Home Treatment for Bumps After Waxing
Waxing removes hair at the root, leaving you with smooth skin for approximately three to six weeks. Unfortunately, not everyone goes through the waxing process without a hitch. If you are one of many that experience a rash after waxing, there is help.
Waxing removes hair at the root, leaving you with smooth skin for approximately three to six weeks. Unfortunately, not everyone goes through the waxing process without a hitch. If you are one of many that experience a rash after waxing, there is help. Those tiny red bumps that show up a few hours after waxing are folliculitis -- an inflammation of the hair follicles. Most bumps that occur after waxing usually only last for about three days, requiring only minor treatment to relieve the discomfort and prevent infection.
Step 1
Wear loose-fitting clothing over the affected areas. Whenever possible, no clothing rubbing against the bumps is ideal. For instance, if the bumps have appeared after waxing your legs, wearing a skirt or dress will cause less friction than jeans or sweats.
Step 2
Apply a topical ointment to the bumps at least once a day, for the first three days following their eruption. Topical ointments that contain polymyxin B sulfate and bacitracin zinc will help heal the bumps and ward off infection.
Step 3
Soothe the associated burning and itch with ice. Place an ice cube in a cup of warm water and allow it to melt, slightly. Remove it and run it over the post-waxing bumps for a cooling effect. Repeat this several times a day until the bumps resolve.
Tip
A thin layer of topical ointment applied with clean fingertips is all that is necessary. Applying a thick layer of ointment does not expedite the healing process.
Reduce the likelihood of developing bumps the next time you wax by applying a product that contains salicylic acid.
warning
Avoid topical ointments that contain neomycin. Some people do not tolerate neomycin, which is associated with allergic reactions.
Do not take an ice cube directly from the freezer and place it on your skin. Allowing it to melt a bit first will prevent it from sticking to your skin.
Avoid hot tubs, saunas, vigorous exercise and exposure to sunlight during the healing process.