Revenge Of The Killer Bikini Wax

I admit it. On occasion, I have had certain parts of myself, including the bikini area, defurred by professionals wielding sticks of hot, dripping wax. It's never been my favorite thing, but being of Eastern European descent, there have been times when I've wanted to look a little tidier in my summer attire. But I never thought that this seemingly innocuous -- although somewhat painful -- ritual that millions of women undertake every day could be deadly.

According to an article in Women's Health magazine, several women have developed life-threatening cellulitis, which includes a high fever, chills, and pain. One woman, interviewed for the article, had to be hospitalized for 15 days after surgery to drain the infection, and nearly lost a leg. Because of this, Brazilian waxes (where nearly everything comes off -- and yes, some men get their “Manzilians” too) were almost banned in New Jersey.

But you're just getting a wax, right? What's wrong with that?

“Pubic hair is there for a reason -- to protect the sensitive skin and mucous membranes in the genital region,” Linda K. Franks, M.D., an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the New York University School of Medicine, told Women’s Health. "Getting a wax literally strips away that layer of protection."

The skin in the area of the groin, especially if you go even barer with the Brazilian (ouch), is much thinner and more sensitive than on other areas of the body. The wax can literally pull off tiny pieces of skin, leaving you vulnerable for infections.

Ingrown hairs could be the least of your problems. Along with the life-threatening cellulitis, women have also developed staph infections and folliculitis (infections in the hair follicles).

What can you do, if you want that sexy bare look but aren’t willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice?

First of all, if you have diabetes, chronic kidney or liver disease, a weakened immune system, or a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, Dr. Franks recommends that you ditch waxing altogether. It could just be too dangerous. For the rest of us who don't want to take a razor to our delicate areas yet don't want to spend the summer wearing shorts over our bathing suits, pay attention to what's going on in your salon:

1. Do some detective work before you make your first appointment. If you have friends who've gone there, ask how it went and what the place looked like. Make sure anybody who will be working on you is properly licensed and trained. It also might be a good idea to pop by before your appointment to see if the place looks clean. Ask about their sanitation measures. A reputable establishment wouldn't balk at that question, or a request for a tour.

2. It's all about the wax. Lots of places use "speed wax." It rolls on with an applicator, which makes waxing faster and easier for the cosmetologist. But this could also make it more painful on you -- and therefore more damaging to the skin -- than hard wax.

3. Just like any medical professional you visit, your practitioner should wash those hands before touching you or the apparatus that will be used on you. If you don't see her do it, ask. Better yet, she should glove up. Make sure the spatulas are new. And the cosmetologist should check the temperature of the wax so you don't get burned. And NO double dipping into that pot of wax! If you don't like what you’re seeing, speak up, or leave. It's your money, and more importantly, your health.

4. Take care of yourself afterward. One of Dr. Frank's colleagues recommends that you apply an over-the-counter antibiotic cream and a hydrocortisone cream to the area for a few days to prevent possible infection. And watch the area carefully. Look for rashes, ingrown hairs, or open sores. Call your doctor pronto if you notice redness or swelling, itching or burning, skin peeling or fever.

Go for that grooming if you must, but stay safe. Also remember to time your waxing so that you get a day off from the sun before you bare.

Do any of you splurge for the waxing thing? Any of you do it yourself?