Sugaring is our favorite form of hair removal but with every hair removal service out there sometimes people have a sensitivity. It is important to us to be educated and to educate our guests.
A Histamine Reaction is easily identified by a rash that presents itself as welts or bumps. This reaction may happen immediately after your sugar service. Histamine is very helpful and it works by enlarging the blood vessels and making them easier to penetrate. The body then swells and protects the affected area hence some people may experience swelling.
Sugaring is a quick way to remove hair from most areas of the body. However, it is common for bumps to develop on the skin after Sugaring. Many people will observe small, red bumps on the skin immediately after sugaring. Others may notice them about a week later. These are some of the possible causes of bumps after sugaring, as well as some treatment options and prevention tips.
CAUSES
The following are some common causes of bumps after hair removal:
Contact dermatitis
Possible causes of bumps after hair removal include contact dermatitis, folliculitis and ingrown hairs. Fragranced soaps and detergents are common culprits, but WAX and any chemicals it contains may also contribute to contact dermatitis. One of the reasons why we love sugaring as it is all natural, just simply sugar and water so the likely of contact dermatitis is almost eliminated.
Usually, the bumps that occur after contact dermatitis are very itchy. Contact dermatitis can also cause the following symptoms:
- burning
- a stinging sensation
- swelling
- peeling skin
Folliculitis
Folliculitis causes itchy bumps that may have a red ring around them. They may also look similar to those of acne.
Folliculitis occurs due to damage following hair removal. Damaged hair follicles are more vulnerable to invading bacteria. When bacteria — such as staph bacteria, which are naturally present on the skin — infect the hair follicles, folliculitis can occur.
Wearing very tight clothing that rubs against the hair follicles can cause further irritation and may make the condition worse.
Ingrown hair
An ingrown hair may appear about a week after sugaring. Ingrown hairs occur when the hair grows and reinserts itself into the hair follicle.
Ingrown hairs can cause itchy and sometimes painful bumps that often look like pimples on the skin. Without treatment, ingrown hairs can become infected.
Symptoms of an infection include the hair follicle leaking pus, the area feeling warm to the touch, and in some cases, an ingrown hair cyst.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
In most cases, a person can treat bumps after sugaring at home. Try to keep the area clean, dry, and moisturized, as this can help reduce irritation until the skin has recovered from sugaring.
Home remedies
Applying a cold compress may sooth skin irritation after Sugaring.
Some home remedies that can soothe bumps after hair removal include:
- Cleansing the skin: Using a gentle soap and warm water to cleanse the skin can help minimize irritants. Gently pat the skin dry to avoid further irritation.
- Using cold compresses: Applying a cold compress to the area can help soothe irritation and reduce post-sugaring bumps. A person can run cold water over a washcloth and apply it to the skin.
- Wearing loose clothing: Not wearing tight clothing for 1–2 days after sugaring can help keep the fibers from rubbing against the skin and causing irritation.
- Using warm compresses: Warm compresses are helpful for ingrown hairs, as they can help the pores open up and potentially release the ingrown hair.
- Using cortisone cream: Applying cortisone cream to clean skin after waxing may help relieve inflammation and swelling.
- Applying fragrance free moisturizers: Applying fragrance free moisturizers or an aftercare product related to sugaring will help.
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 hair removal.
A doctor may prescribe an antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics to treat the infection. These either prevent further bacteria from growing or kill off existing bacteria on the skin.
PREVENTION
A person can take steps to help prevent bumps after sugaring different areas of the body. These include:
Face
Before sugaring the face, it is best to:
- Avoid using retinol products for 2–5 days before waxing. These products increase the risk of skin damage due to sugaring.
- Refrain from applying makeup to the skin before sugaring, and do not use makeup for the remainder of the day after, if possible.
- Apply fragrance free moisturizers to the skin post-sugaring. Avoid using products that contain “actives,” such as glycolic acid or retinol, in the immediate post-sugaring period.
When washing the face, avoid scrubbing or rubbing the skin with a towel. This could further irritate skin.
Legs, arms, and bikini area
Exfoliating the skin using a gentle sugar scrub or body brush before can help both reduce dead skin cells and enhance sugaring results. This will also help with preventing red bumps.
A person should also wear loose fitting clothing after sugaring and refrain from picking at or scratching bumps after can also help reduce the risk of further complications.
OUTLOOK
Bumps that occur after sugaring are usually temporary and will resolve without treatment.
If they persist beyond a few days or start showing signs of infection — such as redness, warmth, or swelling — a person should speak to their doctor. If the bumps persist after every service, a person should consider using different hair removal services, or speak to their esthetician about ways to reduce skin bumps.
