face bumps after waxing - #15794
I am really worried about these face bumps after waxing I got last week. Tried to treat myself at home, and it felt fine during it but later, OMG! My skin reacted really strange. I have these little red bumps all over my cheeks and chin. I thought maybe it was just irritation at first, but they haven’t gone away, and now it’s kinda itchy, too. I always had pretty clear skin, you know? Never had to worry about face bumps after waxing before. Did I not prep my skin right or something? Or is this normal? I’ve been doing some research and found that some people get face bumps after waxing due to allergic reactions or maybe just sensitivity issues. Could this be my case? My friend said I should be using a soothing cream or something, but honestly, I’m worried I’ll make it worse. Has anyone had face bumps after waxing for a long time? How long does that usually last? Should I see a dermatologist or just give it a few more days? Thanks for any advice you guys can give me! This is really stressing me out!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Face bumps after waxing can be quite common and can occur due to a few reasons. The condition you’re experiencing sounds like either folliculitis or contact dermatitis. Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles become inflamed, often due to bacteria introduced during waxing. Contact dermatitis may happen when the skin reacts adversely to the wax or any products used afterward. Given that your bumps are itchy and persistent, monitoring their progression is wise. First, avoid using any perfumed or heavy cosmetic products on the affected area, as these could potentially aggravate the irritation. Instead, focus on keeping the skin clean and apply a gentle fragrance-free moisturizer to help soothe the area. Products containing aloe vera or witch hazel might be beneficial. If you’re considering over-the-counter options, hydrocortisone cream can help reduce inflammation and itching considerably but should be used sparingly. Be sure to follow product instructions. Furthermore, try to avoid overly touching or scratching the bumps, as this could lead to further irritation or infection. If there’s no improvement in a few days, or if the condition worsens, it may be beneficial to consult a dermatologist. Persistent or severe symptoms can sometimes be indicative of an infection that may require prescribed medication, such as antibiotics. Moving forward, ensure that future waxing sessions are performed on fresh clean skin and that post-waxing treatments include antibacterial solutions as a precautionary measure. If this reaction is recurrent and concerning, consulting with a dermatologist before further waxing could be helpful, as they may suggest alternative hair removal options less likely to irritate your skin.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.