Wax burns are a common occurrence, often resulting from at-home hair removal or candle accidents. Understanding the different severities of these burns and their typical healing processes is important for proper care and recovery. The way a wax burn heals depends significantly on how deeply the skin layers are affected by the heat.
Types of Wax Burns
Wax burns are classified into degrees based on the depth of skin damage. A first-degree wax burn affects only the outermost layer of skin, the epidermis. It causes redness, mild swelling, and tenderness to the touch. The skin remains intact, without blistering.
A second-degree wax burn extends beyond the epidermis into the dermis. These burns are characterized by redness, swelling, and the formation of blisters. The skin may appear shiny or moist, and the affected area is very painful and sensitive to touch.
Third-degree wax burns are the most severe, damaging all layers of the skin and potentially underlying fat, muscle, or bone. The skin in a third-degree burn may appear dry, leathery, white, brown, maroon, dark red, or even charred black. Due to nerve damage, these burns may cause little to no pain at the burn site.
Typical Healing Timeframes
The time it takes for a wax burn to heal directly correlates with its severity. A first-degree wax burn heals within 7 to 10 days. During this period, the redness gradually fades, and any mild discomfort subsides as the skin repairs itself.
Second-degree wax burns require a longer healing period, ranging from two to three weeks. The blisters that form will eventually rupture and new skin will begin to grow underneath, leading to new skin growth. Proper care during this phase is important to prevent infection and promote optimal healing.
Third-degree wax burns can take more than three weeks to heal, and often require medical intervention such as skin grafting. These burns may result in scarring and may not heal completely without medical treatment.
Care and When to Seek Help
Immediate first aid for a wax burn involves cooling the affected area. You should run cool, not icy, water over the burn for at least 20 minutes to reduce inflammation and pain. After cooling, gently remove any remaining wax, which can be aided by applying petroleum jelly to loosen it before wiping with a clean cloth.
Once the area is clean, apply an antibacterial ointment like Neosporin or Bacitracin, and cover the burn with a sterile bandage or gauze, especially if blisters are present or the skin is broken. For pain management, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen can be taken. Aloe vera gel can also be applied to soothe the burn and promote healing.
It is important to seek medical attention if the burn shows signs of infection, such as oozing, yellow pus, or increasing redness and irritation. You should also consult a doctor if the pain is severe or persistent, if blisters continue to appear after two weeks, or if the burn does not show signs of healing after two weeks. Immediate medical evaluation is necessary if the burn is:
- Large
- Deep
- Appears white or black
- Located on sensitive areas like the face, hands, feet, joints, or genitals