How to manage red bumps on cheeks after waxing in teenagers?

Question

Hello doctor,

My daughter is 15 years old, and has tiny pus spots and red bumps all over my cheeks, chin, and mouth area due to professional facial waxing three days ago. This is also accompanied by an uncomfortable and continuous itchy sensation. Spots began to form a day after the procedure. I have not consulted any doctor.

My daughter applied Cutivate (steroid) for two days, starting directly after the procedure upon the advice of a beautician. I stopped Cutivate yesterday as my daughter was complaining and she had a cornflour and rose water mask applied and intake of one softened tablet yesterday evening upon the advice of a beautician. However this morning it has gotten much worse and more uncomfortable and itchy.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Here is a breakdown and advice for the situation:

What likely happened?

It sounds like your daughter has developed irritant or allergic contact dermatitis after the waxing. The presence of pus-filled spots and intense itching suggests folliculitis (infection of hair follicles), which can be worsened by trauma from waxing; use of steroids like Cutivate (Fluticasone propionate), which can thin skin; and infection introduced during or after waxing.

What should you do now?

Stop using any steroids like Cutivate, as they can worsen infection if present.
Avoid home remedies like rose water or cornflour masks, as they can irritate further.
Apply a gentle cleanser:Use a mild, fragrance-free face wash.
Wash with lukewarm water twice daily and avoid scrubbing.
Apply a topical antibiotic cream: Mupirocin two percent cream or Fusidic acid cream (available over the counter in some places, otherwise with a doctor’s prescription). Apply thinly to affected areas three times daily for five to seven days.
For itching relief: You can give her Cetirizine (10 milligrams) once daily in the evening instead of softening for better itch relief. Avoid scratching, as it can worsen the infection.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again if you have further queries.

Thank you.