What does a Brazilian wax infection look like?

Author: Jacky Kertzmann  |  Last update: Thursday, May 29, 2025

The most common type of folliculitis is a small rash that looks like small pimples around the inflamed area, and usually dissipates on its own in a matter of days. This can sometimes show as bumps after a brazilian wax.

How do you know if your Brazilian wax is infected?

Bacterial infection

While ingrown hairs are a milder side effect, infections like cellulitis can have life-threatening results when absorbed into the bloodstream. If you experience fever, rapid heartbeat, or purple patches on your skin after a wax, you should visit your doctor immediately.

How do you get rid of folliculitis after a Brazilian wax?

Self care
  1. Apply a warm, moist washcloth. Do this several times a day to relieve discomfort and help the area drain, if needed. ...
  2. Apply a nonprescription antibiotic. ...
  3. Apply a soothing lotion or cream. ...
  4. Clean the affected skin. ...
  5. Protect the skin.

How do you treat an infected wax?

Medical treatments

A person should see their doctor if the bumps start showing signs of infection. If this does occur, it will usually do so starting 2–3 days after waxing. A doctor may prescribe an antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics to treat the infection.

Can you get a staph infection from a Brazilian wax?

Cases of molluscum contagiosum outbreak and septic shock due to staphylococcal infection are yet other complications of pubic waxing.

Can I Get A Yeast Infection From Waxing Or Can Waxing Cause A Yeast Infection?

How to tell the difference between an ingrown hair and staph infection?

An ingrown hair may cause flushed skin and raised spots that might itch. If the ingrown hair has contracted an infection with staph, it may resemble acne, a pimple, or a boil. A person may also experience: swelling.

Can you get BV from brazilian wax?

So what happens when you remove this armour? You let bacteria pass through and allow it go down your urinary tract. In short, removing pubic hair puts you at risk of infections like bacterial vaginosis and UTI.

What is the cause of wax infection?

If your ears make too much wax or if earwax isn't cleared well enough, it may build up and block your ear canal. Earwax blockages often happen when people try to get earwax out on their own by using cotton swabs or other items in their ears. This usually just pushes wax deeper into the ear, rather than removing it.

Is hydrogen peroxide good for ear wax?

Hydrogen peroxide is a solution (liquid) that can be used to treat ear infections or the build-up of wax. It is generally safe to use in all ears. Do not use if it irritates you or causes pain. You can buy 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide from your local chemist – no prescription is required.

What does folliculitis look like?

The rash appears as small red bumps or pus bumps that can itch or be mildly painful. Folliculitis is common on the buttocks, arms and legs - especially the thighs. Most improve in 7 to 10 days. Sometimes after the rash is gone, dark marks can be left behind.

Why do I get boils after a Brazilian wax?

Waxing: Hair removal that pulls out the whole hair can leave the root open. If bacteria get inside, this could lead to a boil. Ingrown hairs: Similarly, methods of hair removal that result in ingrown hairs can allow boils to develop. This could include waxing, shaving, or other treatments.

What is the best antibacterial wash for folliculitis?

Initial treatment of folliculitis includes warm compresses 2-3 times per day. Certain antibacterial soaps including Dial®, Hibiclens® wash or a benzoyl peroxide wash can be helpful, though can irritate the skin. For more severe cases, topical or even oral antibiotics can be used.

How to get rid of folliculitis after Brazilian wax?

Using a gentle cleanser to keep the affected area clean. Treating the area with an over-the-counter antiseptic lotion, gel, or wash. Easing itching with over-the-counter itch-relief products, such as hydrocortisone. Applying a warm, moist washcloth to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes to reduce discomfort.

What is the least painful hair removal method?

Depilatory Cream

Reading the label is essential. Where does it work best? In the world of hair removal options, depilatory creams are hands down the least painful, and, unlike shaving, there's no risk of actual bloodshed.

What are the bumps that look like pimples?

A syringoma is a firm bump that resembles a pimple (papule) on your skin that usually forms in small clusters or groups on your skin, most often on your face. Syringomas are the result of your overgrowth of your sweat glands. These bumps are harmless to your body.

What does a wax burn look like?

A wax burn on the skin, an eyebrow wax burn, or a Brazilian wax burn can all resemble anywhere from a seriously skinned knee wound to a small abrasion. Sometimes, you and the client won't even notice that it's there until it starts to scab over within a day or two.

What antibiotic ointment is good for infections?

These ointments can be used directly on the skin and help prevent and treat minor skin infections of small cuts, abrasions, scrapes, first-degree burns and stitched surgical wounds. NEOSPORIN®, POLYSPORIN®, and Bacitracin are the three most popular antibiotic ointments.

Does Vaseline help with wax irritation?

Can I go workout afterwards? It's not recommended, as the area can be tender and you will want to avoid any additional irritation for a bit. If you are an avid runner and just beginning to wax, you can apply a thin layer of Vaseline to minimize irritation.

What is the bacteria infection after waxing?

Folliculitis is usually caused by bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Escherichia coli, but it can also be caused by a fungus, such as Candida albicans, or a virus such as herpes simplex. People can get folliculitis in a number of ways, but waxing and shaving are two common culprits.

How to unclog earwax?

You also can try hydrogen peroxide mixed with an equal amount of room temperature water. Place 2 drops of the fluid, warmed to body temperature, in the ear two times a day for up to 5 days. Once the wax is loose and soft, all that is usually needed to remove it from the ear canal is a gentle, warm shower.

What is the treatment for wax bumps?

POSSIBLE POST-WAX REACTIONS & REMEDIES

Red itchy bumps: Use a 1% hydrocortisone cream followed by Bacitracin or Polysporin or mix cortisone with pure aloe vera (cooled in fridge) and massage a thin layer into skin. Another Option: Massage calendula cream mixed with 1% hydrocortisone into the skin.

At what age should you stop waxing?

There is No Age Limit on Waxing!

There are so many benefits for mature skin! When we wax thin and fragile skin the right way, it can become more supple-looking and radiant. Gentle Exfoliation keeps mature skin from flaking and helps promote blood flow and collagen production for firmer-looking skin!

Do gynecologists recommend waxing?

When it comes to pubic hair, people groom it using a variety of methods including shaving, waxing, trimming, and laser removal. These methods can lead to ingrown hairs and infections though, so most gynecologists warn against them and recommend trimming or letting it be instead.

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