When working with candles, especially when producing them as a business or side hustle the risk of injury from hot wax is much higher than from just using them. With this in mind, you need to protect yourself by ensuring you have an appropriate working environment for making candles.
You need a clean, well-lit, well-ventilated area and you need to be wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment or PPE. With these steps in place, you can mitigate if not eliminate the risk.
What degree burn is a wax burn?
Wax burns are typically second-degree burns so we need to act appropriately to the severity of the burn, second degree means it has penetrated the first 2 dermal layers but has not reached the subcutaneous layer.
If hot wax comes into contact with cold water, for example, the water causes the wax to erupt outward as it comes into touch with the puddle of hot wax around the burning candle. The type of candle and/or wax used can have a significant impact on the degree of your damage.
Paraffin wax melts at 120 degrees Fahrenheit, votive candles at 135 degrees Fahrenheit, and taper candles at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Beeswax, which melts at 145 F or above, causes the most serious burns. To avoid burns, keep the wax temperature below 125 degrees Fahrenheit where possible.
How to treat / get rid of a wax burn
The severity and extent of the burn will determine the treatment. Before attempting any home therapy, consult your doctor.
For second-degree burns, use the following instructions:
Gently clean the burn with soap and water.
Blisters should not be broken. A blister that has been opened might become infectious.
Apply a thin coating of ointment to the burn, such as petroleum jelly or aloe vera. Antibiotics are not required in the ointment. Some antibiotic ointments have the potential to trigger an allergic response. No cream, lotion, oil, cortisone, butter, or egg white should be used.
If necessary, use a sterile nonstick gauze (petrolatum or Adaptic-type) softly taped or placed over the burn to prevent it from rubbing and pressure. Use a dressing that does not lose fibers, since they can become entangled in the burn.
Once a day, change the dressing.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if you’re in agony. Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin are examples of these. Stick to the instructions on the bottle. Aspirin should not be given to children under the age of two, or to anybody under the age of 18 who has or is recovering from chickenpox or flu symptoms.
Do wax burns go away?
Minor wax burns and scars can take 1 to 2 weeks to cure completely. If you have sensitive skin, fading may take a bit longer. Scarring may or may not happen depending on the severity of the burn and your proclivity towards scarring.
In conclusion
Hopefully, this does not put you off making or using candles as it is a great way to make money or to simply relax and enjoy the benefits that candle burning can bring.
If you are interested in making candles to sell as a business or side hustle then have a look at these articles:
Profitable Candle Making Business: Can I Do It? Spoiler:Yes!
What Candles Sell The Most? The Best Sellers And Why – Guide
Where Is The Best Place To Sell Candles? How Do I Sell Them?