This woman caught an STI after getting a common salon treatment.

May 25, 2015

Image via iStock.

We’ve heard all kinds of hair removal horror stories. From DIY waxing nightmares, to hair removal creams ending in a visit to the emergency department, to accidentally getting your entire face waxed off.

These are all shocking stories in their own ways, yet this one takes the cake: a US woman contracted an STI during a wax. In Cosmopolitan magazine last year, Maddie Rubin recalled being told she’d seemingly caught molluscum contagiosum — a viral skin condition that’s common in children, but can be sexually transmitted among adults — from a “particularly bloody, painful” Brazilian.

“I noticed little bumps on my bikini line/vulva area. Two of them were in a little cluster, and a few others were more sparse. They basically looked like … shiny bumps with a dimple in the middles and a waxy white core,” Rubin wrote. Naturally, she panicked.

Although doctors correctly diagnosed the skin condition, they couldn't figure out what has caused it. After extensive Googling, Rubin sought the advice of a dermatologist, who explained she'd been seeing increasing numbers of women contracting molluscum contagiosum from beauty salons.

Molluscum is a common skin problem with small, harmless raised spots. The spots can stay on the body for a few weeks, several months or more than a year. It is caused by the Molluscum Contagiosum Virus (MCV), which only lives in humans.

One explanation for contracting the virus through a wax could be explained by "double dipping". This is the practice of dipping a wooden spatula into hot wax, rubbing over the area to be waxed and then re-dipping into the wax using the same spatula. Salons typically use a fresh disposable wooden spatula for each dip, but some don’t, meaning that germs on a client’s skin can be transferred into the wax.

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So is it possible to contract MCV from waxing? Well, one study published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections, examined patients infected with molluscum contagiosum, and 90 per cent of them had some kind of hair removal in their nether regions. Seventy percent shaved, 13 percent clipped, and 10 percent waxed away unwanted hair. (Post continues after gallery.)

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But this doesn't necessarily mean it's from "double dipping". Dr Catherine Gazzard, a general practitioner in Melbourne, explains there are various ways it can happen.

"MCV is a common viral infection in children, and it is spread by direct contact with the skin. If the beautician had molluscum, it is possible that if she had it on her hands and didn't wear gloves that she might have infected the client." Dr Gazzard says.

The more likely explanation is that patients who have molluscum contagiosum have a vulnerable area of skin after a wax (and possibly broken skin which always makes infection more likely) and then came into contact with the virus, either from someone else with the infection touching the area, or from themselves.

"You can actually catch it from yourself, which is called auto-inoculation. That is, if the patient had lesions somewhere else on their body and then touched the area in question, the infection can spread to that area." Dr Gazzard says.

But what happens if you do contract the virus?

"It's usually a benign and self-limiting infection, and most cases resolve spontaneously in 6-9 months (keep in mind that I have only seen it in children) depending how long it takes your immune system to mount a response. You can remove the lesions with cryotherapy (freezing) or curettage (scraping), or use creams to stimulate the immune system - but see a doctor for these. Antibiotics do not work." Dr Gazzard says.

The verdict: Almost any hair removal technique can result in skin damage that makes you more susceptible to STIs—but as long as your skin is in good shape, infection is unlikely. When it comes to waxing, stick to a sanitary salon to further reduce your risk. Beauty salon waxing guidelines vary in different countries, so if in doubt about your salons hygiene standards, ask. If you are concerned you have an STI, then see your doctor.

Popular forms of birth control

Contraceptive pillThe Pillis the most popular form of birth control. There are two types: the combined pill, containing two hormones, and theprogestogen-only, or mini, pill, which only contains one female hormone. The combined pill works by preventing the ovary from releasing an egg each month. The mini pill changes the mucus at the entrance of the uterus, which stops sperm from entering. Both are 99.7% effective; however, they don't offer protection from STDs.

Intrauterine deviceIUDs are small, T-shaped devices that are inserted into the uterus by a doctor in order to prevent pregnancy. There are two types of IUD: copper, which affects the movement and survival of sperm in the womb while changing the lining of the womb;and hormonal, which releases progestogen (a synthetic version of the naturally-occurring hormone progesterone) into the uterus. Although IUDs have a success rate of more than 99%, only around 2% of Australian women currently use one.

CondomsThe male condom is a barrier contraception that prevents both pregnancy and the transmission of STDs. They work by collecting semen so it doesn't enter theman's partner's body. Condoms are 95 to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

The female condomThe female condom is a pre-lubricated sheath, which loosely fits inside of the vagina. The condom has a removable ring, which helps to insert the sheath and keep the condom in place. A larger ring remains on the outside to cover the opening of the vagina. They are designed to fit all women and can only to be used once. Due to misuse of the product it is only 79 per cent effective.

DiaphragmLike the male condom, the diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception. It's a shallow silicone dome that's inserted into the vagina andcovers the cervix, which is the entrance to the uterus. It's held in place by the pelvic muscles, and works by preventing sperm from entering the uterus. After sex, diaphragms need to remain in placefor another six hours, in which time the sperm inside the vagina die. This method is 88 to 94% effective at preventing pregnancy, although this rate increases with experience.

Birth control implantThis is a 4cm-longimplant that is inserted into a woman's upper arm, just under the skin, by a doctor. It releases a hormone called etonogestrel, which prevents ovulation and thickens the mucus in the cervix, which can stop sperm from entering. Contraceptive implants - usually sold as Implanon - are removed under anaesthetic every three years, and are close to 100% effective.

Vaginal ringVaginal rings are soft plastic rings that contain the same two hormones as the combined pill - oestrogen and progestogen. The ring is inserted into the vagina, where the hormones are absorbed into the body and then prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. Once inside the ring can't be felt, and it needs replacing every three weeks (with one week's break in between). When used correctly, this method is more than 99% effective.

Depo ProveraDepo is a long lasting hormonal injection. The synthetic form of progesterone is administered every 12 to 14 weeks to woman, preventing pregnancy within this ongoing time period. The injection, which is given in the buttock or muscle of the upper arm, prevents ovulation and thickens the mucus in the cervix, helping to block sperm. The injections are 99 per cent effective but do not protect against STDs. Male contraceptive injections are currently being trialled

The morning after pillEmergency contraception (popularly referred to as the morning after pill) is used to prevent a pregnancy following unprotected sex. Other reasons include missing a contraceptive pill or a condom breaking. It is common in Australia to use the progestogen-only method. This entails a dosage of EC pills containing progestogen or the synthetic version. A doctor can prescribe the pill or they can be bought over the counter at a pharmacy without a prescription. Emergency contraceptionis 85 per cent effective in reducing the risk of pregnancy.

SterilisationSterilisation is a permanent form of contraception. For women there are two types of sterilisation: tubal ligation, in which clips are placed on the fallopian tubes, or tubal occlusion in which a device is inserted into the tubes. These methods work by preventing the sperm from reaching the egg. Tubal litigation is 99.5 per cent effective. The Vasectomy (for men) works by cutting and blocking the tubes called the vas deferens, preventing sperm from leaving the testicles. The chances of impregnation with a vasectomy are 1 in 1000.

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