Wax Pan Dangers: Red Eyes And More

Waxing is an efficient way to remove hair, but it can cause redness and irritation. This is usually due to the removal of hair from the follicles, which can leave the skin sensitive and inflamed. It can also be caused by improper waxing technique, overly sensitive skin, or allergic reactions to waxing products. If hot wax gets into the eye, it can cause serious long-term injury and even lead to blindness. It is important to flush the eye with water or a sterile saline solution and seek medical assistance immediately.

If wax gets in your eye, do not rub it

• Try to flush your eye out gently with water or a sterile saline solution. Gently pour the water or saline over your eyeball. You can use a glass or small jug of water held against your eye.
• If there is still a feeling of something being in your eye, have someone gently hold your eye open and pick out the wax chunks.
• If your eye blisters, your vision is blurred, or there are other persistent issues, seek medical advice.

Flush your eye with water or a sterile saline solution

If your eyes get red from a wax pan, it's important to act fast. In this case, you can try flushing your eyes with water or a sterile saline solution. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Recognize the Issue

First, it's important to identify the cause of eye redness. Wax from a pan can cause eye irritation, redness, and discomfort. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to take action and start the flushing process.

Step 2: Gather Materials

You have two options for flushing: water or sterile saline solution. If you choose water, ensure it is clean and debris-free, preferably from a tap, hose, or shower. If you prefer a sterile saline solution, purchase one from a pharmacy or healthcare provider. Do not use homemade saline solution, as it may contain bacteria and cause eye infections.

Step 3: Prepare Your Hands and Contacts

Before you begin, ensure your hands are clean by washing them thoroughly with soap and warm water. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before flushing. Leaving them in could trap chemicals or debris, making the symptoms worse.

Step 4: Find the Correct Position

Tilt your head down, with the affected eye at the lowest point. This prevents the water or solution from spreading to the other eye. The liquid should flow from the inner eye to the outer corner.

Step 5: Begin Flushing

Use the water or solution for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep your eye open as much as possible during this process, allowing the liquid to travel across the entire eye. Look up, down, and to the sides to ensure that no chemicals or debris are trapped under your eyelids. The pressure of the liquid should be steady but not too strong to avoid hurting your eye.

Step 6: Seek Medical Attention

Even after successfully flushing your eyes, it is important to seek immediate medical attention, especially if chemicals were involved. Bring a sample of the chemical with you if possible so that it can be identified by medical professionals.

Remember, it is crucial to act quickly and follow these steps carefully to ensure the safety and well-being of your eyes.

Do not try to remove any wax stuck in your eye. Seek medical assistance

If you have wax stuck in your eye, it is important that you do not try to remove it. While it may be tempting to rub your eyes or attempt to flush out the wax, doing so can cause further damage, such as a scratched or torn cornea.

Instead, seek medical assistance immediately. If possible, have a friend gently hold open your eye and pick out the wax chunks. If you are unable to get to a doctor right away, try blinking rapidly and moving your eye around to help your tears naturally flush out the wax.

It is crucial to act promptly to remove the wax from your eye to avoid infection or further irritation. Even after successfully removing the wax, the discomfort may persist for some time. If you experience any changes in your vision, eye discharge, or pain that lasts longer than 24 hours, be sure to seek medical attention.

Your eyes are delicate, and allowing foreign objects to remain in your eye puts your vision and health at risk. Therefore, it is always best to err on the side of caution and seek professional help when dealing with something stuck in your eye.

Avoid wearing contact lenses until the injury has healed

If you've had an injury to your eye, it's important to avoid wearing contact lenses until the injury has healed. This is because your cornea—the outermost surface of your eye—needs to be able to access oxygen from the air. When you wear contact lenses, particularly soft contact lenses, a limited amount of oxygen reaches your eye. This is usually fine, but when you sleep with your lenses in, no oxygen reaches your eye at all. This can cause your cornea to become damaged, which eye professionals can detect under magnification.

Sleeping in your contact lenses can also increase the risk of eye infections and corneal ulcers (open sores on the cornea). If you develop an eye infection, it's important to remove your contact lenses immediately and make an appointment with your eye doctor.

Contact lenses that don't fit properly can also cause issues. It's important to work with your eye doctor to ensure your lenses fit correctly and to follow their instructions for wearing and caring for your contact lenses.

Apply a cooling gel, or an aloe vera-based gel to soothe skin and subdue redness and inflammation

Applying a cooling gel or an aloe vera-based gel is an excellent way to soothe skin irritation and reduce redness and inflammation. These gels are designed to provide a cooling sensation that helps alleviate discomfort and promote healing.

Cooling gels are often used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation caused by burns, sunburns, or skin irritation. They are also effective in soothing skin post hair removal or facial treatments. One such product is the Acriflex Cooling Burns Gel, which is odourless and non-sticky, providing relief from superficial burns, sunburns, and irritated skin.

Aloe vera-based gels are another popular choice for skin soothing and cooling. Aloe vera has natural cooling properties and is often used to treat sunburns, providing a soothing and hydrating effect on the skin. The Banana Boat Cooling After Sun Gel, infused with aloe vera and vitamin E, is a great option to calm and moisturize the skin.

Additionally, cooling gels can be used after waxing to reduce redness and irritation. The GiGi Post Wax Cooling Gel, for example, is designed to refresh and soothe the skin after waxing, leaving it feeling calm and comfortable.

When choosing a cooling gel, look for products that are gentle, non-irritating, and suitable for your skin type. Always follow the instructions on the product label for proper usage and storage. By incorporating cooling gels into your skincare routine, you can effectively manage skin redness, inflammation, and discomfort.

Frequently asked questions