Can one contract infections after bikini waxing? is there any scientific evidence?
Question:
Answers:
Yes, theoretically it is possible. Every hair you pull out leaves an open pore in the skin where bacteria can easily enter and cause an infection
Bikini Waxing and Hair Removal
Introduction
Many Lymphedema therapists recommend that women with leg and/or genital lymphedema do not use bikini and/or leg waxing. This article answers the question, ”Why not?”
What is Bikini Waxing?
A bikini wax is performed at a salon, spa, or other personal-services business. Here a female technician applies warm wax to a woman's pubic and groin area and then places cloth strips over the wax. The warm wax causes the hair in this area to adhere to the cloth strips. After the wax cool and hardens the strips of material, and the attached hair, are removed by pulling the fabric strips off the skin. Leg waxing is a similar process that is performed on the legs to remove unwanted hair.
Why Waxing is Not Recommended
If these tissues are affected by lymphedema there are several important reasons why bikini and/or leg waxing are not recommended.
The wax must be warm to melt. Placing heat on lymphedema affected tissues is not recommended.
Bikini wax is performed in a commercial setting where it is not possible to always be assurd of finding appropriate sanitary standards.
The process of pulling away the cloth to remove the hair can damage the skin.
Skin affected by lymphedema is very sensitive and needs to be treated gently with appropriate cleansing and lotions. Waxing is "not a gentle treatment.”
The wax gets into the hair follicle and pulls the hair from the root. This potentially opens a break in the skin that could be an invitation to infection.
This procedure does not produce permanent hair removal and periodically must be performed again.
Depilatory
A depilatory is a chemical used to remove unwanted hair. Since skin affected by lymphedema is fragile, there is always the danger that this treament can damage the skin.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is the use of electrical current to destroy unwanted hair follicles. With any procedure of this sort that is performed in a commercial setting, there is always the danger of infection. Also, because skin affected by lymphedema is sensitive, there is always the danger of irritating or damaging the skin.
Laser Hair Removal
According to Laser Facts, which is published by the FDA, “A laser hair removal system, which has been approved by the FDA, may not claim that laser hair removal is either painless or permanent." This means that although laser treatments with these devices will permanently reduce the total number of body hairs, they will not result in a permanent removal of all hair.
Since skin affected by lymphedema is delicate and easily damaged, it is prudent to forego having this procedure performed on lymphedema tissues.
What is the Answer?
The most commonly recommended hair removal procedure is to shave very carefully with an electric razor that is properly maintained. This includes keeping it clean, using it only for these areas, and replacing the razor heads as needed.
Shaving an arm pit that is affected lymphedema is difficult because of the swelling and unusual folds in these tissues. Another factor is the loss of thesense o touch in this area. Rather than taking chances, it may be best to not shave under this arm.
More Questions & Answers...