Questions for those who are thinning out on top

[Razor X]

I just got back from the dermatologist's office because I'm still having problems with bumps on my head and forehead.  He didn't seem think that it was too bad, but thought it might be irritation from shaving too hard and possibly using a blade that's too dull.  He gave me a prescription for some foam to put on it and told me to come back if it doesn't improve in a few weeks.

I don't know why I'm having this problem now, after nearly six years of shaving, when I never had it before.  The only thing I can think of  is that my hair has thinned considerably, so the blade is now coming into contact with bare skin as opposed to stubble.   Has anybody else experienced this as their has become thinner?

I probably am applying too much pressure.  He said not to be so obsessed about getting a close shave (clearly he doesn't understand     ).  I'm going to try changing the blade more frequently as well and see if that makes a difference.

[GaryT]

Man I'm impressed! You got word from your doc about not obsesing with  the shaving but I can't help rofl ing with your inner response,"I probably am applying too much pressure.  He said not to be so obsessed about getting a close shave (clearly he doesn't understand)


I'd change docs but find one that is sly!        

[Razor X]

It's difficult to even get an appointment with a dermatologist, for some reason.  You have to wait several weeks.   I'm hoping that the stuff he gave me will do the trick and that there will be no more problem. 

This doctor had a good-sized bald spot on his crown; I was tempted to tell him that he should take a leaf out of my book and then we could compare notes.   

[D.A.L.U.I.]

Try a loofa pad, they're available at Wal-Mart for about $2.  I think the survivors are tough little birds, even one day w/o shaving and I start getting funny little bumps, especially around the island in front and where the runway meets the shadow.  Once I give a little rub with the wet loofa and soap, and shave they're gone.  Be careful not to rub too hard at first.  After a while, when you adapt, it's really a pleasure to loofa the scalp briskly.  Also, benzoyl-peroxide 10% gel after shaving--keeps mine neat.  I had my dermatologist look at a spot on my dome that has been coming and going--he said it wasn't anything--but he did take a look at the old skin cancer scar and told me he's going to excise it next month and test-grief.  Hope it doesn't mean another Moh's procedure.  

[Razor X]

I'll give the loofah a try.  I've gotten some good suggestions here, but I haven't tried any of them because I was waiting to see what the doctor was going to say.

I forgot to mention, he told me to try washing my scalp with a dandruff shampoo.

[BuzzKC]

I've had the same thing you describe. It usually clears up after a week or so. Using a new blade helps.  I think the thinner weaker hairs are more prone to becoming ingrown. They just aren't strong enough to push through the surface when shaved aggressively and the slick almost bald skin sort of closes over the follical. Does that make sense???

[Razor X]

I've had the same thing you describe. It usually clears up after a week or so. Using a new blade helps.  I think the thinner weaker hairs are more prone to becoming ingrown. They just aren't strong enough to push through the surface when shaved aggressively and the slick almost bald skin sort of closes over the follical. Does that make sense???

You could be right.  I wish I were completely bald on top so I wouldn't have to shave there.  I don't have much left, but it's just enough that I have to shave it regularly.

I was actually afraid before I saw the doctor that he'd tell me to stop shaving for a while.  I guess it's a sign of a true addict when a doctor tells you to stop doing something and you're determined to keep doing it anyway, no matter what?   

[GaryT]

Just a mention...I waited 9 weeks a few months ago, just to get in to a dermatologist! Turns out that insurance has 2 of them in my area. One is 15 miles away and the other is 15 miles away and has a really bad rep.

[D.A.L.U.I.]

Question  , Gary & Razor, are you on PPO plans or HMO?  My plan, I chose the specialist, dermatologists included, and deal with them.  I've got two, the skin guy and a neurologist.  I know that some insurance plans require a two step process, first your "regular" doctor, then that dr refers you to the specialist he wants. 
I know this comment could set off world war III, but something has to be done about the screwy insurance companies controlling what are in actuality medical decisions.  Some clerk, probably without any medical degree, and certainly without any contact w/ me, the patient, makes a medical decision--it's just nuts and it has to change even if the insurance companies' profits take a hit.  Believe me, they all scream bloody murder--but none go out of business, they just merge and get bigger and more intrusive.  I'll get off my soap box now.

[buddha]

Have you tried anything like St. Ives' Apricot Scrub? I use the Equate brand (medicated: salicylic acid) from Wally World. That really seems to take off any rough skin, in my experience anyway, and gives my skull a nice smooth feel.

[Razor X]

Question  , Gary & Razor, are you on PPO plans or HMO? 

HMO. 

I know this comment could set off world war III, but something has to be done about the screwy insurance companies controlling what are in actuality medical decisions.  Some clerk, probably without any medical degree, and certainly without any contact w/ me, the patient, makes a medical decision--it's just nuts and it has to change even if the insurance companies' profits take a hit.  Believe me, they all scream bloody murder--but none go out of business, they just merge and get bigger and more intrusive.  I'll get off my soap box now.

I work for a not-for-profit health insurance company.  I understand and share the frustration and I'm not about to defend some of the screwy decisions, but they ARE all made by MDs.     

Something does need to be done to try and rein in the costs, that's for sure.

[D.A.L.U.I.]

I work for a not-for-profit health insurance company. 

Something does need to be done to try and rein in the costs, that's for sure.
[/quote]

That's one RARE entity, very rare indeed.

[Razor X]

I work for a not-for-profit health insurance company. 

Something does need to be done to try and rein in the costs, that's for sure.

That's one RARE entity, very rare indeed.
[/quote]


Not really.  Some of the biggest and most recognizable health insurance companies are not-for-profits.

[D.A.L.U.I.]

I work for a not-for-profit health insurance company. 

Something does need to be done to try and rein in the costs, that's for sure.

United Health Care--one of the absolute worst offenders--is profit and one of the largest providers of insurance and TPA services I think.  And just because Blue Cross and such are "non-profit" doesn't mean that the management doesn't seek to max out revenues--"non-profit" just means that the profits and assets can't go to shareholders who aren't non profit.  The managers make very tidy sums, very tidy indeed.



That's one RARE entity, very rare indeed.

Not really.  Some of the biggest and most recognizable health insurance companies are not-for-profits.
[/quote]

[GaryT]

We have Anthem Blue Cross. It is an HMO. I go to my primary care physician and he says I need to see someone, a specialist, but he doesn't know what my company will go for. So then I go home and log on to Anthem, select my plan and then look for a doctor in my area that the insurance company will pay for. Then the doctors office makes a refferal for me and they also make the appointment!!

Sucks!! BUT, for insurance today it's pretty good. I'm just glad we have insurance. I'm on disability so the insurance comes through my wifes job. They pay for her 100% and I pay about 300 bucks a month to be added on. But there is nothing to do about it. Hate giving all that money to the ins company but I'd be screwed without it. I just had second back surgery and was in the hospital one night! Total cost for hospital, doctors, etc. etc.  38,000 dollars. I agree that has to change!

Sorry for the highjack there!!