Waxing is one of the most common methods that women opt to get rid of any unwanted hair from the body. The biggest reason why many choose to wax is that the hair grows back slowly. Although it is quite popular, many also hesitate to try waxing as it does hurt a lot, and sometimes in unfortunate cases, you can also get wax burns.
Now, wax burns can be pretty painful! In severe conditions, wax burns can also leave scars on your skin. Don't worry; we are not trying to scare you off or trying to change your mind regarding waxing. Waxing can be done with the help of a professional, or you can do it yourself as well. Usually, professionals know their work thoroughly, but mishaps occur all the time, and there is a possibility that you may get wax burns.
Also, many of you sometimes try the at-home wax and end up with wax burns. So, worry not because we are here to give you some tips about treating wax burns, preventing them, and how best to avoid them. If your burn area is more than you can handle, then you must go to the emergency room and get the required help.
Steps for Treating Wax Burns at Home
Here's what needs to be done to treat wax burns at home.
1. Give your Skin the Cooling Effect
Firstly, you must place the affected area in cold water for at least 20 minutes. Extreme cold water is also not recommended. If you get a burn during facial wax, you must soak a towel in cold water and place it on the affected area.
Azulene depilation. Wax hair removal, sugaring. Concept of smooth skin without hair. Azulene of green colour. Removal of azulene from the skin. After this, you may apply only mild soap, if available, to clean the area. Use a clean, soft towel and gently pat the affected area dry. In this case, we strongly advise against using normal soap, as it will only worsen the damaged area.
2. Applying Ice Over the Area
This step is only necessary if you still feel a burning sensation after applying cold water. However, we advise you to wrap the ice cube with a piece of clothing. Direct application of ice over a fresh burn wound is a big NO! Gently press the ice cube over the affected skin. What this does is, helps to reduce pain and inflammation.
3. Removing the Wax Attached to the Skin
If you see any wax on your skin, apply petroleum jelly. Let it stay for at least 10 minutes, and gently attempt to remove the excess wax with a soft cloth. If you notice your skin getting pulled along with the wax, we recommend you stop trying.
Point to be noted using oil as an alternative to petroleum jelly is not recommended. Applying oil over the wax burns can worsen the condition. Another noteworthy point while treating wax burns is if you see wax around blisters, you should leave it that way. Blisters mean you need to seek medical help.
4. Apply Neosporin
Neosporin is an antibacterial product that is available in powder or ointment form. Apply the ointment over the area and cover the damaged skin with clean medical gauze for better results.
5. Use Aloe Vera or Honey for Treating Wax Burns
The alternative to Neosporin is to apply pure aloe Vera over the burned area. Aloe Vera has many benefits and is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties and cooling effects. We often apply aloe Vera to skin wounds as it increases the healing process.
Apart from this, aloe Vera also consists of antibacterial benefits. So, if you have the plant or have aloe vera gel, apply it over the area after cleaning. If you don't have aloe Vera in any form, apply a small amount of honey over the affected area.
6. Taking Further Care of Wax Burns
Since you are treating wax burns at home, you must be patient and regularly clean and change the gauge at least twice daily. Keep treating the wax burns for at least 3 to 4 days until you see the healing progress.
The don'ts of Post-Treatment of Wax Burns
There are certain mistakes that most people make when the wound starts to heal.
- When you pat the wound dry with a towel, avoid rubbing it. Let it dry naturally.
- When your wax burn wound heals gradually, damaged skin becomes dry and peels off. The area feels itchy at this phase, and you can't control scratching it. Now, you may feel relief from scratching the area, but it only disrupts the healing process.
- Keep the burn area away from the sun. Exposing the injured area to the sun also disrupts the recovery stage. So, only if it is an emergency should you step out in the sun and always apply sunscreen of SPF 30.
How Long does it Take to Recover from Wax Burns?
Wax burns (first and second-degree) tend to heal in 3 weeks if proper care is taken. Regarding the wax burn scars, with time, they do fade away. You can also try applying ointments that contain hydroquinone for this purpose. But we recommend you try consulting with your doctor, as hydroquinone can irritate the area if you have sensitive skin.
Recovering from Wax Burns
Be prepared –There will always be a slight wax burn scar that won't go away. Take it as a reminder to stay alert the next time you go for waxing.
When Should you be Alarmed about Wax Burns?
If you notice that your wound is taking too long, i.e. more than three to four weeks to heal or see pus-forming or any signs of infection, you must immediately see your doctor.
Is waxing hurtful enough and dealing with burns? Treating wax burns are indeed scary, and you become prone to infections and lifelong scars. It's just too much! The thing is, not everyone gets wax burns. It is simply due to human error. So, how to avoid wax burns? Most commonly, some people microwave the wax while preparing it for hair removal. The minus point of microwaving is that the heat distribution may remain unequal, which mostly causes burns. So, if you hesitate to go for waxing, you can also try other hair removal techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Does wax burn leave a scar?
Severe burns can lead to permanent scars.
Q2. Are wax burns normal?
Yes, they are completely common among women.
Q3. How long does wax rash last?
It may heal in 1 to 2 days.
Q4. Can I put aloe vera after waxing?
Yes, aloe vera gel has many healing properties.
Q5. Should you ice after waxing?
Ice can help in reducing irritation, swelling, and redness.
