
Skin conditions and how they can affect getting a wax
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS):
HS is a skin condition that causes red lumps and boils, usually in areas like the armpits, groin, stomach, or buttocks. It’s also known as "acne inversa." While it can be painful and sometimes uncomfortable, it’s important to know that it’s not contagious, infectious, or caused by poor hygiene.
How HS Affects Waxing:
Waxing is generally not recommended for people with HS because it can trigger flare-ups. However, if you still wish to wax, we take extra precautions to ensure your comfort. We use lower wax temperatures, smaller strips, and gentle skin stretching to minimise discomfort. If you’re having a flare-up, we recommend waiting until it has calmed down. We may also ask for a note from your dermatologist confirming it’s safe for you to proceed with the treatment.
Aftercare for Clients with HS:
Post-waxing care is similar to other clients, but it’s especially important to keep the area clean and avoid touching it with unwashed hands until the skin has settled.
Psoriasis:
Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition where the immune system causes skin cells to multiply too quickly, leading to scaly, inflamed patches. It’s most commonly seen on the scalp, elbows, and knees but can appear anywhere on the body. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it involves a mix of genetics and environmental factors. Psoriasis symptoms can flare up for weeks or months and then improve or go into remission.
Types of Psoriasis:
-
Plaque Psoriasis: Raised red patches with silvery scales, commonly on the scalp, elbows, and knees.
-
Guttate Psoriasis: Small red dots, often triggered by infections like strep throat, mostly in children or young adults.
-
Pustular Psoriasis: Pus-filled bumps surrounded by red skin, usually on the hands and feet.
-
Inverse Psoriasis: Smooth, red patches in skin folds (under the breasts, groin), worsened by rubbing or sweating.
-
Erythrodermic Psoriasis: Severe red, scaly skin covering most of the body, sometimes triggered by sunburn or medications.
-
How Psoriasis Affects Waxing:
Waxing can irritate psoriasis-prone skin and may worsen symptoms. If you wish to wax, here are some tips to consider:
-
Avoid waxing during flare-ups: Waxing on cracked skin can be painful and may lead to infection.
-
Wait for remission: It’s best to wait until the flare-up is over before waxing.
-
Avoid humid areas: Areas like the underarms may be more prone to lesions, so we recommend avoiding these spots.
-
Low-temperature wax: We use low-melting-point wax and always test the temperature on our wrist first.
Aftercare for Clients with Psoriasis:
To help soothe and protect your skin, we recommend moisturising the area well after waxing. For more aftercare tips, please visit our aftercare page on the website.
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema):
Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a chronic condition that causes skin inflammation, redness, and irritation. It often begins in childhood but can develop at any age. It’s not contagious. The condition can cause intense itching, leading to redness, swelling, cracking, fluid leakage, crusting, and scaling. It’s common to have flare-ups followed by periods of remission.
How Atopic Dermatitis Affects Waxing:
Waxing can irritate eczema-prone skin, especially if you have dense hair. The pulling and heat from waxing can trigger a flare-up, and since waxing removes the skin’s surface layer, it can cause further irritation if the skin is already inflamed. If your skin is damaged or irritated, we suggest waiting until it heals before waxing. When waxing clients with eczema, we use smaller strips to reduce irritation.
Rosacea:
Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that causes redness and a rash, usually on the nose and cheeks. It may also affect the eyes. Symptoms tend to flare up and subside, often triggered by sun exposure or emotional stress.
How Rosacea Affects Waxing:
Waxing is typically not recommended for people with rosacea because it can irritate the skin and trigger flare-ups. Since rosacea weakens blood vessels, waxing may make the skin more prone to irritation. However, if you wish to wax an affected area, we take extra care to ensure your comfort and minimise the risk of irritation.