Acne and Skin Disorders Forum

If this condition only (or mostly) occurs in the region where your bf shaves, it's possible that he is actually suffering from pseudofollicultis barbae (razor bumps).

Pseudofollicultis barbae (pfb), by its very nature, can only develop in areas being shaved. In people who suffer from this, the hair fails to emerge from the hair follicle, when shaved.

Instead, it gets trapped, for various reason (blocked by old skin cells, dirt, or because the hair curls back on itself). An incorrect shaving technique (too harsh for instance) can cause this too. The skin then experiences inflammation as a result, and the follicle openings close off (like a blocked nose).

When the hair becomes trapped, this causes a 'foreign body reaction', resulting in the skin around the follicle becoming visibly inflamed, and red.

It is sometimes mistaken for acne, and since you said it mostly occurs where he shaves, that made me think of pfb.

If this is the case, there are many products available that can effectively help with this condition, available from any chemist/pharmacist. In my experience, products containing salicylic acid in them are very good. Your boyfriend could give one of them a try.

In addition, perhaps your bf would consider switching to razors, whereby he may shave in one direction only. In people who suffer from pfb, it is better to only shave 'with the grain', or downward (from cheekbone down to jawline, and from jawline down the neck).

Electric shavers shave the hair every which way (with, against, and across the grain), which increases the chances of a flare-up.

Take a close look at your bf's face, to see if you can see any hairs trapped beneath the skin. Another possibility is folliculitis (not the same as pfb).

Folliculitis is caused by the bacteria, staphylococcus aureus, which is normally present in the nose, skin, and hair follicles. The harsh rubbing motion of the electric shaver may be allowing staph to get into your bf's irritated skin.

When staph gets into one's skin, it causes this condition, which can also resemble acne. If this is the case, then a doctor would prescribe antibiotics to rub on the area.

Conventional antibiotics can cause all kinds of trouble in the long run, allowing fungi on the skin to get out of control. Your bf doesn't need to borrow anymore problems.

An alternative to conventional antibiotics is colloidal silver. This product (available at healthfood stores) is a powerful natural antibiotic, and won't cause the problems that conventional antibiotics can.

If your bf is actually suffering from staphylococcus aureus infection, then a tsp of this a day will help alleviate the problem.

He must remember to drink plenty of water as well, since colloidal silver will kill this bacteria, and the body will want to get rid of it. Drinking plenty of water will help greatly.

Perhaps it is acne, in which case, colloidal silver has been claimed, by some people, to have done amazing things with their acne.

Hope this helps.

Acne & Shaving