waxing skin burn - #12834
I am really really worried about this waxing skin burn I got a few days ago. I decided to try out waxing for the first time because my friend said it was great, but um, I didn't pay attention to the temperature of the wax. Major mistake, right? Like, I applied it to my leg and once I pulled the strip off, I felt this insane burning sensation! At first I thought it was just normal, but now my skin is red and kinda swollen. My friend said it would go away but it's been 3 days and the skin is still super sensitive! I read somewhere that waxing skin burn can lead to worse reactions if not treated properly. Should I be worried about infection or scarring or anything? I mean, I don’t want this to mess up my skin long-term. Is there a way to ease the pain from waxing skin burn? I've tried aloe vera and some ice packs, but should I be doing something else? I might have also used a cheap wax which didn’t help, but I thought they all worked the same? How do I take care of waxing skin burn at home? Or do I need a doctor to look at it?
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Doctors’ responses
Waxing skin burns can indeed be quite uncomfortable, but with proper care, they usually heal without leading to long-term issues. Firstly, it’s important to keep the area clean and to prevent infection. You did well applying aloe vera, which soothes the skin, and using a cold compress or ice pack, as this helps reduce swelling. However, avoid placing ice directly on the skin as it may exacerbate injury. Consider applying an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment like Neosporin on the area to prevent infection, especially if the skin is raw or blistered. Continuate to use mild moisturizing creams or lotions, preferably fragrance-free, to keep the area hydrated while it heals. If the redness and swelling persist beyond a week, or if you notice worsening symptoms like increased pain, pus, or spreading redness, it would be wise to consult a doctor, as these can be signs of an infection. While a scar is not typical from waxing burns, excessive picking or further irritation could increase that risk, so try to avoid any friction or pressure on the area. It’s also a good idea to protect the area from sunlight to prevent hyperpigmentation (darkened spots), using a high SPF sunscreen if exposure is likely. Using a high-quality wax and following manufacturer guidelines on temperature next time can help avoid recurrences. If there’s any blistering, resist the urge to pop them, as this could lead to an infection. If self-care measures don’t lead to improvement and You’re still concerned after a few days more, seeing a healthcare professional for a personalized assessment might be essential.
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