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Painfully itchy legs after shaving

I need help! About 12-24 hours after shaving (never right away), I develop and overpowering itch on the shaved areas (legs, armpits too, although the legs tend to itch the worst). This itch is so bad that I have woken up in the night reflexively scratching my legs until they bleed.

I've tried all the suggestions the internet has to offer. I've tried:
- nearly every shave lotion the market has to offer, including organic ones and regular body wash.
- nearly every razor the market has to offer; I use replaceable-head razors (Venus Divine) and I replace the head frequently.
- tried lotioning my legs after, and before  after showering with both Aveeno and St. Ives Intensive Healing
- tried using baby oil after, and before & after
- tried using tea tree oil and various other organic itch-calming treatments

None of these have worked

Once the itch starts, there is very little that will end it. I've tried:
- Regular and intensive lotions
- Eucerin anti-itch calming lotion
- Aloe Vera sunburn treatment (I thought the aloe or lidocaine in it might stop the itch)
- Benedryl (just in case it was an allergy to something in my shaving creams)
- OTC Hydrocortisone cream

Nothing works to stop the itch after it has begun. Pretty much all I can do is scratch and hope the itch ends before I scratch down to blood. It is agonizing and keeps me up at night. The same itch happens with Nair as well, but not hair-buffing although I could never get that to work to remove hair very well.

My doctor has no idea and just keeps saying "try a different shaving cream". He's not a very good doctor but I don't have a lot of insurance in-network options there. Has anyone heard of this? Do I have no option but to stop shaving?
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Avatar universal
My solution - Cetaphil Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion for Dry/Sensitive Skin

My story - I'm a 27 year old Hispanic woman with dark hair and light skin. I've gone most of my adult life planning out when I shave. I would spend most winters not shaving (only for special occasions) because shivering would make my legs itch far faster than in the summer. I would start itching when the hair on my legs would start poking through my skin.

My routine would go as follows: get the courage to shave legs, shave legs, put a bunch of hydrating lotions on and pray that my legs wouldn't itch, go about my day the first 16 hours, then after that it would be a total nightmare. The itching would normally be at night and I would itch my legs so much to the point where I would make myself bleed from my nails digging into my skin. The showers that followed days like this would also be painful because the hot water would sting from the irritation I had caused from itching. I had tried various lotions, oils, shaving creams, anything that I read online that could help, but nothing would relieve my legs.

Going swimming? I would need about a month to recover from any previous shaving and damage I had done to my legs. Forget any 3 day vacation. I would have to shave the day I left just so the itching would start towards the end of my trip.

Finally, about a month ago I decided to start laser hair removal treatments. I was skeptical and scared because that would mean I would have to get a very close shave about every month or so. I decided a few months of pain would be worth years of no more hairy legs.

I shaved the night before as close as possible and let them air dry (can't wear any types of lotions before a treatment). I got my first treatment done and by that night, I began feeling the sensation of wanting to itch. As normal, I lotioned my legs up with various products but they didn't help and all I could think about is that I would have to go through this the following month and the following month.

Finally, after about a week after I shaved, I was at a drugstore and saw the Cetaphil lotion for sensitive skin. I decided to give it a shot (what do I have to lose, besides the $13 bucks). When I say it was night and day, IT WAS LITERALLY NIGHT AND DAY. Immediately after applying the lotion to my legs after showering, no more itchy sensation. I thought perhaps I was approaching the end of my hair growing back-itchy phase. I gave my legs about a week to recover from the scratch marks I had initially gave myself and decided to shave again. I applied the lotion and NO MORE ITCH. I'm approaching my second laser hair removal treatment and I've shaved about 3 times in the last couple of weeks. I had never shaved THREE TIMES in two weeks before this! This Cetaphil lotion for sensitive skin has literally saved my legs, it's my holy grail! It's a bit pricey, but it's worth every penny and more. I normally don't leave comments like this, but I thought it was worth sharing my experience and hope that this will help some of you too.
Helpful - 2
1 Comments
So what do you have your legs with? If youbapply that after i have the exact same problem
Avatar universal
I know this is an old post but I thought I would post my feedback in case it can help someone.

I had this same problem, which only started around 6 months ago. Painfully itchy legs after shaving, which even resulted in scarring.

The solution I found was as follows:

1. I switched from using soap/ shower gel to lather my legs, to a Mennen shaving foam (sensitive skin). I use a men's product, it's cheaper than the women's one and I find it has the same effect!

2. I replaced my disposable razor with a Venus razor with replaceable blades (designed especially for sensitive skin, the head of the razor has an aloe vera pad around it and there are several blades very close together)

3. I stopped shaving against the direction of the hairgrowth (ie up the leg), now I only shave with the grain/downwards. It does of course give a shave that is not as smooth as when I shaved upwards, but visually my legs look hair-free, and I quickly got used to it (especially considering the painful alternative!).

4. After shaving, I use a Mennen after-shave balm (mint formula for sensitive skin), it seems to have a calming effect on my skin.

5. Every few days, I make sure to exfoliate my legs well with a sensitive skin shower gel & loofah, and I moisturize well afterwards.

6. I also changed my laundry detergent for a sensitive skin formula (Rainett), as I think my previous soap was causing me some skin irritation.  

Since I made these changes, I no longer have any problems with skin irritation and my legs have healed up.

I hope this might help someone.
Helpful - 1
1205562 tn?1554747006
I FINALLY FIGURED OUT HOW TO AVOID ITCHY LEGS AFTER SHAVING!! I want to be able possibly help someone suffering from horribly itchy legs after shaving. For me, it wasn't my razor, or an allergy, it was the WAY I WAS SHAVING. I decided to shave WITH the grain of my hair, and IT WORKED!!! It's not as close of a shave as before, but I'll take it over the itchy hives I used to get any day!!

I hope this method works for some of you suffering with this problem as well!!
Helpful - 0
2 Comments
Oh boy! I'm so happy to get a message from this site because I remember reading this back when I was having so much pain. I wanted to reply again because I also found out that saving with the grain is the only thing that helps.
I had to heal my legs completely first, my skin was so bad, but now they're itch free!
YAY!!!! I'm so glad you found the solution that works too!! I had read so many comments on different forums and I just wished I could tell these ladies the secret. It's so simple, and I just decided to try it and it was like magical when I finally found out how to shave my legs without all the horrible itching!!
Avatar universal
Approx 18 mos ago, I had this so bad for week I was honestly about to lose my mind.  I had to call in sick to work, spent the week in bed, scatching until I bled and sobbing. No creams worked. The only thing that helped was going to my Dr (who prob thought I was nuts) who sent me to a derm who prescribed me prednisone. Itch was gone within a few hours. It’s not a cure but if youre having a particularly bad episode, I highly recommend it. I’ve never had it that bad since then and I think taking fish oil every day has helped. I also wait at least 10 mins in the shower before shaving. I feel for anyone going through this. I’d rather lop off my right hand before experiencing that again.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
try shaving the opposite direction, it's not as close of a shave, but it saved me from all the horrid itching I was experiencing!!
Avatar universal
I recently discovered my itchy legs and scalp were from several of my products containing the "itchy Ms". You'll find these two ingredients, Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone in shampoos, conditioners, shower gel, hand soaps, dish soaps, etc. Just keep an eye out. Some people are not bothered by the itchy Ms. Once I discontinued use of all products containing those two ingredients, I can't tell you the relief I've had. I hope this helps someone.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Benadryl cream is the only thing that works for me! It's the craziest it's in the world after shaving. Kinda glad to hear it's not just me!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yes, developed this recently. Almost like a burning, itching sensation, lasts an hour usually on my legs straight after shaving, very irritating. Nothing to do with lotion for me anyway. I pour cold water over my legs for that hour, stops the burning itch. Read somewhere about Razor Burn Folliculitus. This sounds a little like it, perhaps a milder version, nothing mild about the painful burning itching sensation though. They recommended to stop shaving for a short while and wash with an antibacterial wash then perhaps get laser treatment. Laser half price at the moment here, quite reasonable so going to try that. I found this antibacterial on Amazon. Covers all possibilities if you read the info. Reviews and info looks good, going to try it first, then laser.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sanex Atopicare. The holy grail of body lotions for legs. I used to scratch my legs until they bled, this has cured that 100%. I apply after I have shaved my legs, and each day after a shower, no problem at all.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have the same problem! I've just resorted to waxing my legs as opposed to shaving. I use the veet waxing strips and it's not as painful as you would think.  I do have a bit of a high pain tolerance, but I don't think it's that bad after the first few pulls. But I love the results and no more itchy legs! :) also exfoliating your legs really good before any type of hair removal is good. I started to just use a sugar scrub, and I use a pumice stone. Gently but surely.
Hope this helps! I stupidly shaved my legs recently and gahhhh so itchy. I have not missed that feeling. Seriously try waxing! I'd take that pain for a few seconds over this excruciating experience of itch any day!!!
Helpful - 0
13691289 tn?1431058478
THE ONLY SOLUTION IS ......

                         GET YOURSELF A THANAKA POWDER...


Natural Thanaka Bedak Sejuk  known as [Cooling Thanaka Powder Paste]    
100% Authentic ||PREMIUM GRADED||

VERY AFFORDABLE!!!

&

MOST IMPORTANTLY....
IT'S Harmless to your skin as it is produced with 100% natural ingredient.

THE LINK to have a look as the product:
http://list.qoo10.sg/item/3-FOR-10-40G-BOTTLE-THANAKA-PASTE/415359124#itemInfo

SEVERAL AVAILABLE TYPES that suits you better:

*BEST SELLER*  is the Lime (Green Tub)
I'M USING THE GREEN TUB-LIME FOR NATURAL WHITENING....

However, if you have sensitive skin..
It's better for you to get the either
...Sandalwood...Jasmine...or Rose...  Tulip...
As the Lime Green Tub might be too strong for your sensitive skin....

Rose (Pink Tub)
Jasmine (White Tub)
Sandalwood
& many more.....


WHAT IS THANAKA?

Thanaka is a traditional beauty skin secret used by all women in Myanmar for more than 2000 years.
The Thanaka Tree bark extract has deep nourishing, hydrating and cooling properties, and is a tried and tested formula used to maintain skin fairness even under the hot sun, blocking out harmful UV rays and external pollutants.
It has antibacterial properties so one can use it to prevent acne from breaking out.
It moisturises the skin and shield one's skin from the damaging and ageing effects of the very and strong tropical sun.

WHAT's THE BENEFITS ????

✔ Face mask treatment
✔ Anti-Bacterial ---------------> that helps to easeeeee the itch ASAP...
✔ Anti-Aging & Anti-Oxidant
✔ Antiseptic, anti-fungal ointment  ----------> that treats the itchy red bumps
✔ Promoting smooth skin
✔ Tightens Wide Pores
✔ Sunblock for UV-A ,UV-B
✔ Oil skin Control
✔ Whiteheads/Blackheads removal
✔ Foot deodorant
✔ Underarm deodorant 100%

Halal & BFDA Approved                                                    

FOR USE AS MASK :  
Take a few drops of water with Thanaka powder and mix.
Apply the Thanaka paste onto face.
Leave it on for 10-20 minutes and wash off.
OR
After face has been cleanse [after shower], do not dry excess water.
Immediately apply paste onto face.
Leave it on for 10-20mins and wash off.

FOR USE AS NIGHT CREAM/DAY CREAM :  
Apply thinly onto cleanse face and let it sit-in while you sleep.
Cleanse face in the morning.  [FOR NIGHT CARE]

          OR

Apply thinly onto cleanse face and apply make-up as per normal.
[FOR DAY CARE]

&&&&&&&&

AS FOR THE ITCHHHHYYY LEGSSS AFTER SHAVING
FOR YOUR CASE:

Take a few drops of water with Thanaka powder and mix.
Generously spread them all over the affected area.....
It will dries up in less them 5mins...
Just have them on till the itch goessssssss awayyyyyyyy...

WUHOOOO!!!!!!!!
Then, wash off ---> YOU WILL BE SURPRISE THAT ALL THE TINY ITCH RED BUMPS & OF COURSE THE UNBEARABLE ITCHHHHHH ALL OVER THE LEGS......
WILL JUS DISAPPEAR WITHOUT EVEN YOU REALIZING.....

Hope this helps....
Cause...this is what I'm experiencing & ONLY THIS IS LITERALLY THE ONE & ONLY SOLUTION that reallllllyyyyy workssssss ......

THANKS!

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
This is going to sound crazy to all of you, but one day, I got sooooo desperate because of the itchiness that I saw a lime in my kitchen and cut it and half and started rubbing it all over my calves.  Since I had scratched them so much, the lime gave me a soft burning sensation at first but after about 5 minutes my skin went numb and didn't itch again!!!!! I couldn't believe it!!!!! Just like a lot of you I used everything and nothing ever worked.  I saw a dermatologist twice and she kept saying the same: change blades, change razors etc. I used caladryl, aquaphor, aloe vera, oils, ice, every body lotion you can think of, hot water, cold water etc... and a lime ended up taking care of it! I had heard that limes kill bacteria because they are the most acidic fruit so that's why I tried it. I never had this problem before, ever, and I just got it one day and couldn't shave again! My guess is that I started shaving before going to pools and my pores where still open when got in the water and this infected them some how. I think someone posted here that the pores can get bacteria in them so it makes sense why a lime worked on me. I promise you, after using the lime, my legs went back to normal. I went to the same pool again recently (after having shaved) and I noticed my calves started to get the itchiness again and I immediately put lime on them again, and problem solved!!!
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
hahaha that's awesome and so random
Avatar universal
i have the same issue i actually broke my nails scratching and the back of my thighs now look like i got attacked by a badger :(  my husband has bought me everything from a to z including a old fashion single blade razor which i love works great everywhere else just the backs of my thighs are so bad help
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yep my armpits itch too! I am not going to even attempt shaving my bikini line ever again. I tried waxing for months and ended up with loads of ingrowing hairs! - which I never had before! so now I have loads of scars and itchiness from shaving too! NIGHTMARE!

I am going to try my boyfriend's electric razor and failing that hair removal cream. or I will have to invest in laser removal!

Waxing does seem to be ok with my armpit- it's just having to go and get it done that's annoying and inconvenient. I'm going to try and find some EURAX to stop this itching in a min!

I'm wondering whether DERMOL cream might b a good moisturiser as it is for Eczema? (my daughter has eczema).

Grrrrrr such an annoying problem! If I was ok with hairy legs that wold be a blessing! But it is actually a bit unsightly!

Hoping to find a resolution soon! (which includes hair-free legs!)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
A few days ago, I tried a new 3 blade razor for the first time in my life.  Previously, I have only used a 2 blade razor for 25 years or so and never, ever was I itchy after a shave, until  a few days ago with that new razor.  My legs were so itchy!  Yes, unbelievably itchy to the point of agony!
I really believe that the problem for many of the women who have posted is that the razor is shaving too close and the hair that starts to grow back is causing the itch.  My suggestion is to get a razor that won't shave super close to the skin, exfoliating first and then shaving in the direction of the hair.  Hope that helps someone!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
You are a wonderful husband. I hope you've found something to help your wife. I suffer from the same problem and the only conclusion I've come to is the same as yours, that the hair is too thick trying to push back through the skin. So the only logical solution is laser hair removal... it's just so expensive!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
So glad this thread exists as it's the most helpful online source I've found for post-shaving itchy legs!  I also get crazy itchy legs 1-2 days after shaving, especially above the femurs, resulting in intense scratch-til-bleed itchiness especially at night, but even during the day.  Interestingly, I also shave my thighs, but they don't get itchy.

I tried aftershave, thinking the oils and alcohol might help, but nope.
I tried nair, which helps diminish the itch some, but then I'm rubbing god knows what chemicals into my body.
I tried different lotions, body oils, etc., which didn't stop the frantic itch.

I have finally found something that has eliminated the itch though: not shaving.  Women didn't shave before the early 1900's.  We managed to be beautiful and sexy throughout most of history not shaving our legs.  So why put ourselves through that torture now?  I do not have any problems dating and make sure the guys know upfront.  It's not a problem.  Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I am beautiful.  You are beautiful too.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I just recently started having this problem and thought it was the shaving cream or something I might have switched so I went back to what I originally used and it's still happening except it keeps getting worse. Which coconut oil did you try, there's so many out there like the ones you cook with that have no smell or taste and then there's the ones that do have the smell and taste and  organic. I'm very interested in trying this. Also did you just use strait coconut oil orin it with something? Tha ks :-)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I know this is an old thread but I just recently did something that helped me with this problem tremendously and wanted to share. I always get severe itching after shaving for days to the point where I will bruise myself scratching. Even stopped shaving as much because it's so bad. I recently began moisturizing with AND shaving with coconut oil. I have noticed not only is the shave closer and  the hair growing in less course/thick as well as slower BUT I also have had next to NO itching and irritation which has been sooooooo nice. Coconut oil is great for moisturizing and it has antibacterial properties which may explain why it helps. I have been able to shave daily with no issues since using the coconut oil. I 1. shave with it and 2. moisturize with it after shaving as well as daily. Hope this helps some of you :)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have the same problem.
I once got it waxed and i got so horrible itch i had to visit a doctor and take anti allergy medicine.He was a homeopathy doctor and said something as i had " coilitis' as in allregy when hair wants to grow back and infection in my hair root tips.
I took the medicine and since have been fine in the sense i dont get that terrible itch.
But after i use epiliator these days when my hair starts to grow back itch starts and it happens on my legs and calves specially. No such issues with my arms or under arms.
I apply coconut oil before going to sleep and try to keep it moisturised. I believe that's the only way possible for now..! :(
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have the same problem.
I once got it waxed and i got so horrible itch i had to visit a doctor and take anti allergy medicine.He was a homeopathy doctor and said something as i had " coilitis' as in allregy when hair wants to grow back and infection in my hair root tips.
I took the medicine and since have been fine in the sense i dont get that terrible itch.
But after i use epiliator these days when my hair starts to grow back itch starts and it happens on my legs and calves specially. No such issues with my arms or under arms.
I apply coconut oil before going to sleep and try to keep it moisturised. I believe that's the only way possible for now..! :(
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have suffered with this for the last couple of years - I would scratch my shins til they bleed 24hours after shaving.  So I read a load of posts on this wall and left one leg unshaven and shaved one leg and have started using goats milk soap and goats milk moisturiser ( says to use in cases of excema and psoriasis- which I don't suffer from)  24hours later after shaving I would normally be in severe agony with itching but now the itching is reduced by 98% - it was $5 from the chemist so a nice cheap remedy - I am so happy I just had to share this - hopefully it will help someone else.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you! I have the same problem (I get a rash after I hug my husband if he has a stubby beard).
Unfortunately this problem it's not caused by shaving, even waxing! Hopefully one day someone will find a cure for it. *hugs*
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have this condition too...it always starts when the hair starts growing back in.   Last winter I went to see an allergist for something unrelated, and I randomly asked him about my sensitive skin (thinking it was due to allergies).  As soon as I mentioned my symptoms, he came up with something called Dermatographic urticaria (skin writing condition).  My skin is so sensitive that even when I hug my husband and his beard brushes my face, I break out in a bit of a rash.  I believe that shaving causes the same reaction because the skin gets irritated again when the hair starts growing.  Hopefully this helps - unfortunately there is nothing that can fix it.  One thing that has helped soothe the itchiness is applying Aloe Calming Toner from The Body Shop.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm just glad to know I'm not alone.  I go crazy day and night.
Helpful - 0
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