Razor burn? Or something different?

[PixieBoy]

Ever since I shaved my face (it was a couple of months ago), my left "sideburn area" has been kind of weird. There are weird pimple-like things on it (one so large, mother thought I'd been stung by a VERY unseasonal wasp!), and it itches a lot and kind of burns. Is this razor burn? I haven't got proper facial hair, just peach fuzz. The weird stuff doesn't feel like, well, like pimples do (yes I have 'em. Greasy skin, greasy hair, I've got the worst stuff of teendom!). After shaving, I desinfected the shaved areas with rubbing alcohol (the kind used to clean wounds). Instead of shaving gel, I used dermatologically approved soap (made to be used for allergic people with sensitive skin, it was transparent, so I could see better what I was doing).

Am I just an idiot? What has happened to my face? Has anyone got any idea of what I did wrong?

[Sharky]

Ingrown hairs?

[xAndrewx]

Could be razor burn. Like Sharky guessed I'd think ingrown hairs which is what I get often. They can be huge sometimes. I personally use shave gel. Sounds like you were pretty thorough though. I wouldn't stress too much. If I were you I'd give it a couple days, disinfect it a few times with peroxide, maybe put some neosporin on it if you have some, and if it doesn't get better in a week I'd see a doctor.

Disclaimer: Obviously I have no medical experience so this is not medical advice

[VeryGnawty]

Ingrown hairs can cause swelling, itching, and burning.  Your problem really could be as simple as that.

That's one of the reasons I almost never shave (I still present male IRL).  It is much less painful just to trim facial hair than it is to be "clean" as they call it.

[Lee]

My guess would be ingrown hairs too.  It can help if you shave with the direction of the hair or at least do the final few strokes in the right direction.  If you get a lot of them, an electric razor might be better, as it doesn't cut as close to the skin, keeping the hair from getting trapped below.  Razor burn tends to be a bit more like a rash.  I get them from time to time too, and they're really annoying.

Ingrown hair:


Razor burn: