Under what condition should waxing not be performed?

• A. Active infections
• B. Healthy skin
• C. No infections
• D. No symptoms

Answer: (A)

The safety of the skin and infection control is at play here. Waxing should not be performed when there is an active infection on the area to be treated because the skin’s protective barrier is compromised and pathogens are present. Pulling on the skin with wax can push bacteria or viruses deeper, spread infection to surrounding skin or to the practitioner and tools, and raise the risk of complications like folliculitis, cellulitis, scarring, or pigment changes. Wait until the infection has cleared and the skin is healthy again, then perform waxing. If there’s no infection and the skin is healthy, waxing can proceed.