Waxing is one of the most common ways to get rid of unwanted hair. But some people worry that it can lead to boils or pigsa. Can waxing cause boils? Read to on to learn the answer to this question and more.
What are boils and why do they occur?
Furuncles, or boils, are painful, pus-filled lesions that are often rigid. They happen when the infection around the hair follicles penetrates deeper. They typically reside beneath the arm, in the buttocks, and around the waist.
Carbuncles, on the other hand, are collections of boils that are typically found on the thigh or the back of the neck.
Now, folliculitis is an easier-to-treat kind of boils. This is a hair follicle infection that typically has Staphylococcus aureus bacteria – the germ most frequently responsible for these infections.
Staphylococcus aureus is most commonly found in the nostrils, armpits, area between the legs, and in between the buttocks. It can spread from the nostrils to other areas through the fingernails.
Can waxing cause boils?
Can waxing cause boils?
Because the wall of a hair follicle is a weak spot in the skin’s defenses, tiny nicks, grazes, or objects rubbing against the skin can inoculate germs there. When the bacteria are introduced, a boil develops and runs its typical course for around 10 days.
Waxing is a rapid approach to remove hair from most regions of the body. However, after waxing, boils frequently appear on the skin.
Folliculitis develops as a result of injury from hair removal. When hair follicles are damaged, they become more sensitive to invading germs. Furuncles and carbuncles can develop when Staph bacteria, which are naturally found on the skin, infiltrate the hair follicles deeper.
What are the symptoms of boils?
One or more sensitive red lumps, pustules, or patches may show as boils.
A painful lump in the skin, pus in the core of the lump, and a yellowish, red discharge from the boil are all possible boil symptoms.
How can we prevent boils, and how do we take care of newly waxed skin?
Boils can be avoided by routinely changing undergarments or clothes and keeping proper cleanliness. By using antibacterial soap to wash the body at least once every day, you can keep the area clean. Of course, the exposure to microorganisms can be decreased by routine hand washing.
After answering the question, can waxing cause boils, let’s talk about aftercare. After waxing:
- Take a cool shower or use a cool compress as soon as possible after waxing to lessen sensitivity and irritation.
- Refrain from having hot baths or showers.
- Wear loose, breathable clothes to prevent friction and irritation.
- Avoid perfumed products, such as fragrant creams and lotions as they can irritate sensitive skin.
- Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours after waxing as perspiration can irritate freshly waxed skin.
Can pigsa be treated at home? How?
Using a warm compress to hasten the natural drainage process is the safest and simplest technique to cure a boil at home. As pus and blood slowly rise to the skin’s surface, warmth raises the pressure inside the infected pore. The boil should ultimately crack open and completely drain if a warm compress is applied on a regular basis.
Small, simple boils can be treated by soaking a clean washcloth or towel in hot water, wringing most of the water out, compressing it, and applying it to the boil for 10 to 15 minutes. This procedure should be repeated 3 to 4 times daily, or until the boil has opened.
Depending on where it is and how big it is, the opened boil should heal in a few days to a few weeks as long as it is kept clean, dry, and protected.
If you are concerned about boils or any skin issue, please get in touch with your doctor for accurate assessment and proper treatment.
Learn more about Skin Health here.
