Shaving with severe psoriasis can feel really daunting — and that's completely understandable. One MyPsoriasisTeam member shared, "The hair on my legs just started growing back, and I'm scared to shave. I have scars everywhere and thick patches." You're definitely not alone in feeling this way.
The biggest risk to be aware Show Full Answer
Shaving with severe psoriasis can feel really daunting — and that's completely understandable. One MyPsoriasisTeam member shared, "The hair on my legs just started growing back, and I'm scared to shave. I have scars everywhere and thick patches." You're definitely not alone in feeling this way.
The biggest risk to be aware of is something called the Koebner phenomenon — where new psoriasis patches can appear on skin that's been injured. This means a small nick or cut from shaving could trigger new lesions within 10–14 days. Up to 30% of people with psoriasis experience this. Here are some tips to shave more safely:
- Use an electric razor — it's less likely to cut you and many members swear by it
- Shave after a shower when skin is soft and hydrated
- Always shave in the direction of hair growth, never against the grain
- Use a shaving cream or oil designed for sensitive skin
- Replace razor blades every 5–7 uses to keep them sharp and clean
- Moisturize after shaving to soothe the skin
- Do a patch test on any new shaving products before full use
If your psoriasis is actively flaring, the safest option may be to skip shaving altogether until things calm down. If shaving continues to be a problem, there are some longer-term alternatives worth exploring with a dermatologist:
- Laser hair removal — reduces hair growth permanently after several sessions
- Electrolysis — permanently removes hair via electrical currents
- Threading — good for smaller areas like eyebrows
- Prescription creams — can slow hair regrowth with a doctor's approval
Avoid waxing and depilatory creams during flares, as these can be too harsh and may cause bleeding or skin reactions.
Always check in with a board-certified dermatologist to find the approach that works best for your specific skin.
May 16
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