Any person who shaves is sometimes faced with the unsightly and painful cuts that are part of the process. Although these are usually minor injuries, they still need to be treated properly. This article explains how to care for them, but also offers some tips to avoid such injuries.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Treating the Minor Cuts
Step 1. Place toilet paper over the scratch or cut
One of the traditional ways to manage this is to cover the wound with a small square of toilet paper and wait for a blood clot to form.
- While it is an effective technique, it often takes longer to stop bleeding than the other solutions described below.
- Don't forget to remove the piece of paper before leaving the house.
Step 2. Apply an ice cube to the affected area
The cold constricts the blood vessels reducing the blood flow and consequently stops the small bleeding; take an ice cube from the freezer and keep it on the cut.
- You can also wash the area under cold running water or pat it dry with a cold washcloth.
- Some people recommend soaking a small towel with cold water, wringing it out, and then placing it in the freezer so it's always ready to treat these scratches.
Step 3. Place a wet cloth with very hot water on the wound
Heat also helps stop bleeding because it cauterizes the wound.
For the best benefits, you should continue to hold the cloth under hot water
Step 4. Use witch hazel
It is an astringent that reduces the diameter of blood vessels and should be effective in stopping bleeding. dip a cotton ball into the liquid and apply it to the cut.
Since it has astringent properties, be prepared to experience some stinging
Step 5. Rub lip balm or petroleum jelly on the cut
The next time you get injured by shaving, take one of these waxy products that seal the skin by forcing blood to clot.
Do not apply the cocoa butter directly from the stick, otherwise you will not be able to use it in the future; scrape a small amount with a cotton swab, in order to preserve the good hygienic conditions of the rest of the product
Step 6. Get a deodorant or antiperspirant
Many of these products contain aluminum chloride which causes blood to clot and help stop blood loss; wet your fingers with deodorant or antiperspirant and apply it gently on the area to be treated.
This precaution avoids having to throw away the deodorant tube after treating the cut, it is better to use your fingertips or a cotton swab
Step 7. Sprinkle the wound with sugar
If you got yourself a small cut, you can stop the bleeding and disinfect the wound with this simple remedy.
Some people recommend cayenne or black pepper, but they generate a more intense burning sensation than sugar
Step 8. Wet the skin with Listerine or a mouthwash
Before being marketed as an oral sanitizer, Listerine was used as a surgical antiseptic; sprinkle some on the cut to disinfect it and stop blood from leaking.
As you can imagine, this solution causes a bit of a sting, but you get the purpose you want
Step 9. Drop a few drops of eye drops on the scratch
Tetrahydrozoline eye products constrict blood vessels slowing and stopping bleeding; as a result, they can provide relief when you injure yourself while shaving.
Step 10. Purchase a good, "old" hemostat or alum block
They were once ever-present tools in shaving kits, in the medicine cabinet and have been used for centuries. Hemostatic pencils typically contain titanium dioxide, potassium alum, or a sulfate formulation that helps the blood to clot. Alum blocks are similar products that look like bars of soap and that stop bleeding by constricting the tissues.
- To use the hemostat, moisten the tip and press it into the cut or scratch;
- If you have opted for alum, wet it and rub it on the area to be treated;
- Astringent products can cause a burning sensation, but they should stop the bleeding quickly; they can also prevent shaving irritation.
- Hemostatic pencils and alum blocks can leave a dusty, white residue, so check your appearance in the mirror and rinse your skin before leaving the house.
- You can buy these products in pharmacies, perfumeries and online; they are also sold in traditional barber shops.
Part 2 of 3: Taking Care of Severe Cuts
Step 1. Rinse the wound with cold water
This way, you stop bleeding and can better assess the severity of the situation.
Step 2. Apply pressure to the cut
Take a tissue, some toilet paper or a cloth and press on the area where the blood appears to be the most abundant, maintaining pressure for 5-15 minutes.
- If blood impregnates the fabric, add another cloth without removing the first;
- If this does not stop the bleeding, try to bring the edges of the cut closer with your index finger to stop the bleeding;
- If that doesn't work either, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Step 3. Lift the injured area
If possible, try to bring the injured part of the body up, so that it is at a higher level than the heart; this solution should slow down the blood supply to the area.
Step 4. Clean the wound
After stopping the bleeding, use hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection and ensure quick healing of the cut.
Step 5. Band up the area
Put a sterile bandage on the wound to prevent dirt and bacteria from contaminating it and at the same time to prevent the bleeding from resuming.
If blood impregnates the dressing or it becomes wet, change the gauze; by doing so, the lesion remains clean and dry
Step 6. Remove the bandage after a few days
If the wound is not too severe, you can usually remove the gauze within a few days to speed up the healing process.
Step 7. See your doctor if the bleeding doesn't stop or if you notice any signs of infection
If you can't stop the bleeding or the cut site is red, sore, or purulent, it's best to go to the doctor as soon as possible. he can assess the situation and provide appropriate care.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Cuts and Scratches from Shaving
Step 1. Moisturize the area before and after shaving
This can prevent you from cutting or scratching yourself while removing hair.
Step 2. Take a hot shower before proceeding
Alternatively, you can wash the area with very hot water for a few minutes; both solutions prevent the razor blade from scraping the skin, minimizing the risk of injury.
- This technique is called "wet" shaving;
- When doing this, use a mild soap that doesn't remove natural oil and doesn't dry out the skin, otherwise shaving becomes even more difficult.
Step 3. Replace the razor blade regularly
This simple precaution avoids the small wounds that can form due to a dull blade; moreover, it minimizes redness, irritation and consequently the development of bacteria that can cause infections.
- Change the blade whenever it feels dull to you. When you find that it drags the skin or causes an unpleasant sensation, it means that you need to replace it.
- Generally, it is recommended that you change it every 5-10 shaves, but it all depends on how often you shave.
- The well-known brand Gillette recently confirmed that their products are designed to last at least five weeks.
Step 4. Avoid dry shaving
While you may be tempted to do this to save time and money, this soap or shaving foam-free technique increases the chances of getting injured; always apply a gel or foam to make the blade glide better on the skin.
Conditioner is as effective as shaving cream and can be less expensive depending on the brand you choose
Step 5. Throw away disposable single-blade razors
These models may be cheaper, but they tend to drag the leather causing cuts and scrapes.
For a smooth shave, choose models with multiple blades
Step 6. Keep the shaver clean and dry
Most people do not bother to clean or dry this tool after use, but research suggests that this increases its life, preventing the blade from losing its edge and thereby minimizing the risk of cutting yourself. Follow these tips:
- Rinse it with clean, very hot water after each use;
- Dry it with a cloth or denim fabric by sliding it in the opposite direction to that of the cut; in this way, you remove the hairs or residues of shaving foam that can ruin the blade and cause an inaccurate shave;
- Lubricate the blades after each use with oil that does not irritate the skin or olive oil; for this operation you can use a cotton swab;
- Let the razor air dry and store it away from water.
Step 7. Handle the shaver correctly
Respecting the right manual skills and avoiding some of the common mistakes prolongs the life of the instrument. Here's what Not you should do:
- Pressing too hard, as this will damage the cutting edge and increase the risk of injury;
- Tapping the razor head on the edge of the sink or shower will ruin the blade, reducing its life and increasing the risk of shaving cuts.
Step 8. Consider changing your shaver type
If your shaving technique continues to cause irritating wounds, do some research, try other tools or methods for removing hair.
Many people are rediscovering traditional tools, such as the double-edged safety razor or the freehand one, to ensure a smooth shave without cuts
Advice
- Moisturizing the skin before and after shaving reduces the risk of cuts and scrapes.
- Keep the razor clean and dry to extend the life of the blade, but also to avoid injury from a dull edge.
- Applying an astringent product such as witch hazel or an aftershave will help moisturize the skin and reduce shaving inflammation.
