How to remove the rash after depilation: 6 effective tips

Depilation is a process in which hair is removed by different methods such as waxing, shaving or laser, producing a rash on the skin, accompanied by redness and itching.

In this article, we are going to talk about how to remove the rash after epilation. We’ll explain why it happens, how long it can last and give you some key tips on how to get rid of the rash after epilation so that your skin looks smooth and irritation-free again.

Why does a rash appear after depilation?

Folliculitis

A very common reaction after epilation is folliculitis. If the hair follicle is injured or damaged during epilation, it becomes vulnerable to bacteria such as staphylococci. These bacteria infect the hair follicles and lead to folliculitis. It looks similar to a rash, pimples and slight bumps appear on the skin. Folliculitis is caused by inflammation that usually subsides over a few days on its own.

Ingrown or ingrown hairs

It occurs when a hair that was previously removed grows back and curves into the skin. Ingrown hairs look similar to acne. They appear as small bumps or abscesses that are warm to the touch.

Sometimes hair can be seen under the skin. It occurs most often in people with coarse or curly hair. Lumps, small cysts or pus-filled bumps appear days after epilation.

Contact dermatitis

If you have sensitive skin, the wax used, or even the chemicals present in it, the blades of the razor, or the laser, can cause a rash after epilation as a result of contact dermatitis. You should pay attention to the soaps and detergents you use, as perfumes and other ingredients can also be a contributing factor.

If the rash is caused by contact dermatitis, it can be quite itchy and accompanied by symptoms such as swelling, redness, pain to the touch and even a burning or stinging sensation on the skin.

How to cure folliculitis after depilation?

Folliculitis usually takes between 7-10 days to improve its appearance, depending on the type of folliculitis and the treatment guidelines you apply.

These are the tips you should take into account to cure folliculitis after depilation:

1. Clean the affected area: 2 times a day with a natural antibacterial soap and a clean towel. You can apply a few drops of tea tree oil to your natural soap to boost its anti-bacterial effect.
2. Warm salt water: mix ½ teaspoon of sea salt with 1 glass of warm water and apply to the affected area by dabbing with a cotton pad.
3. Avoid tight-fitting clothes and opt for natural fabrics.
4. Do not use cosmetics with artificial ingredients or irritants.
5. Avoid shaving in men.
6. Apply over-the-counter creams or lotions specifically indicated for antibacterial skin repair.
7. Do not scratch.
8. Do not squeeze or burst lumps.

In more severe cases of folliculitis, oral antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to treat the infection and reduce skin inflammation.

How long does a hair removal rash last?

The rash usually disappears within 24-48 hours in the simplest cases.

When further inflammation of the follicle occurs as a result of hair removal, as in folliculitis, more time will be needed for it to disappear.

How to cure a hair removal rash?

If you are wondering how to remove the rash after depilation, there are several methods you can apply to soothe the irritation, such as cleansing and exfoliating before depilation, applying cold compresses after depilation, and moisturising with creams or non-greasy natural oils, among others.

Depending on the type of hair removal, some methods will be more effective than others. For example, waxing leaves the pore completely open after pulling, so be careful to apply light pressure to try to close the pore and reduce the possibility of infection.

Below, we are going to share a list of effective tips to get rid of the rash after waxing.

Quick tips to reduce rash and inflammation

1. Cold compresses: applying for 15-30 minutes can significantly alleviate and reduce the rash and even its appearance.

2. Cleaning: use mild soap with natural ingredients and lukewarm water. Dry very well.

3. Moisturising after depilation: it should be a light and natural lotion. An example of this is Soriaskincontains organic silica, horsetail and echinacea, ideal for combating skin problems, for irritated and itchy skin, without adding grease. Another recommended option is the use of aloe vera gel, thanks to its soothing and moisturising properties.

4. Hot compress: recommended for ingrown hairs. The dilation of the pore will make it easier for the hair to come out.

5. Scrub: exfoliate the affected skin with a scrub made from natural ingredients and tea tree oil or other antibacterial essential oils such as geranium.

6. Witch hazel or apple cider vinegar: apply with a cotton pad 3 times a day to the affected area. We recommend the use of Hemosil, a lotion with soothing and softening properties thanks to the witch hazel that minimises irritation while helping the skin to regenerate due to its organic silica content.

Removing the rash after depilation is possible

After depilation, it is very common to develop a rash, but the important thing is that there are solutions. But the important thing is that there are solutions. How do you get rid of the rash after epilation? How you handle it is very important, especially if it doesn’t resolve on its own. If you take the precautions described above, you won’t have to worry about the rash coming back.

Skincare, both before and after an epilation session, especially for more aggressive hair removal methods, will keep your skin in top condition and avoid the inflammation and irritation that no one wants to deal with.