Which symptom indicates an active viral infection that contraindicates waxing?

• A. Open cold sores
• B. Dry skin patches
• C. Hair loss
• D. Redness only

Answer: (A)

Active viral infections are a red flag for waxing because the skin’s barrier is compromised and the procedure can spread the virus or worsen the infection. Open cold sores signal an active herpes simplex infection, which is highly contagious. Waxing over those lesions could transmit the virus to nearby skin or to the waxed area, and the pulling action can irritate or spread the outbreak, delaying healing. For this reason, waxing should be postponed until the lesions have fully crusted and disappeared.

The other options don’t indicate a contagious viral infection. Dry skin patches aren’t necessarily infectious and may just be irritation or flaking; hair loss isn’t a viral symptom; and redness alone could be mild irritation or inflammation rather than an active infection.