck that get irritated if I am not careful. The ATG pass leaves my face red and sore, and a barber at Trumpers told me never to shave that way.

He also said the same thing as Jeremy. No alcohol based lotions on the bits of the face that you shave. It dries out the skin and irritates it. Use a Nivea balm, or skin food or something, on the bits you have shaved to sooth the skin and protect it. Use the AS/cologne behind your ears and on your wrists only.

Good luck!

yeah, i think Jeremy has the right idea. It's probably your soap and or and aftershave your using or your technique(pressure). I have sensitive skin but i don't really expose any open flesh wounds when shaving (pimples etc.). more than likely your reacting to the soap/additives in your setup or your pores are becoming blocked and or retaining foreign debris which could be causing your razor burn/possible infection. maybe check out the post shave treatment forum To use or Not to Use it may be helpful? and for sure let any sores or redness heal before shaving again.

At any point did you ask her why as a medical professioinal she suggested using canned gel? I've found (in my experience) that just because someone is a "Dr." that doesn't mean they know jack about s**t. You'll probably find that she is basing this "treatment" on the general misconceptions that people have regarding wetshaving in general.
Just my $0.02

Michael

Originally Posted by C23

Ive never used this but it looks like it would work well.

Thayers Medicated Superhazel with Aloe Vera Formula Astringent - $9.95 : Thayers Natural Remedies, Since 1847

I got that stuff a few days ago and REALLY like it. It helped a lot with some post shave irritation on my lower neck and "soul-patch" area.

Have you ever tried Aveeno's canned gel? It is very good and inert, and no law against using w/ a brush. I'll be shocked if you have problems with that one.