Hair removal creams are an easy and pain-free way to remove all the unwanted body hair. These creams will remove the hair from the tricky areas that you cannot reach with a razor, and from those places that wax would just hurt too much. They usually give great results that last way longer than shaving and with them there is no risk of cuts and scrapes that come with the use of razors.

But, as with any cosmetic product, hair removal creams such as Nair can cause an irritation of your skin that can result in a rash or another type of inflammation. Also, if you leave it on for too long, you can cause chemical burns on your skin. So, the question is, how to soothe the irritated skin after Nair? Keep on reading to find out how and to figure out how to prevent any future irritations.

Follow the Instructions

This one is a no-brainer. Always, always, and we repeat, always read the instructions. If the packaging says to leave the cream on for 15 minutes, make sure that you leave it on for 15 minutes or even less. Do not think that the hair removing effects will be better if you leave Nair on for longer than it should be left on. They won’t. All you will end up with is a chemical burn and an irritated patch of skin, especially if you are using the cream in the genital area.

Being informed will save you a lot of trouble and help you avoid the pain and discomfort that comes with the chemical burn or a rash that these depilatory creams can cause. So, read the instructions carefully, for they are there for a reason.

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Be Proactive

As soon as you notice the reaction on your skin, wipe off the cream immediately. While it is normal to feel slight tingling sensation, if your skin starts to burn, remove it at once. Note that you should not scrub or rub your skin while doing this to prevent further irritation. Also, do not use exfoliating gloves, loofahs, or sponges to remove the cream, but opt for the spatula that came with the product, or use a soft washcloth. Avoid scratching or applying any irritating products to the area.

Apply Cold Water

When you remove the cream, run cold water over the irritated area for about ten minutes. Rinse off any residue of the cream and do not use any soap or body wash to clean the area, just water. The cool water will soothe the irritation a bit and prevent redness. After you are done, pat your skin dry with a soft cloth.

Moisturize

Make sure to keep the area moisturized. Opt for aloe vera (store bought gel or straight from the plant), or an ointment that has natural oils as main ingredients. It would be best to steer clear of commercially produced moisturizing lotions as they can actually strip your skin off its natural oils and make it even dryer, causing more irritation in the long run. Also, avoid scented products as they can irriate your skin even further.

Use Hydrocortisone

If your rash gets out of hand, consider using a mild over-the-counter hydrocortisone that can soothe the itching, reduce redness and swelling, and keep your rash at bay. Hydrocortisones are corticosteroids that can soothe skin irritations, but they are only a short-term solution, unless they are prescribed by a doctor for a prolonged use.

Take an Antihistamine

If possible, get an over-the-counter antihistamine that can help with the itchiness and redness. Note that antihistamines can make you drowsy and sleepy, so either look for a non-drowsy formula, or, if you cannot find one, make sure that you do not take them before driving or doing anything that requires you to be awake and concentrated.

Do Not Scratch

For the love of god, do not scratch! Scratching the already irritated area can make your rash even worse and deepen the problem. It can also lead to infection, as the dirt beneath our nails can come into contact with the cracked skin and cause many issues that are harder to manage than a simple rash.

A good way to prevent infection is to wear loose clothes that will not rub against your skin and cause friction. When showering, use a super soft towel or a soft cloth, and pat yourself dry instead of rubbing to avoid further irritation.

Do Not Use Soap

Yes, you can still shower and clean yourself, just avoid putting any soap or shower gel on the irritated area. Soaps can dry out the skin which you definitely do not need when you are dealing with an irritation caused by Nair or some other depilatory cream. Instead, just use water, and if possible, use lukewarm or even cold water to wash off the area gently. Also, make sure you pat the area dry instead of rubbing.

Do Not Shave

Resist shaving or using Nair or another depilatory cream for at least 72 hours after the allergic reaction. Also, avoid deodorant, makeup, perfumes, tanning lotions, or other cosmetic products on this area as you can cause a chemical burn that is harder to treat and hurts a lot! Avoid exposure to the sun and do not go into a swimming pool, as the chlorine from the water can irritate your skin even more.

Cool Off

To soothe the burning sensation, you can take a clean, soft cloth and soak it in icy cold water and apply over the burnt area. You can also use ice, but make sure to wrap it in a cloth to prevent ice burns to the skin.

Take Ibuprofen

If you have burnt your skin with Nair, take ibuprofen to control the swelling. Provided you are not allergic to it, Ibuprofen will help with the internal irritation, which will help with the external issues as well.

Get Creative

If you have used Nair or another depilatory cream on your private lady parts, consider getting a little creative with your resources. You will want to keep the area aired, so opt for skirts instead of pants, and avoid jeans at all costs. Wear comfy underwear made from natural materials, or, if you are home alone, go commando instead.

You can also soak a period pad in water and freeze it. Take it out of the freezer, take another pair of underwear, put the pad on it, and then put on those undies over the underwear you are already wearing. This will cool the area without giving you ice burns, and the pad will also shape and conform to your body, making it easier to function. Have a few of these in the freezer and change them when they get warm.

Take a Sitz Bath

Taking a col sitz bath with a few drops of calendula extract can help with the burning if you have used Nair or another depilatory cream on your private parts. Calendula is often used on the skin in order to reduce the swelling and the pain caused by irritation and  burns, so give it a try here.