Shaving with LE

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flowers2
flowers2 Member Posts: 8
edited December 2014 in Lymphedema

I am hoping to avoid LE and read that I should use an electric razor when shaving my armpits since i had some nodes removed. I went on Amazon to look for an electric razor and saw that the electric razors had mixed reviews. Can anyone suggest an electric razor that has worked well for them? Or if there is a regular multi blade razor that would be ok to use? ( My MO suggested Nair, but I am trying to avoid chemicals ) Many thanks.

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  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited December 2014

    wait to see if you need it. On the rad side, there are NO hairs. On the other side, there's a few stragglers. I'm not complaining! I also was first told to use an electric, thankful I didn't spend the $$$$. Or you could swipe hubby's

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  • glennie19
    glennie19 Member Posts: 6,398
    edited December 2014


    I have LE and I used an electric for a while. But,, since my armpit is so numb, I was pressing too hard with the razor and causing irritation, which isn't good either.  Now I use a regular Daisy razor and just shave very carefully, with shaving lotion or very soapy.

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited December 2014

    I found that the electric shaver didn't fit well into the hollow of my underarm on the side that had ALND and seemed to pull the hairs. I already have lymphedema on that side, so I don't want to exacerbate it, and I now do the same as Glennie but I use a mirror so I can watch what I am doing rather than relying on feel. Like spookiesmom I also have noticed fewer hairs, but did not have rads.

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited December 2014

    I've been thinking about this topic and realized that, although I all too frequently nick my shins when shaving, I can't recall EVER nicking my underams. Maybe it's due to the shape of the terrain? (I have really deep armpits and have trouble getting in to the odd angles that creates.)

    At any rate, I'm not going to sweat it (so to speak). I'll probably go on doing as I've always done, once I have surgery & rad. I think this may be one area where a mountain is being made of a non-existent issue.

    I would DEFINITELY recommend 'borrowing' your husband's razor if available - why invest in anything without trying it first?

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  • Luvmydobies
    Luvmydobies Member Posts: 766
    edited December 2014

    I just use my regular razor. I only shave in a down direction on the right side where I had nodes removed instead of both up and down like I used to.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited December 2014

    Hello, Flowers, and welcome!

    A lot of us continue to use a regular razor--multi-blade is safer, and SpecialK's suggestion about doing this with the aid of a mirror is a real help. As Hopeful mentions, nicks are not real common, but if you should nick the skin (or irritate it with an electric shaver, for that matter) be sure to wash the area well, apply some topical antibiotic, and KEEP A CAREFUL EYE ON IT for signs of infection. Some of us also sterilize our razors in the dishwasher between uses--helps prevent infection if there's a nick.

    Here are some electric shaver suggestions, if that's what you'd prefer:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/How_You_Can_Cope_wi...

    Let us know what you discover!

    Hugs,
    Binney


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  • hugz4u
    hugz4u Member Posts: 2,781
    edited December 2014

    Yup that good ole radiation took care of my hair. I have a few straggly ones that I occasionaly use a manual razor carefully on. I will try the one direction as mentioned above. Electric gave me a rash and I ditched it.

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  • flowers2
    flowers2 Member Posts: 8
    edited December 2014

    Thanks so much for the responses! I really appreciate.

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited December 2014

    I have to say, I'd not thought of the effect of radiation on hair in the axilla, so this has been an interesting discussion.

    Did anyone see any changes to their perspiration levels or patterns post radiaion?

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  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited December 2014

    yes! Nurse said I wouldn't sweat on rad side. I don't! And for some reason, not on the other side. I'm in Florida, it's gets hot and sticky here. I had bmx.

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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited December 2014

    No rads for me but the surgery to remove all the lymph nodes sort of killed my sweat glands by cutting the nerves leading to them. This seems to make my LE arm perspire more when I get warm - my internist provided the explanation that my system is compensating by shifting the natural reaction to dissipate heat "down the line" in a way. I don't need deodorant on that side so my stick lasts twice as long!

    Always used an electric shaver and continue to although hair has become thinner post chemo. Mine has a rechargeable battery.

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited December 2014

    Thanks to both of you for the info on your experiences with the issue of sweating. One BS did respond that ALND could affect the sweat glands but didn't provide any additional info, so your insights are appreciated. I'm glad you got some sort of minor benefit (or at least a tolerable SE) from the procedures! :)

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  • WindingRoad
    WindingRoad Member Posts: 8
    edited December 2014

    I have lymphedema and have continued using a regular razor, albeit more carefully. I typically only shave in the shower to minimize the risk of razor burn and nicks. Haven't had any issues in the 3 years with LE, knock on wood!

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited December 2014
    I'm glad to hear that, Winding Road. Have a good weekend!
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  • cowgal
    cowgal Member Posts: 833
    edited December 2014

    I noticed post radiation that my hair under the arm on that side is sparse and fine and I don't think the sweat glands work on that side any more but I think the other side makes up for it. I use the Yes by Finishing Touch. It is a pretty new product but I was having trouble getting my electric shaver to fit well in the hollow of my arm and the Yes is a lot smaller and seems to do a good job and no nicks. I do have lymphedema and I am scared to use my old razor under that arm.

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  • Fitz33
    Fitz33 Member Posts: 243
    edited December 2014

    I'm so glad to read this thread as it's answered so many of my questions I forget to ask the doctor. I had all of my lymph nodes removed so now not only do not sweat there but also have never had any hair grown. I used to be worried that I needed to use an electric razor and bought one at CVS and it was okay but then realized maybe I could still use a regular ladies razor under my other arm and legs. duh. I thought they meant I could never use a razor again. Anyway, since no sweat, no hair but have lymphadema I don't have to worry about that underarm. I think the other underarm perspires much more now so compensates for the other.

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