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How Do I Prevent Pus from Shaving?
Preventing pus from shaving can be done by avoiding the use a dirty razor, making sure the face is clean prior to shaving, and not shaving over existing blemishes, as they can become infected. Pus formation is the result of a bacterial infection, which can originate from the introduction of bacteria through breaks in the skin. Using a dull razor can increase the risk of skin damage and small cuts, making the area a prime breeding ground for bacterial growth. In addition, the formation of pus after shaving may occur when dirty hands touch the freshly shaved area, or when cystic acne is disturbed by a razor blade.
When pus from shaving occurs, the health care provider needs to be notified. Folliculitis, an inflammation of a hair follicle can cause pus formation and may worsen when shaving is improperly done or otherwise done under unsanitary conditions. Also, when pus from shaving occurs, the area should never be squeezed in an effort to expel the pus. This can worsen the condition and lead to permanent scarring of the skin and cause the spread of infection. If pus is located near the eye, extra care needs to be taken to avoid compromising the area and exposing the eye to the pus and subsequent infection. This can result in a serious infection and can even endanger vision.
Sharing razors should never be considered because bacteria can be transmitted between users. This can cause a skin infection and result in the formation of pus. Sometimes, when pus from shaving occurs, oral or topical antibiotics may be necessary to treat the infection. Boils or cysts that contain pus can worsen in the presence of shaving and can even cause a systemic infection to occur. Symptoms of a blood or systemic infection can include fever, chills, coughing, and headache, and when these symptoms are noticed, the health care provider should be consulted to determine the appropriate treatment plan.
Warm compresses can help reduce pain and inflammation of a skin infection which produces pus. In addition, the warm compresses can draw the pus out to the surface of the skin, hastening healing and reducing redness. Compresses can be applied to the affected area throughout the day, however, a clean soft cloth should be used for every application to avoid recontaminating the area. Sometimes, alternative methods of shaving may be recommended to avoid skin abrasions, such as cream hair removers or using hair remover discs.
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![Using a dull razor may increase the risk of small cuts.]()
By: Ian 2010Using a dull razor may increase the risk of small cuts. -
![Keeping both the razor and face clean are two ways to prevent pus from shaving.]()
By: Valua VitalyKeeping both the razor and face clean are two ways to prevent pus from shaving. -
![Avoid shaving over existing blemishes as they can become infected.]()
By: F.C.G.Avoid shaving over existing blemishes as they can become infected. -
![Symptoms of a blood infection may include fever and chills.]()
By: JackFSymptoms of a blood infection may include fever and chills.
Discussion Comments
orangey03: What aftershave did he start using?
I need your advice. Please help. I am very frustrated with my oily skin. I don't know how to fix my skin issue. Whether I shave or not, my skin pops some white pus pimples. Mostly it comes after I shave in the mouth area which makes me feel frustrated when I visit to my clients or anyone. Please advise me how to fix this issue.
I feel sorry for men. They have to deal with pus bumps on their faces, the most visible part of the body! We females only have to worry about getting them on our legs and underarms, all of which can be covered up with clothing.
I will say that underarm bumps, while easy to hide with sleeves, are incredibly painful. I have learned never to squeeze the pus from them, because not only will it hurt worse than squeezing a bump elsewhere on your body, it will also burn and throb for hours afterward, making it hard for you to lower your arms.
I wipe my underarms with alcohol after every time I shave them. This seems to prevent bumps from forming as often. If they do form, I leave them alone and let them heal on their own.
@OeKc05 – I get pus-filled bumps on my legs, as well. However, I use a fresh razor. I think that my skin is just ultra-sensitive.
I recently started using a shaving gel designed for sensitive skin, and it has helped lessen the number of bumps I get. This makes me think that my old shave gel was to blame.
For the small number of pus-filled bumps that I do get, I use aloe vera gel. The alcohol content in it helps dry them out, and the soothing quality lessens the irritation.
Sometimes, I will apply aloe vera gel all over my legs after shaving in an attempt to prevent bumps before they start. It seems that when I use this instead of lotion after a shower, I have fewer breakouts.
I try to use my disposable razors until they absolutely won't function anymore, and I know this is probably one reason I get bumps on my legs that contain pus. I need to designate a number of uses after which my razor must be thrown away, but I just tend to try and get the most out of things.
When I shave with a dull razor, I have to go over the area several times to get all the hair off. This irritates my skin, and I often get little cuts. The next day, I have white bumps on my legs, and it is hard to resist popping them.
This just makes big red areas where the white bumps were. I need to break the cycle and throw away a razor after two weeks. I also need to start buying multipacks of razors so that I have plenty on hand and no excuse to hang onto the dull ones.
My husband almost never shaves all the way down to his skin, because he gets bumps that fill up with pus. So, he usually keeps a short layer of facial hair.
However, he recently discovered an aftershave that is designed to prevent bumps from forming. He bought it, even though nothing had worked for him before. He was amazed to find that it actually worked.
It also has a nice smell, reminiscent of cologne. It makes his face feel very smooth, and I haven't seen any pus-filled bumps when he remembers to use this after a shave.
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