Bumps on the skin around the vulva (vaginal lips) after waxing are typically a normal, temporary reaction caused by inflammation of the hair follicles (folliculitis). They can also result from bacteria entering vulnerable hair follicles, ingrown hairs, or a reaction to the products used.
POSSIBLE POST-WAX REACTIONS & REMEDIES
Red itchy bumps: Use a 1% hydrocortisone cream followed by Bacitracin or Polysporin or mix cortisone with pure aloe vera (cooled in fridge) and massage a thin layer into skin. Another Option: Massage calendula cream mixed with 1% hydrocortisone into the skin.
Some bumps are a result of post wax irritation and will go away on their own within a few hours to a few days. To help calm your skin, you can use our Ingrown Hair Serum to help soothe and treat any ingrown hairs, bumps or breakouts.
Gently wash the infected skin at least twice a day with an antibacterial soap or cleanser, such as benzoyl peroxide. Use a clean washcloth and towel each time and don't share your towels or washcloths. Use hot, soapy water to wash these items. Protect the skin.
5 Signs Your Brazilian Wax Went Wrong
The "waxing 48-hour rule" means avoiding irritants like sun, sweat, friction, and harsh products for 48 hours after waxing because your pores are open, making skin sensitive to bacteria, UV, and irritation, which helps prevent redness, bumps, and ingrown hairs, allowing skin to calm and heal. This involves skipping hot baths, heavy workouts, tight clothes, and direct sun, while gently moisturizing and starting light exfoliation after this period to maintain smoothness.
Castor oil. As with tea tree oil, castor oil is effective at killing folliculitis-causing bacteria and also has the added benefit or relieving pain and itching where applied.
Follow these steps: wear loose, breathable clothing during and after waxing to prevent heat and sweat buildup; keep skin clean before and after your appointment; use proper pre-wax care like Starpil Pre-Wax Gel to cleanse and prepare the skin; apply post-wax products like Post-Wax Lotion and Oil to soothe and ...
Folliculitis is often caused when hair follicles are infected with bacteria, commonly Staphylococcus aureus (staph). It may also be caused by viruses, fungi, parasites, medications or physical injury. Sometimes the cause isn't known.
The "5 S's" after waxing are common recommendations to avoid for 24-48 hours to prevent irritation and infection: Sun, Sweating, Swimming, Saunas (or heat), and Sex (or friction/tight clothing), with "Synthetics" sometimes replacing Swimming. These activities can open pores, introduce bacteria, or cause friction on newly sensitive skin, leading to redness, bumps, or ingrown hairs, so it's best to let skin heal with loose clothing and calm activities.
After your waxing appointment
Here's how you can protect your results and prevent bumps and ingrown hairs after you leave the studio: Avoid sweating, friction, or heat for 24 hours after hair removal — this includes workouts, saunas, and hot baths.
Brazilian wax aftercare is very similar to bikini wax aftercare, in that the waxed area will likely feel a bit sensitive following your first treatment. Cold compresses and cooling gels can be hugely helpful in soothing the skin. Cold packs can also help close the pores.
Normal post-wax bumps usually subside within 24-48 hours with proper aftercare. If bumps persist beyond 5 days, become painful, or show signs of infection like pus or spreading redness, consult a dermatologist for professional evaluation and treatment.
DON'TS: THE FIRST 24 HOURS AFTER YOUR WAX:
Using cortisone cream: Applying cortisone cream to clean skin after waxing may help relieve inflammation and swelling. Applying fragrance free moisturizers: Applying fragrance free moisturizers, such as aloe vera gel, may help soothe irritated skin post-waxing and reduce inflammation.
Folliculitis is inflammation of hair follicles, most commonly caused by bacterial infections (Staph) or irritation from shaving/friction, but also by fungi (yeasts), viruses, parasites, or certain medications, often triggered by blocked follicles, sweating, tight clothes, or contaminated water (hot tubs). It's essentially an infection or irritation of a hair follicle, leading to red bumps or pus-filled pimples.
Folliculitis Cream(11)
Common Causes of Folliculitis After Waxing
Bacteria entering the hair follicles can trigger an immune system response, leading to inflammation. This can be mitigated by following an aftercare routine recommended by your waxer, and by using a product like EWC TREAT® Ingrown Hair Serum to help keep pores clean post-wax.
Severe vitamin A and C deficiency may cause folliculitis. [1] In vitamin A deficiency the skin shows follicular hyperkeratosis, dryness and generalised wrinkling.
Most cases of folliculitis are mild, and will resolve in 7-10 days, but patients with recurring folliculitis (either short-lived or chronic) can usually be treated by their GP, and most pharmacies will be able to advise about over-the-counter treatments for pseudo-folliculitis.
Waxing is often better for pubic hair removal as it results in less razor bumps and lasts longer than shaving or using hair removal cream.
Waxing too short of hair is a very common mistake. To achieve amazing hair removal results on the International Day of Waxing, you'll want to grow out your hair. We strictly advise a 'two-week rule. You do have to wait for at least two weeks before waxing, especially if you previously shaved that area.
No, most gynecologists don't recommend Brazilian waxes because removing pubic hair strips away its natural protective barrier, increasing risks of irritation, ingrown hairs, folliculitis, and potential infections, though it's a personal choice, with trimming often cited as a safer alternative for hygiene and skin health. While some doctors find it a case-by-case issue, they often suggest options like trimming or laser hair removal over waxing for better vulvar skin health, as pubic hair isn't inherently unclean.