In case of wax burns, this is when you should consult a dermatologist

*Oozing pus from the burn area (this could indicate an infection)
*Pigmentation left behind from a healed burn (this is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
*Extensive burns involving sensitives areas such as the face (which are also sun-exposed)

 

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Wax burns can be caused due to different factors. According to Dr Batul Patel, dermatologist, founder and medical director of The Bombay Skin Clinic, these include:

*Using extremely hot wax
*Repeated waxing
*Waxing multiple times over the same spot to extract the in-grown hair
*If the waxing is not performed by a professional

Here are five steps to manage wax-burns, as per Dr Ranglani:

Cool it

Immediately apply ice covered in a cloth/gauze in order to cool the area (don’t apply ice directly). You can also run cold water over the burned area. This soothes the skin, bringing down redness and inflammation. Adding, Dr Patel said, “An immediate cold shower can also help heal a wax burn.”

Aloe Vera

Apply a gel containing aloe vera several times a day, till the skin heals. Do not apply aloe vera directly from your plant at home as this can irritate the skin further. Packaged aloe vera is purified from any potential irritants. Studies have shown that aloe vera is useful for treating burns and promoting healing of wounds.

Keeping the skin moist

Other options include creams containing centella asiatica. These also soothe the skin and promote skin healing. Keeping the skin moist using petroleum jelly will also help with the healing.

If you are waxing at home, take care to not overheat the wax. (Source: Freepik)

Don’t peel the burned skin off

Since wax burns are so superficial, they resolve completely in 7-8 days. Don’t pick on the peeling skin.

Sun protection

If the burn is on a sun exposed area (for example, the upper lip region), make sure to wear sunscreen regularly. This will prevent the area from getting pigmented and leaving a stubborn mark. Individuals with darker skin types (melanin-rich skin) will have a stronger tendency towards developing pigmentation.

How to prevent wax burns?

*Always go to trusted salons and experienced technicians/therapists

*If you are waxing at home, take care to not overheat the wax. As you use the wax throughout the course of the session, the volume of wax in the container goes down, causing the remaining wax to reach a higher temperature quicker with subsequent heating. This leads to overheating and potential burns.

*Don’t use wax which is meant for body areas on the face.

*Avoid getting facial waxing done if you are using chemical exfoliants or retinoids as these can make the skin very sensitive.

Concluding, Dr Patel recommended laser hair removal as an alternative to waxing to prevent burns.

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