How to Treat Wax Burns

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Wax burns can be very painful, but don't worry. Whether you were burned in the process of wax hair removal , by a candle, or in some other encounter with hot wax, there are several steps you can take to relieve the pain and treat the burn. When a minor wax burn happens, begin by cooling the burn and removing any wax. Then clean, treat, and dress the wax burn.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Cooling the Burn and Removing the Wax

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-1.jpg\/aid9542666-v4-728px-Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The first step with a wax burn is to cool the skin. Fill a sink, bathtub, or wash basin with cold water and soak the burn for at least 5, but preferably closer to 20, minutes. [1]
    • If the burn is on your face, soak a towel in cold water and apply it to your face.
    • Only apply water. Do not use any soaps or other cleansers, as they could further irritate your burned skin.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-2.jpg\/aid9542666-v4-728px-Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    After soaking, look to see if there is still wax attached to the burn. Peel the wax away carefully. If skin is coming off with the wax, stop pulling. [2]
    • Avoid removing any wax that touches a blister.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b2\/Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b2\/Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-3.jpg\/aid9542666-v4-728px-Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Small burns that are mild in nature can be treated safely. However, if any portion of the burn has turned white or black, if you can see bone or muscle, or if the burn area is much larger than a quarter, it is important to seek medical help. [3]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/88\/Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/88\/Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-4.jpg\/aid9542666-v4-728px-Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If there is still wax stuck to your burn, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the wax. Wait 10 minutes. Gently wipe the petroleum jelly off with a soft, damp washcloth. The remaining wax should come off with it. [4]
    5. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Treating the Burn

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-5.jpg\/aid9542666-v4-728px-Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Wash your hands using mild soap and water before rinsing the burn with cool water. Do not apply soap to the burn. Pat the area dry with a soft towel. [5]
    • Some skin may come off during washing.
    • Burns are particularly prone to infection, so it is crucial to keep them clean.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/aa\/Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/aa\/Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-6.jpg\/aid9542666-v4-728px-Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Look for 100% aloe vera at a local pharmacy or grocery store. Apply a thin layer of this to the burn area. [6]
    • If you have an aloe plant at home, you can cut off a leaf and squeeze the ointment out from inside.
    • If you do not have aloe vera, vitamin E oil is another good option.
    • As an alternative, you could also use silver silvadene cream to prevent infection. [7]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5c\/Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5c\/Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-7.jpg\/aid9542666-v4-728px-Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    with medical gauze. If the burn contains blisters and/or broken skin, it is advisable to dress the burn. Apply 1-2 layers of fresh medical gauze over the wound, and secure it with medical tape. Change the gauze 1-2 times per day or if the gauze gets wet or soiled.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-8.jpg\/aid9542666-v4-728px-Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, can help you to feel better. Follow any instructions of the packaging. [8]
    • Keep the area of the burn elevated to decrease swelling.
  5. 5
    Avoid touching the wound. Scratching or picking at the wound can be tempting, but it's also risky for your wound. Your fingers often contain germs that could infect the burn, and touching it could damage the skin as it tries to heal. Keeping your hands off the wound could help it heal better.
  6. 6
    Stay out of the sun. Your burned skin will be extra sensitive, so it's important that you protect it from the sun. Don't go outdoors more than necessary until your burn heals.
    • If you must go outside, apply sunscreen to the area. Choose an SPF of at least 30. You should also wear a cover.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7c\/Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7c\/Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-9.jpg\/aid9542666-v4-728px-Treat-Wax-Burns-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your burn shows signs of infection (like a foul smell, accumulation of pus, or increased redness) it is important to seek medical care. You should also see a doctor if your burn has not healed in 2 weeks. [9]
    8. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Treat an Oil Burn
      How to
      Heal a Lip Burn
      How to
      Treat a Burn from an Iron
      How to
      Treat an Ice Burn
      How to
      Determine if a Burn Is Infected
      How to Treat a Hot Glue Burn
      How to
      Soothe a Burnt Tongue
      How to
      Treat a Hydrogen Peroxide Burn
      How to
      Treat Carpet Burns
      Treating and Preventing Hot Water Scalds on Your Skin
      How to
      Treat a Burn from an Oven
      How to
      Treat a Turf Burn
      How to
      Heal a Cigarette Burn
      How to
      Treat a Hand Burn
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/burns/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20035028
      2. ↑ https://healthfully.com/home-remedy-hot-wax-burn-6170188.html
      3. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/burns.html
      4. ↑ https://healthfully.com/home-remedy-hot-wax-burn-6170188.html
      5. ↑ https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/tc/home-treatment-for-second-degree-burns-topic-overview
      6. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/burns/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20035028
      7. ↑ https://www.medicinenet.com/silver_sulfadiazine-topical/article.htm
      8. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/burns/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20035028
      9. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/burns/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20035028

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you have a small wax burn, you can treat it at home by first submerging the burned area in cold water for 20 minutes. After soaking, carefully peel away the wax on your skin that you can remove. For sensitive areas, apply petroleum jelly to the wax and wait 10 minutes, then use a soft, damp washcloth to wipe the wax and jelly away. Once the wax is removed, wash your hands and rinse your burn with cool water. Then, simply apply aloe vera or antibiotic ointment to your burn and wrap it in medical gauze. However, if any portion of your burn turns white or black, if you can see bone or muscle, or if the burn is larger than a quarter, you should seek medical help. For more tips from our Medical co-author, like how to reduce pain and swelling from a burn, scroll down.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 208,330 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Rita Gorman

        Mar 9, 2020

        "I burned my finger while I was fixing a hat with a hot glue gun. This site helped me to stop the burning and the ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement