Waxing is one of the most popular and convenient methods of removing unwanted body hair. Even though the result of waxing lasts for weeks, women hesitate to undergo it for a reason- IT HURTS!
Waxing involves the application of hot wax on the skin, followed by cloth strips or waxing strips. Once the strip sticks to the skin properly, it is pulled in the opposite direction of hair’s growth to remove hair right from the roots.
You may feel pain while waxing, and in unfortunate cases, you can also get wax burns. Sounds scary, right? But don’t worry; there is nothing to be scared of, as these side effects can be totally prevented by taking the right measures.
If a professional or an experienced person is waxing, the level of pain would be very lower, and you won’t feel pain, discomfort, or burning. So, always choose the right person to wax your hair.
[ Read: Diy Wax Strips: How To Make At Home? ]
What If I Get Wax Burn?
Making err is human! So, if you have got wax burn due to some mishap during the waxing session, fret not. You can ease the burn and improve the skin’s condition in different ways.
Wax burns occur when you apply very hot wax on the skin. Most cases of wax burn can be managed at home using home remedies alone. However, if the burn area is more and you cannot handle it at home, visit the emergency room immediately.
At the same time, if you notice your wound is taking too long to heal (more than three weeks) and there is pus formation, it could be a sign of infection. In such cases, you should visit your doctor immediately to prevent further spread.
How Long Does A Wax Burn Last?
Usually, minor wax burns take between 10 to 15 days to fully heal. If you have sensitive skin, this period may extend. The burn marks also subside within two weeks. However, certain measures can help accelerate the healing process that we will discuss in this article.
If you are waxing for the first time, do not DIY at home. It is essential to know the right temperature and the right ways to avoid any unfortunate incident.
How Can I Treat Wax Burns At Home?
If you have got wax burn, the following measures could help relieve symptoms-
1. Give A Cooling Effect To The Skin
Place the burnt area under cold water for at least 15 minutes. If you have a facial burn, soak a towel in cold water and place it on the affected areas.
Let the burnt areas cool down properly. Now with the help of any mild soap, clean the affected areas and remove all the wax. Use a soft towel to pat dry.
2. Apply An Ice Pack
If the skin is still hurting, it indicates severe wax burns.
In this case, take some ice cubes and wrap them in a piece of cloth. Now apply them directly over the affected areas and press gently. It will help to reduce the pain and inflammation due to burning.
Do not use it directly over the fresh open wound, as it may worsen the condition.
3. Remove Wax From The Skin
If you still see wax on the skin, try to remove it completely. You can use petroleum jelly for this purpose.
Apply petroleum jelly on the affected areas and let it stay for five minutes. Now gently remove along with wax with the help of a soft cloth. If you notice the skin is also pulling along the wax, stop.
4. Apply Any Antibacterial Powder Like Neosporin
It will prevent bacterial infestation on the wound, which can make things worse. So, once you have pat dry the affected area, do not forget to put in any antibacterial ointment or powder and cover it with clean medical gauze.
5. Aloe Vera For Treating Waxing Burn
Aloe Vera has skin-cooling and soothing properties. If you are out of Neosporin, Aloe Vera will work wonders. It will help to bring a cooling sensation to the burnt areas and prevent pain and discomfort.
Moreover, the powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of Aloe Vera keep the inflammation at bay and hasten the process of healing.
If you don’t have Aloe Vera, honey will work as its substitute. Apply a small amount of honey over the affected areas for immediate relief.
6. Wait and Watch
Once you have provided all the first aid treatments for the wax burn, wait for at least three days to see how it turns out. By this time, keep the affected area clean and change the gauze twice daily.
Keep treating the wax burns for at least 3 to 4 days until you see the healing progress. If things turn south, seek medical attention.
The Don’ts Of Post-treatment Of Wax Burns
- Do not scratch or rub the wounded area after washing. Pat dry with a soft towel and let it dry naturally.
- The healing area may feel itchy, but itching or scratching will only disrupt the healing process. So, avoid it.
- Do not expose the burnt area to the skin, as it may also disrupt the healing. If it’s necessary, apply sunscreen SPF of more than 30.
Now that you know how long a wax burn last and how you can manage it, we hope things will get better if you get the wax burn.
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- 7 Best Waxes For Coarse Hair
