How to Get Rid of a Rash from Nair

Depilatory creams like Nair are a popular method of hair removal, as they are easy to use, can remove hair from awkward spots you can't get with your razor, and the results last longer than shaving. Hair removal creams rely on chemicals to break down your hair, and unfortunately those same chemicals can irritate your skin and cause a rash (dermatitis).^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceMedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of MedicineGo to source} Read on to find out what to do if your skin reacts to the hair removal cream and how to prevent future outbreaks.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Treating the Rash Immediately

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1
Run cold water over the area for 10 minutes. You probably want to hop in the shower to do this so you can have a steady stream of water flowing over the rash. Make sure you are rinsing off any cream that may still be on your body, including the residue.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Do not use soap, body wash or any other product to cleanse the area as you rinse your body.
- Gently pat your skin dry after rinsing.
2
Seek emergency treatment if you feel dizzy, experience severe burning or numbness, or have open or weeping spots around your hair follicle. You may have a chemical burn and need professional treatment.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- If the rash is on your face, around your eyes, or genitals, contact your physician for assistance.
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3
Wipe off the cream as soon as you notice a reaction. A little tingling is normal, but if your skin starts to burn, get the cream off your skin immediately. Some companies include a spatula to help scrape off the product; use the spatula or a soft cloth to wipe the cream off your skin.^{[4]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Don't scrub your skin or use anything rough or abrasive (like a shower loofah or exfoliating glove) to remove the cream. You don't want to scratch yourself or irritate your skin further.

Part 2

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Soothing the Rash

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1
Use moisturizing cream on the rash.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Academy of DermatologyProfessional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologistsGo to source} A moisturizing lotion may be made up mostly of water and, with repeated use, can actually strip the natural oils from the skin, causing further irritation. Look for a cream or ointment that is not labeled as a solution or lotion and contains natural oils.
- Aloe vera will also soothe and hydrate the skin affected by the rash. You can use an aloe vera gel or use it straight from the plant itself.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Make sure the product is unscented, as the additional ingredients can irritate your rash.^{[7]XResearch source}
2
Apply a hydrocortisone cream to reduce swelling, reduce redness, and itching. Hydrocortisone is a mild corticosteroid and can make you much more comfortable as your rash heals. It should only be used in the short-term unless longer use is prescribed by a doctor.^{[8]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Stop using the cream if you experience further irritation or redness or develop acne where you applied the hydrocortisone.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source}
- Laying a damp cotton cloth over the applied hydrocortisone can help your skin absorb it faster.
3
Take an antihistamine to control itchiness. You can get over-the-counter antihistamines in drowsy or non-drowsy formulas. Your body will have released histamines to protect you from infection, but these may also cause you to itch (they're the same things that cause your nose to run when you have an allergic reaction). The antihistamine will suppress the side-effects of the histamine, leaving you itch-free.^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source}
- If the itching is keeping you awake at night, try an antihistamine that makes you sleepy (it probably won't be labeled as such, but it won't have "non-drowsy" on the box).
- Because antihistamines can make you tired (sometimes even the non-drowsy antihistamines can have this side-effect), don't take any before driving or doing anything else that requires you to be very alert.^{[11]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
If you begin developing other side effects, like hives or a fever, or your current symptoms get worse, contact your doctor immediately.^{[12]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Avoiding Making the Rash Worse

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1
Don't touch or scratch the affected area. This can damage and further irritate the skin and can lead to an infection. You may even have some depilatory cream still under your nails.
- Wear loose clothes that won't rub or chafe the rash and possibly cause a friction burn.
- When using a cloth to wash the Nair off, don't rub too hard or scrub and try not to wipe the same area too many times.
2
Use soap with care when you shower. Depending on the type of soap and severity of the rash, you could make the rash worse by using soap when you shower. Pick a mild, fragrance-free cleaner or a gentle non-abrasive soap such as Cetaphil and use as little soap as possible. Do not use deodorant soaps.^{[13]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- You might also try an oatmeal bath, which can give some relief. You can add ground oatmeal directly to warm bath water or make a sachet.
3
Don't shave or reapply cream for 72 hours after using a depilatory cream.^{[14]XResearch source} You should wait 24 hours before applying deodorant, perfumes, makeup, or tanning lotions to the area where you've used the cream. These products can cause you to develop a rash or possibly a chemical burn.
- Wait 24 hours before going swimming or sunbathing.
Choose unscented baby wipes that contain aloe in place of toilet paper if the rash is on your bikini area.

Expert Q&A

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Question
Does triple antibiotic cream help get rid of this rash?
Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
Registered Nurse
Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.
Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
Registered Nurse
Expert Answer
Triple antibiotic ointments will help prevent or treat an infection. Often, the rash from Nair is an inflammatory response or an allergic reaction and not an infection. You cannot treat the itching, swelling, and redness with the triple antibiotic ointment. An over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or antihistamine cream are better options if an infection is not suspected. If needed, visit your dermatologist or doctor to determine what the best treatment is.
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Question
What if I don't have any creams?
Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
Registered Nurse
Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.
Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
Registered Nurse
Expert Answer
Keep the itchy area cool and moist. Put cloths soaked in ice water on the rash a few times a day. Too much wetting and drying will dry the skin, which can increase itching. Keep cool, and stay out of the sun. Heat makes itching worse. You might also add a handful of oatmeal (ground to a powder) to your bath. Or you can try an oatmeal bath product such as Aveeno. Avoid scratching as much as possible. Scratching leads to more scratching. Cut nails short or wear cotton gloves at night to prevent scratching. Wear cotton clothing. Do not wear wool and synthetic fabrics next to your skin. Use gentle soaps such as Basis, Cetaphil, Dove, or Oil of Olay and use as little soap as possible. Do not use deodorant soaps. Wash your clothes with a mild soap such as CheerFree or Ecover rather than a detergent. Rinse twice to remove all traces of the soap. Do not use strong detergents.
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