Buzz
Hair removal creams like Nair are popular among users because they are easy to use, can remove hair in hard-to-reach areas, and provide long-lasting results. These creams work due to chemicals that break down hair, but unfortunately, these chemicals can also irritate the skin, leading to rashes (dermatitis). Read on to find out what to do if your skin reacts to hair removal cream and how to prevent this issue in the future.
Steps
Immediate Rash Treatment
Rinse off the cream as soon as you notice any allergic reaction. If you only experience a mild tingling sensation, it may be fine, but if your skin starts to burn, you must immediately remove the cream. Some products come with tools designed to help you wipe off the cream; you can use this tool or a soft cloth to clean the cream from your skin.
- Avoid rubbing your skin or using abrasive materials (such as loofah sponges or exfoliating gloves) to remove the cream. You should refrain from causing any scratches or additional irritation to your skin.
Hold the rash-affected area under cold running water for 10 minutes. You can take a shower to allow the water to flow evenly over the affected skin. Make sure to rinse off any remaining cream that might still be on your skin.
- Avoid using soap, shower gel, or any other products while rinsing the area.
- Gently pat your skin dry after rinsing off the cream.
Seek emergency help if you feel dizzy, experience intense burning sensations, or notice numbness in the skin, or if blisters or oozing spots appear around the hair follicles. You may be dealing with a chemical burn and might require specialized medical treatment.
- If the rash appears on your face, around your eyes, or in the genital area, contact a doctor for assistance.
Soothing the Rash-Affected Skin
Apply a moisturizing cream to the rash area. Moisturizing lotions are primarily water-based, and while they provide hydration, prolonged use can strip your skin's natural oils, making irritation worse. Look for creams or ointments instead of liquid-based products, and choose those with natural oils.
- Aloe vera is also effective at soothing and moisturizing irritated skin. You can use aloe vera gel or extract it directly from an aloe vera plant.
- Opt for fragrance-free products as added scents may further irritate the rash.
Apply hydrocortisone cream to reduce swelling, redness, and itching. Hydrocortisone is a mild corticosteroid that can significantly improve your comfort during recovery. This medication should only be used for a short time unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
- Stop using hydrocortisone cream if you experience increased irritation or breakouts at the application site.
- Place a damp cotton cloth over the treated area to help the skin absorb the hydrocortisone cream more effectively.
Take antihistamine medication to relieve itching. You can choose between antihistamines with a sedating effect or non-sedating ones. The body releases histamine to protect against infections, but histamine can also cause itching (it is also responsible for the runny nose in allergic reactions). Antihistamines will block the effects of histamine and help relieve itching.
- If itching wakes you up at night, take a sedating antihistamine (this may not be labeled on the box, but it won't say 'non-sedating' either).
- Antihistamines may cause drowsiness (sometimes even non-sedating ones can cause this side effect), so avoid taking them before driving or engaging in any activities that require alertness.
Consult a doctor if the rash persists after a few days or does not respond to medication. If side effects such as hives or fever appear, or if pre-existing symptoms worsen, contact your doctor immediately.
Avoid exacerbating the rash condition
Avoid touching or scratching the rash area. This can cause further irritation and damage, increasing the risk of infection. There may also be leftover hair removal cream under your nails.
- Wear loose clothing that doesn't rub against the rash area and cause burning due to friction.
- When using a cloth to clean Nair hair removal cream, avoid scrubbing too harshly and try not to wipe the same area too many times.
Be cautious when using bath soap. Depending on the type of soap and the severity of the rash, using bath soap may worsen the condition. Choose a mild, fragrance-free shower gel or a gentle, non-abrasive soap like Cetaphil, and use as little as possible. Avoid using deodorant soaps.
- You can also take an oatmeal bath to soothe the skin. Add oatmeal directly to a warm bath or make a small pouch of oatmeal to immerse in the water.
Avoid shaving or applying creams within 72 hours after using hair removal cream. Wait for 24 hours before using deodorant, perfumes, makeup, or tanning lotions on the areas where the hair was removed. These products can cause a rash and increase the risk of chemical burns.
- Wait for 24 hours before swimming or sunbathing.
Use baby wipes instead of toilet paper. Opt for unscented baby wipes containing aloe vera as an alternative to toilet paper if you experience a bikini rash.
