You are here:

Burns/Skin discoloration from nair facil hair remover

Advertisement

Expert: Jim B - 11/27/2008


Question
Dear Jim,
Almost 2 months ago I used Nair facial hair remover between my eyebrows and might have left it too long (although the instructions say up to 10 minutes and no more), I started to feel a burning sensation so I washed of the cream and didn't think much about it. The following day the affected area was red and it started to scab after a few days, I went to the pharmacy and was recommended a cream called dermaid for minor skin irritation relief. When the scab came off(by itself) I was left with a pink mark which got darker and between pink and brown. I made the mistake of not putting sunscreen and going out in the sun the first couple of weeks. Now every time I go out I use 45 spf sunscreen, besides I've also been using bio-oil and desitin, and although I think it is getting a little bit lighter the difference is not very noticeable and I am getting scared. Will this leave a mark or will it slowly fade away? Can you recommend anything else I should be doing?
Thanks so much for your help


Answer
Hi Lisa,

The discoloration should disappear on its own over a few months. Continue using a mild skin protector and a good sunscreen. The damaged epidermis will slowly flake away, but it can take some time. Avoid using Nair or similar products in the future, as you are one of those that is just too sensitive to it. Instead try waxing.

Hope this helps!

Jim

Burns

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jim B

Expertise

I can answer a variety of questions concerning the physical care of burns and burn patients which commonly are of interest to both patients and their families. Also I may be helpful in suggesting lifestyle modifications which will help with a more complete recovery from a serious burn. I can also accept questions regarding the physical classifications of burns and the implications regarding the size, depth, and location of burns. What I cannot answer based on my own knowledge and experience I can refer to my current and former collegues in the field including the plastic and trauma surgeons and burn recovery organizations. In many of these cases I will provide a line of communication directly to a specific expert or organization. While I can describe general treatments routines with which I am experienced,I cannot answer questions dealing with specifuc diagnosis of conditions or problems. Additionally, please understand that the area of burn treatments is an experimental one in which there is constant progress and change. Each Burn Center invests a major effort in the development of new materials, treatments, medications, and techniques. In this area of constant change and growth no one can be fully aware of all treatment courses employed.

Experience

I am a licensed Paramedic and have also worked as a wound technician in a large regional Burn Center in a Trauma Level 1 hospital. I have experience in the areas of burn evaluation and care, both long-term and immediate first aid. I have also worked as a volunteer couselor with post-burn patients dealing with issues ranging from life-style changes to re-entering the world as a serious burn survivor.

Education/Credentials
BA Economics and Biology, AA Health Care Management, EMT-P licensed in Missouri, ABLS (Advanced Burn Life Support)qulification, ACLS-EP (Advanced Cardiac Life Support-Experienced Provider), Former National Ski Patrol Winter Emergency Care Instructor and Senior Evaluator, Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic Instructor.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.