Depilatory creams are a popular hair removal method because they are easy to use, can remove hair in hard-to-reach areas with a shaver, and last longer than shaving. Hair removal creams contain chemicals as the main ingredient to shed your hair, and unfortunately these chemicals can also irritate the skin and cause a rash (skin inflammation). Continue reading to find out what to do if your skin reacts to a hair removal cream and how to prevent a rash from appearing in the future.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Treating the Rash Immediately
Step 1. Wipe the cream off the skin as soon as you notice a reaction
A slight tingling feeling is normal, but if your skin starts to feel like it's burning, remove the cream from your skin immediately. Some manufacturers include a spatula to help wipe off the cream; use a spatula or soft cloth to wipe the cream off your skin.
Do not rub the skin or use a rough, abrasive object (such as a loofah or exfoliating glove) to remove the cream. You don't want your skin to blister or irritate it further
Step 2. Wet the rash with cold water for 10 minutes
You may need to stand in the shower to do this so the water can run steadily over the rash. Make sure you rinse off any cream that may still be on your body, including any remaining cream.
- Do not use bar soap, liquid soap, or other products to clean these areas of skin when rinsing your body.
- Gently pat your skin after rinsing it off.
Step 3. Seek emergency help if you feel dizzy, have severe burns, feel numb, or have open or pus-filled areas around your hair follicles
Your skin may be burned due to chemicals and require professional treatment.
If the rash is on your face, around your eyes or on your genitals, call your doctor for help
Part 2 of 3: Soothes Rash
Step 1. Use a moisturizing cream on the rash
Moisturizing lotions may contain mostly water, and with repeated use, can strip the natural oils from your skin, causing further irritation. Look for creams or ointments that are not labeled solutions or lotions and contain natural oils.
- Aloe vera can also soothe and moisturize the skin affected by the rash. You can use aloe vera gel or the aloe vera plant itself.
- Make sure the product is fragrance-free, as the added ingredients in the product can irritate the rash.
Step 2. Apply hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation, redness and itching
Hydrocortisone is a gentle corticosteroid and can make you more comfortable as your rash heals. Hydrocortisone should only be used on a short-term basis unless your doctor recommends long-term use.
- Stop using the cream if you experience further irritation, redness or breakouts where you applied hydrocortisone.
- Placing a damp cotton cloth on the hydrocortisone area can help the cream absorb into your skin more quickly.
Step 3. Take an antihistamine (allergy medication) to control the itching
You can buy over-the-counter antihistamines with formulas that make you feel drowsy and don't cause drowsiness. Your body will produce histamine to protect you from infection, but this can also cause itching (this is also what causes your nose to run when you have an allergic reaction). Antihistamines will suppress the side effects caused by histamine, so you are free from itching.
- If the itching keeps you awake at night, try taking a drowsy antihistamine (it probably won't say that on the label, but it won't say "no drowsiness" on the package).
- Because antihistamines can make you feel tired (sometimes non-drowsy antihistamines can have this side effect), don't take them before driving or doing anything that requires you to be very alert.
Step 4. See a doctor if the rash doesn't go away after a few days or if the rash doesn't respond to medication
If you start to experience other side effects, such as itching or fever, or if your symptoms get worse, call your doctor immediately.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing the Rash from Getting Worse
Step 1. Do not touch or scratch the affected area
This can damage the skin and cause further irritation and infection. And there may still be depilatory cream under your nails.
- Wear loose clothing that won't rub or create blisters and can cause friction burns.
- When using a cloth to clean Nair, don't wipe or rub it too hard, and try not to wipe the same area of the skin too often.
Step 2. Don't put soap on the rash when you shower
This will only make the rash worse.
Step 3. Do not shave or reapply the cream within 72 hours of using the depilatory cream
You should wait 24 hours before applying deodorant, perfume, or darkening lotion to the area where the depilatory cream has been applied. These products can cause a rash or possibly chemical burns.
Wait 24 hours before swimming or sunbathing
Step 4. Use baby wipes instead of toilet paper
Opt for unscented baby wipes that contain aloe vera instead of toilet paper if the rash is on your bikini area.
Related article
- How to Remove Mustache (for Girls)
- How to do facial treatments at home
- How to Make an Egg Mask
- How to cure prickly heat
