Inflammation 4 days after a headshave.

[briancl]

Hey everyone! I'm having a problem with my head where I am getting inflamed follicles several days after the shave. The inflammation occurs without shaving. Seems to get better if I get a headshave and the bumps heal faster. If there is razor burn, irritation, inflammation, shouldn't it be showing up right after the shave? I usually shave every day or miss a day at most, but there are times I just don't have time to shave. I wash and exfoliate my head, change pillowcases every few days. What can be causing this? I am starting to use witch hazel twice a day, so this is a step in the right direction.

[Tg96]

What kind of shaving cream/gel do u use?

[briancl]

I'm using either nivea sensitive shave gel or headslick. It's strange because I used to never get inflammation like this, maybe razor burn. Looks a bit like my hair follicles are going through change. Is this possible because I do have MPB.

[xnewyawka]

What razor are you using, and are you making multiple passes?

[RoWilJr]

What razor are you using, and are you making multiple passes?

This....and are you going WTG or ATG?

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

If this only happens when you don't shave for a couple of days it could be a build up of the oils, etc. that are produced by the follicles to lubricate the hair shaft--so I think the WH is good, but suggest a good scrubbing with a rough wash cloth or even a loofah pad, not the sponge, to make sure you keep the follicles clear of any build up.  I can be a fertile breeding ground for bacteria and whatever.  The pad is more effective in cleaning the skin than an exfolliating mixture.  Also, use a mild anti-bacterial soap, I suggest Cuticura, blue bar, everyday, even two or more times a day--keeping it clean keeps the scalp clear. 

[briancl]

What razor are you using, and are you making multiple passes?

This....and are you going WTG or ATG?

I'm using a schick hydro 5. Switch the blade every 4 shaves and I dry the blade each time I use it. I go with the grain for the whole head, then against for the top and sides online.

[briancl]

If this only happens when you don't shave for a couple of days it could be a build up of the oils, etc. that are produced by the follicles to lubricate the hair shaft--so I think the WH is good, but suggest a good scrubbing with a rough wash cloth or even a loofah pad, not the sponge, to make sure you keep the follicles clear of any build up.  I can be a fertile breeding ground for bacteria and whatever.  The pad is more effective in cleaning the skin than an exfolliating mixture.  Also, use a mild anti-bacterial soap, I suggest Cuticura, blue bar, everyday, even two or more times a day--keeping it clean keeps the scalp clear.  

Thanks. Should I ditch the apricot scrub then? So using the cuticura with a exfoliating pad will get the job done?

[briancl]

One thing I found that helps tremendously is bump stopper, but it's just helping it clear up and not preventing the root cause.

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

Thanks. Should I ditch the apricot scrub then? So using the cuticura with a exfoliating pad will get the job done?

Apricot scrub is fine, but it's not for really cleaning out the pores, more for removing dead skin.  The pad, available at Walmart for about $2-3US, is much more abrasive, really gets into the deep cleaning--use it gently at first then you can really let go.  And the Cuticura--or similar soap--handles and helps control bacteria but it's mild so it doesn't cause skin irritation on its own.  Combine all that with WH, will keep it clean.  Unless you've got really serious skin issues requiring medical attention that should do it.  For redness, you might add 10% hydrocortizone lotion, not creme.  The creme isn't as easily absorbed.  If this fails, you probably have something going on that requires a doctor.

[briancl]

Thanks. Should I ditch the apricot scrub then? So using the cuticura with a exfoliating pad will get the job done?

Apricot scrub is fine, but it's not for really cleaning out the pores, more for removing dead skin.  The pad, available at Walmart for about $2-3US, is much more abrasive, really gets into the deep cleaning--use it gently at first then you can really let go.  And the Cuticura--or similar soap--handles and helps control bacteria but it's mild so it doesn't cause skin irritation on its own.  Combine all that with WH, will keep it clean.  Unless you've got really serious skin issues requiring medical attention that should do it.  For redness, you might add 10% hydrocortizone lotion, not creme.  The creme isn't as easily absorbed.  If this fails, you probably have something going on that requires a doctor.

Thank you for the advice. I will give this a shot. I'd like to also thank all the other members for their advice. Being bald is a lot of work.

[briancl]

Ok here's something I noticed. There is alot of inflammation on the sides of my head and that is where I usually sleep. On the top and back are very minimal. Must be because I need to change my sheets more often? Would changing your bed covers every 1-2 days be overkill or swapping a clean towel over my pillow each day.

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

Pillowcases are pretty cheap--buy several and change often.  How long have you had that pillow--it could be at retirement age too.  Wash your head before bed too.