When choosing to wax your face or legs at home instead of allowing a professional cosmetologist to perform the hair removal, you may encounter a burn from the wax. The wax may spill when you remove the container from the microwave or it can also burn your skin if the temperature is too hot when applied. Depending on the severity of the wax burn, you may be able to treat it at home. Call your doctor if you suspect an infection as the burn is healing.
Step 1
Run cool water over the burn. Use cool compresses or immerse the body part in cool water if running water is not available or uncomfortable. Avoiding ice while treating the burn, as the cool water is the safest way to reduce swelling, notes MayoClinic.com.
Step 2
Wrap a sterile gauze bandage around a wax burn on the hands and legs. Place a sterile gauze square over a wax burn on the face. Secure the gauze square with medical tape on facial wax burns. The bandage or square of gauze should be loose over your burn, according to the American Red Cross of Cortland County.
Step 3
Purchase an over-the-counter pain reliever or anti-inflammatory to reduce pain and swelling. Follow the directions on the bottle for dosage instructions. Take the medication as needed for swelling and pain while your burn is healing.
Step 4
Change the gauze on your burn daily or if the gauze is soiled or wet. Monitor the healing burn; watch for blisters or signs of infection. Contact your doctor if the burn is not healing or if you experience intensified pain, fever or extreme swelling.
Tips and Warnings
- Purchase a first aid kit to store at your home for treating injuries such as minor wax burns.
- Avoid using ointments on your burn unless directed by your physician.
Things You'll Need
- Water
- Gauze
- Pain reliever
