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Burns/Depilatory Cream - Burn

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Expert: Jim B - 1/19/2006


Question
I have used a sensitive depilatory cream many times to remove genital hair, with no side effect.
This time however, I belive I have reacted with a chemical burn - red, hot, burning.
What treatment is recommended?


Answer
Hi Rhett,

This is a chemical burn in all probability although it can also be an allergic reaction. Treat is first as a burn. If the skin is generally intact use bacitricin and coat the area lightly. keep the area clean by using unscented soap twice a day.

If you are finding raised red areas it may be allegic reaction time. Treat it like a burn and you mighht try an oral antihistamine like Benadryl (Generic is Diphenhydramine.)

Hair removers like Nair, Sally Hansen, etc dissolve the protiens that make hair so that it will just wipe off. The base of the hair shaft is softer and is more easily disolved than the top is so the hair closest to the root goes first. If left on too long the reaction you describe is a common result due to the fact that the stuff likes to eat skin too. So you end up removing a layer of your protective epidermis every time you use it. If you use the stuff too frequently your skin has not had a chance to grow more outer skin and so you start getting close to the inner dermis which hurts and is in fact what a burn does.

Befor using a depilatory again test a skin area to see if it prevokes a reaction. Why? Because if it IS an allergic reaction you will become increasingly sensitive to it and the reaction will be worse every time you use it.

More questions? ask away!

JimB

Burns

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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.

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