Which of the following are examples of viral skin infections that contraindicate waxing?

• A. Herpes simplex - Active outbreak, herpes zoster (shingles), warts, papilloma, tinea corporis, candida albicans
• B. Bacterial infections
• C. Allergic reactions
• D. No infections

Answer: (A)

The main concept being tested is that waxing should be avoided on active viral skin infections because they are contagious and the skin is already compromised, which increases the risk of spreading the infection and causing irritation or injury.

In this set, the items that illustrate viral infections are active herpes simplex outbreaks and herpes zoster (shingles), which are both viral and highly contagious. Warts and papillomas are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), so they are also viral infections. Waxing over these lesions can spread the virus to other areas or to the waxing tools and can worsen the lesions due to trauma to irritated skin. That’s why these examples represent the viral infections that contraindicate waxing.

The other parts of the list—tinea corporis and candida albicans—are fungal infections, not viral, so they don’t fit the viral category even though they would also be a reason to avoid waxing. The other answer choices describe bacterial infections, allergic reactions, or no infection, which do not address viral infections specifically.