Razor burn is a skin condition caused by shaving too closely, incorrectly, or sometimes merely by shaving in sensitive areas, especially when people have easily irritated skin. It can look like a small red rash, feature bumps, or even cause infected pimples or blisters. Razor burn can itch severely, making the skin very uncomfortable for several days. More mild cases can result in a couple of hours of discomfort and reddish skin.

Razor burn is most likely to occur on the face, under the arms, or across the bikini line. It can really happen anywhere you shave already irritated skin. For instance, you wouldn’t probably want to shave your legs if you’re suffering form poison oak or ivy rash. People with eczema may be a little more susceptible to the condition too, since the skin is already inflamed.

In addition to shaving in areas of skin that are irritated, poor shaving technique will probably result in razor burn. Pressing too hard on the skin which removes tiny layers of skin, can cause the condition. This is a common problem for young adults who have just begun shaving. It can take a while to get used to using the proper amount of pressure to shave the hair, without cutting the skin.

You will usually get razor burn if you shave without lubrication—shaving dry means the razor can’t slip smoothly over the skin. It really does help to at minimum use soap and water when shaving. If you have very sensitive skin, use gentle soap that contains a simple moisturizer like aloe vera, which helps to reduce irritation.

It can help to use warm water on the area you wish to shave. Hair is hardest when dry, and warm to hot water helps soften it. Another cause of razor burn are dull blades—the harder you have to press, the more likely your skin will be damaged.

If you do have severe razor burn, you should watch the area of skin closely, since it can result in ingrown hairs and infection. If you note unresolved infection, or large bumps exuding pus that don’t go away, you may need antibiotics to treat the condition. Many times doctors recommend using warm compresses on infected hair follicles to help them release pus and break.

Some people completely avoid the issue of razor rashes by using waxing instead of shaving. This isn’t practical for men, who usually must shave daily. For women, waxing the bikini line, underarms or legs can result in fewer cases of razor burn. You do have to suffer the pain of waxing, and it is more expensive than shaving, but it can translate to longer periods of time with smoother skin, and less irritated skin. Some women have similar reactions to waxing as they do to shaving. If the skin is irritated by most hair removal methods, consulting a dermatologist may help you find ways to resolve problem in the future.