Itchy skin is normal after you shave, but it becomes a real nuisance throughout the day unless you do something about it. No matter which part of your body is itching, there’s a home remedy for relieving your itch fast. However, if your itch won’t go away or you develop razor bumps, it’s best to see your doctor. Fortunately, you can also prevent prevent itching after shaving with a few changes to your routine.

1

Apply a cool compress.

  1. Hold the compress for up to 20 minutes to reduce itching. Use a wet washcloth or ice pack that’s wrapped in a towel. Place the cool compress over your itchy skin for up to 20 minutes. This can help relieve your itching and will reduce inflammation.[1]
    • You can use your cool compress several times a day, as needed to help with itching.
    • If you’re using a wet washcloth, place it under cool, running water, then wring it out before using it. As an alternative, you can place the wet washcloth in your refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes to get it colder.
    • Never place an ice pack directly on your skin.
    • Check your skin every few minutes to make sure it’s not getting too cold.
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3

Use an astringent to calm redness, itching, and inflammation.

  1. Astringents shrink pores to help ease your discomfort. Choose an astringent liquid, such as apple cider vinegar, chilled black tea, witch hazel extract, or diluted tea tree oil. Then, splash your itchy skin with the astringent or apply it to a cool compress. Use the astringent once a day until your skin stops itching.[3]
    • You can buy bottled apple cider vinegar on the vinegar aisle at your local store, while witch hazel extract is easy to find near the toners in the skin care aisle.
    • To make chilled black tea, brew a cup of black tea using bagged or loose leaf tea, then place it in your refrigerator until it gets cold.
    • To make diluted tea tree oil, pour cool water into a bowl or spray bottle. Then, add 3-4 drops of tea tree essential oil to the water. Stir or shake the water to mix the oil into it.
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  1. The oatmeal will help relieve your itching and may also reduce inflammation. Add 1 cup (85 g) of colloidal oatmeal into a warm bath. Then, sit in your bath for 20-30 minutes to let the oatmeal soothe your skin. After your bath, rinse off with warm water and pat your body dry.[5]
    • You can buy colloidal oatmeal at your local drug store or online. As an alternative, you can grind up rolled oats in your food processor or blender to create an oatmeal powder.

    Variation: If your itchy skin is on your face or head, then an oatmeal mask might be easier. To make your mask, combine 1/4 cup (20 g) of ground oatmeal, 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of plain yogurt, and 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of honey. Apply the mixture to your face, then wait for 15-20 minutes before washing it off with warm water. Finally, pat your skin dry.[6]

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6

Dab baking soda water onto your irritated skin.

  1. You can use this treatment 1-2 times each day until your skin stops itching. Stir 1 tbsp (20 g) of baking soda into 1 cup (240 mL) of warm water to mix them. Then, soak a cotton ball in the mixture and apply it to your itchy skin. Cover the affected skin with the baking soda-water mixture and let it dry. After it dries, rinse the area with warm water to remove any excess baking soda.[7]

    Variation: As an alternative, you can take a baking soda bath. To do this, add 1 cup (205 g) of baking soda into a warm bath. Soak for 20-30 minutes, then rinse off in warm water. Finally, pat yourself dry.

7

Apply an OTC hydrocortisone cream.

  1. You can typically use hydrocortisone cream 1-3 times per day. You can buy an over-the-counter (OTC) hydrocortisone cream at most drug stores or online. Simply dab a tiny amount of the cream directly onto your itchy skin, then let it dry. Use as little cream as possible to get relief, and try not to get it on your healthy skin.[8]
    • Check with your doctor before using hydrocortisone cream, as it can cause side effects in some people. If you experience side effects, such as burning, itching, redness, irritation, unwanted hair growth, bumps, or changes in skin color, stop using the cream and visit your doctor.[9]
    • Read and follow the instructions that came with your cream since they may vary.
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8

Visit your doctor if your itchy skin won’t go away.

  1. Itching after a few days may be a sign of something more serious. It’s normal to have itchy skin after you shave, and it should go away on its own after a few days. However, it’s possible for your skin to develop an infection that needs treatment. See your doctor to get your skin checked so you can get the proper treatment.[10]
    • You may have an infection if you have extreme redness, blisters, pus, cracked skin, pain, and swelling.[11] Additionally, you may have other symptoms, such as fatigue or fever.[12]
    • Tell your doctor that you started experiencing the itchiness after shaving, as well as how long it’s continued.
9

Ask about a prescription anti-itch cream or corticosteroids.

  1. Your doctor may prescribe a more powerful anti-itch cream if you need it. However, they’ll likely recommend that you try over-the-counter options first. If nothing else helps you, your doctor may give you corticosteroids for short-term itch relief.[13]
    • Your doctor is more likely to give you a prescription treatment if your skin has developed an infection, the itchy area is widespread, or the itch is greatly impacting your life. For instance, they may give you a prescription cream to relieve persistent itching after you try to shave your entire chest or back.
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12

Use a sharp, clean razor every time you shave.

Expert Q&A

  • Question
    What stops itching fast?
    Timmy Yanchun
    Timmy Yanchun
    Professional Barber
    Timmy Yanchun is a Professional Barber and Co-Founder of Svelte Barbershop + Essentials. Svelte Barbershop + Essentials is a men’s grooming company, specializing in men’s hair, beard, skin, and shave products, originally located in the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, California but has now branched out to 3 locations across Los Angeles. Timmy has been cutting hair since age 13 and opened his first of 6 barbershops at age 18. He is also the co-founder of the newly launched brand LTHR, the world's first wireless hot lather machine for barber quality shaves at home. Timmy and Svelte have been featured in GQ, Men's Fitness, and Hypebeast.
    Timmy Yanchun
    Professional Barber
    Expert Answer
    You can use a regular lotion or emollient to calm your skin. However, check the ingredients list to make sure it doesn’t contain alcohol, which will further irritate your skin. Witch hazel also works to moisturize your skin and help prevent razor burn.
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About This Article

Timmy Yanchun
Co-authored by:
Professional Barber
This article was co-authored by Timmy Yanchun and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Timmy Yanchun is a Professional Barber and Co-Founder of Svelte Barbershop + Essentials. Svelte Barbershop + Essentials is a men’s grooming company, specializing in men’s hair, beard, skin, and shave products, originally located in the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, California but has now branched out to 3 locations across Los Angeles. Timmy has been cutting hair since age 13 and opened his first of 6 barbershops at age 18. He is also the co-founder of the newly launched brand LTHR, the world's first wireless hot lather machine for barber quality shaves at home. Timmy and Svelte have been featured in GQ, Men's Fitness, and Hypebeast. This article has been viewed 107,418 times.
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Co-authors: 8
Updated: January 4, 2022
Views: 107,418
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