Red spots on skin after waxing

I waxed my upper arms about a week ago and basically these red spots have formed and i was wondering how could i get rid of them and will they eventually go away??

thanks

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

The red spots after waxing are due to folliculitis. Folliculitis is the inflammation of one or more hair follicles. The condition may occur anywhere on the skin.

Folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged by friction from clothing or blockage of the follicle. In most cases of folliculitis, the damaged follicles are then infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus (staph).

Pls keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics after cold compresses. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove.Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful.Also take some antihistaminic like benadryl or claritin.You can also apply calamine lotion on the rash.It will help in soothing the skin In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics may be needed.

Also in future you can go in for laser hair removal which causes permanent reduction of hair and does not cause folliculitis also.Pls consult a good cosmetologist/dermatologist for that.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.