Razor burn or peroxide burn, how to heal?

[cornelioso]

I've spent the last few years dealing with acne on the back of my neck and head.  I have been shaving my head during this time, so I suspect ingrown hairs.



I've stopped shaving my head and have noticed a marked decrease in the breakouts.  I still get *some* acne, so perhaps it's also diet or stress-related.



In any event, it seems I was a bit too liberal with the Oxy, while not liberal enough with moisturizers.  There are a few areas that remain red and scarred, basically burned.  From the razor or from the peroxide, or a combination of both.



I should also mention that I had laser hair removal done on this area (hairline on my neck) several years ago.  Although there doesn't appear to be a clear correlation between damaged skin area (localized) and where the hair removal was done (all around neck).



Certain lotions seem to help, although a hot shower is typically enough to bring out the redness and irrilation.



I'm wondering what sort of topical soulutions might be available to assist..?  My preference is over-the-counter, but I'll go for a prescription if there's something more effective available.



Thank you!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

This sounds not like acne but from folliculitis caused by shaving, resulting in "razor bumps."  I'm not sure how to interpret "that remain red and scarred, basically burned."  Red marks can take months to fade, but persistent redness doesn't equate to a burn.  On the other hand, you may be aggravating things with benzoyl peroxide, which wouldn't help anyway.  I advise you to leave the area alone, and trim the hair at most, rather than get any kind of close shave.  If that doesn't solve things, you'll need to see a doctor in person.



Take care.



Dr. Rockoff