If you remove your face or body hair with a razor, wax hair removal system or a depilatory cream, you may experience hair removal burn from time to time. Health Services at Columbia University explains that the red bumps that result after hair removal are the result of your body's immune system recognizing that your hair is under attack. Hair removal burn requires immediate attention to prevent further irritation and infection.
Step 1
Wash your hands with warm water and soap. Pat your hands dry with a clean towel.
Step 2
Squeeze a pea-sized amount of 1-percent hydrocortisone cream onto your clean fingertips. Massage the hydrocortisone cream over the affected area.
Step 3
Continue massaging in a circular motion until the hydrocortisone cream dissolves into your skin. Repeat the process twice a day until the irritation diminishes.
Tips and Warnings
- Prevent razor burn flare-ups with hydrogen peroxide. Simply saturate a cotton ball with the hydrogen peroxide and run it over your shaved skin. The hydrogen peroxide will calm your skin without stinging.
- Avoid shaving, waxing or the use of depilatories until the hair removal burns resolve because the constant aggravation to the skin and opening of the pores can lead to infection. Always wash your hands with warm water and soap before applying the hydrocortisone cream to avoid transferring bacteria to the affected area and causing an infection. If your hair removal burn does not resolve within a week or gets worse, seek medical attention. The skin may be infected and require an antibiotic.
Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Towel
- 1-percent hydrocortisone cream
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