i got a shave from a barber with a straight razor now i have itchy red bumps on my face

[briant401]

2 weeks ago i got a shave from a barber with a straight razor, i noticed that when he went against the grain it hurt like crazy and there was some small spots of blood on my face.  It was definately a close shave but now i notice that when i shave now i get small itchy red bumps on my cheeks, it has gotten better but they still happen.  I think it was because i had dry skin and it caused my skin to get irritated.  Does anyone now how to get rid of it?  I have been washing my face with Cetaphil twice a day and havent shaven since i had the breakout, a few days now.  However because of work i will need to do it soon.  The bumps just itch no puss and dont form any acne like bumps.  

[jagesh50]

Just apply calamine lotion for a few days.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Without examination,confirmation of a diagnosis is tough,but it sounds like folliculitis or infected hair follicle. Pls keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove.Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful.In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics may be needed.Pls consult a dermatologist in that case.
Hope it helps.Take care and regards.

[briant401]

Thanks for the info. Today the rash has gotten worse, It looks like the bumps are infected follicles and now burn as well as itch.  They are really red , irritated and swollen. They are still not oozing or anything just red and painful.   i am following your advice and using antibacterial face wash called Sarna antibacterial and using some calamine to help soothe the rash.  I will be making an appointment at my dermatologist on monday and will continue to use the sarna.  Any clue what could be doing this, Its only on my cheeks and worse along the jaw line and nothing on my neck.  I have a goatee and that area is not affected, so could this be as a result of shaving?

[jagesh50]

Mostly an irritant contact dermatitis or what information you have given.It should settle down.May be you would need internal antibiotic.Take cap.Benadryl 1 at bedtime,you itching would stop and you would be sedated too.

[briant401]

I ended up going to a walk in medical center today because my face was beginning swell and the pain was intense.  He diagonosed me with follicitis.  I am taking z-pac and antibiotic ointment to put on it.  He did say it was from the shave i got with a straight razor that seems to have caused it.  The shave causes damage to the skin, especially when going against the grain, and bacteria builds up and clogs the follicle.  I will not be getting a shave with a straight razor again.  Lesson learned.  thanks for the advice.