Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/393439
Create your free business website! www.ascpskincare.com 29 Human papilloma virus (HPV) HPV is extremely common—and it can be deadly, because it is the only cause of cervical cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 82 percent of women between the ages of 20–24 currently have, or have had, HPV. Given that this demographic is well represented among bikini/Brazilian waxing clients, the need for proper infection control is obvious. In fact, the risk of HPV infection from Brazilian waxing is so high that the state of New Jersey attempted to outlaw the practice in 2009 after two women nearly died from infections they picked up during a waxing service. The virus generally has no symptoms. It causes warts in some patients, but there is usually no way of knowing your client has HPV just by looking. Molluscum contagiosum Of all the pathogens associated with waxing, the most common by far is Molluscum contagiosum, a viral skin condition that is highly contagious and difficult to eradicate. Dermatologists agree it is easily spread through unhygienic waxing. The virus causes small, round bumps that can become red or inflamed, and can spread to any part of the body. It can take many months to eradicate it from the bikini area, creating an embarrassing and stressful situation for those infected. Keep in mind that this highly contagious virus may not only be a risk for your client, but also for you as a provider. One of the most frustrating aspects of this virus is that it spreads by touch—you can catch it (or spread it) by simply touching an infected area or by touching anything that has touched an infected area. Herpes: Courtesy CDC/Dr. Hermann Molluscum contagiosum, top photo: E. van Herk, licensed under Creative Commons. Molluscum contagiosum, bottom photo: Indian Journal of Dermatology/Gilles Safa, licensed under Creative Commons.