Thread: Skin problem, steel blade causing rash.

I get a rash similar to sunburn when I shave with a razor blade in steel, but do not get this when I shave with a razor blade in carbon steel. Does anyone know why or have an advice.

Perhaps you have an allergy to chromium? Stainless has a much higher chromium content than carbon steel. I once knew a guy who was allergic to nickel. He couldn't even carry change in his pocket!

I ask you a (few) question (s) before I can answer your question.

What is your shaveing experience?
The blade in question, could it be dull or just the opposite, very sharp?
Have you looked at the edge of the blade in question under magnification?

I ask these questions because it sounds like razor burn, where you have just scratched your face up or simply gotten too "close" due to pressure and/or angle.

Can you be more specific about what razor(s) give you a rash and what razor(s) are ok?

I had this happen to me. It was lack of lather (not enough) and angle. I am still very new but after fixing those problems I don't get that anymore. I though of an allergy at first too. Was just bad razor burn

Usually it's nickel that gets the rap for allergies. You can test that by getting something with stainless and nickel and keeping it against your skin. usually a stainless watch case is enough. If that doesn't cause you issues then it has to do with the razor in other ways or your technique.

Hey guys, sorry to high jack the thread but am new here and have been searching for this. I am allergic to nickel and have just shaved once or twice a week to avoid it. However I am about to start a job in an office environment where I will need to shave daily. I have searched everywhere on information about how to shave with a nickel allergy but with no luck. Can anyone PLEASE help me here? I'm desperate.

dbradfor, I hate to say this but I was in a Walmart the other day and saw, in the razor and shaving cream section, some solutions for razorless shaving. I have no idea how good they are or what is in them that you or anyone might be sensitive to but I felt I should put it out there for you to look at.

Thanks for that. I'm in Australia but I believe we would have similar items. However I think they all say not to use on the face unfortunately. Maybe someone else will be able to help out here also. Cheers

dbradfor, I looked at them, they were specifically for the face in place of razor and shaving cream. You have some good drug stores there. Speak with a pharmacist if you can't find it on the shelves.