Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Treating the rash immediately
• Part 2 of 3: Soothe the rash
• Part 3 of 3: Avoid making the rash worse

Depilatory cream is a popular hair removal method because it is easy to use, can remove hair from awkward areas that a razor cannot reach, and keep your skin smooth longer than shaving. Depilatory creams use chemicals that dissolve your hair, and unfortunately those same chemicals can irritate your skin and cause a rash (dermatitis). Read on to find out what to do if your skin reacts to the hair removal cream and how to prevent new rashes.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Treating the rash immediately

1. Immediately wipe off the hair removal cream if you notice your skin reacting to it. It is normal for your skin to tingle a little, but if your skin starts to burn, wipe off the cream immediately. Some brands of depilatory cream come with a spatula to help scrape the product off your skin. Use this spatula or a soft cloth to wipe the cream off your skin.
   • Do not scrub your skin or use rough or abrasive materials (such as a loofah sponge or exfoliating glove) to remove the cream. Of course you don't want to scratch your skin or irritate your skin even more.
2. Hold the area under a cold running tap for 10 minutes. It is probably best to take a shower to do this so that a steady stream of water washes over the rash. Make sure to rinse all the cream off your body, including the residue.
   • Do not use soap, shower gel, or any other means to clean the area while rinsing.
   • Gently pat your skin dry after rinsing.
3. Go to an emergency room if you are dizzy, have severe burns, your skin is numb, or if you have open areas around your hair follicles or areas that are leaking pus. You may have a chemical burn that needs to be treated by a professional.
   • If the rash is on your face, around your eyes, or on your genitals, see your doctor for help.

Part 2 of 3: Soothe the rash

1. Apply moisturizing cream to the rash. A moisturizing lotion can consist largely of water and with regular use it can even remove the natural oils from your skin, causing your skin to be further irritated. Look for a cream or ointment that is not a solution or lotion and contains natural oils.
   • Aloe vera also softens and moisturizes the areas of the skin affected by the rash. You can use a gel with aloe vera or take it from the plant and use it.
   • Make sure to use an unscented product. Added ingredients can make your rash worse.
2. Apply a hydrocortisone cream to reduce swelling, redness, and itching. Hydrocortisone is a mild corticosteroid that can make you feel a lot more comfortable while the rash heals. It should only be used for a short time unless your doctor prescribes the cream for a longer period of time.
   • Stop using the cream if your skin becomes more red or more irritated. Also stop if you develop acne where you applied the hydrocortisone cream.
   • By placing a damp cotton cloth over the applied hydrocortisone cream, your skin can absorb it more quickly.
3. Take an antihistamine to control the itching. You can get antihistamines without a prescription, some of which make you drowsy. Your body releases histamines to protect you from infections, but these can also cause you to feel itchy (the same chemicals also cause your nose to run when you have an allergic reaction). The antihistamine will suppress the side effects of the histamine so that you do not suffer from itching.
   • If you can't sleep at night because of the itching, try an antihistamine that makes you sleepy (it probably won't say this on the package, but it won't say it won't make you sleepy either).
   • Because antihistamines can make you tired (sometimes even antihistamines that shouldn't make you sleepy can still have this side effect), don't take them before driving or doing anything else that requires you to be very alert.
4. If the rash does not disappear or does not respond to treatment after a few days, see a doctor. If you experience any other side effects, such as hives or fever, or if your current symptoms get worse, contact your doctor immediately.

Part 3 of 3: Avoid making the rash worse

1. Do not touch or scratch the area in question. This can further damage and irritate your skin, as well as cause an infection. You may even have some depilatory cream under your nails.
   • Wear loose-fitting clothing that will not rub or chafe against the rash or could potentially cause a burn.
   • If you are using a cloth to wash the hair removal cream off your skin, do not rub or scrub too hard and try not to rub the same area too much.
2. Do not put soap on the rash when taking a shower. The rash will only get worse.
3. Do not shave or reapply the hair removal cream 72 hours after using the depilatory cream. You should wait 24 hours before applying deodorant, perfume, makeup, or self-tanning lotion to the area where you used the depilatory cream. These products can cause you to develop a rash or possibly get a chemical burn.
   • Wait 24 hours before swimming or sunbathing.
4. Use baby wipes instead of toilet paper. If the rash is on your bikini line, opt for unscented baby wipes that contain aloe vera instead of toilet paper.