Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Contra-indications to waxing/sugaring

NVQ Level 2 Beauty Therapy

Clare Hargreaves-Norris

What is a contra-indication?

It is something that prevents or restricts the way in which the treatment is carried out.

It is important that you can recognise a contra-indication so to prevent any further harm to the client or yourself, and to prevent cross-infection and secondary infection.

Clare Hargreaves-Norris

The contra-indications that require medical referral are:

Severe skin conditions – i.e. acne vulgaris, boils, dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis

Diabetes Severe varicose veins

If the client has any of the above conditions, you must recommend that the client seeks medical advice and treatment before proceeding with the waxing/sugaring treatment. It is important that you do not just send the client home, as they need to receive treatment from their doctor in order to prevent the condition from worsening and to alleviate the condition. If the client is already receiving treatment then a doctors note is required.

Clare Hargreaves-Norris

How to deal with a contra-indication

It is important that you do not diagnose any of these conditions as it is unprofessional and may worry or upset the client unnecessarily. If you suspect that the client has a contra-indication you should:

Inform the client that there is a possibility of a contra-indication and explain that you can not carry out the treatment as it may cause harm to the client.

If the client wishes for the treatment to be carried out they must bring you a doctors note.

Reassure the client and offer an alternative treatment that is not contra-indicated.

Make a note on the record card.

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The contra-indications that restrict are: Sun burn or recent exposure to sun or heat Cuts or abrasions Bruising Warts or hairy moles Self tan Heat rash Abnormal hair growth

These will restrict your application and should be avoided when proceeding with the treatment.

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Contra-indications

That require medical referral

Lets have a look in more detail

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Boil

A red, raised, painful lump will appear around a hair follicle and then pus will develop. It will extend deeply into the skin and so therefore may cause scarring once the boil has healed.

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Acne vulgaris

This condition is linked to the hormones of the body and is most common in teenage years. You would recognise acne vulgaris by the following:

inflamed skin papules and pustules comedones open pores seborrhoea (greasy shine)

Acne vulgaris is due to the influence of the androgen hormone at puberty and can only be treated once medical approval has been obtained.

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Dermatitis

An inflammatory skin disorder in which the skin becomes red, swollen and itchy with the possibility of blisters and pus, it is usually localised. Dermatitis occurs due to the action of a substance on the skin resulting in irritation. If this was present in the area you would not be able to treat the client. If they are not already receiving treatment recommend that they seek GP advice.

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Eczema

Common symptoms are reddening of the skin with swelling, dryness, itching, cracks and blisters. Quite often the skin leaks a fluid which in turn forms scabs. Eczema is more likely to occur in the finger, elbow and knee joints, although can be found all over the body. The cause may be an internal or external irritant or may be genetic.

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Psoriasis

Red patches of skin appear with scale like waxy cells covering the area. Bleeding will occur if the area is scratched, removing the scales and then secondary infection may occur. No real cause is known, although it is thought to be hereditary or stress related.

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Diabetes

You will not be able to tell by looking at the client if they are diabetic, they will have to inform you during the consultation. If a client is diabetic they have a reduced healing rate, waxing can therefore cause unnecessary trauma and bruising to the area. For this reason, seek GP referral before you proceed with the treatment.

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Varicose veins

Varicose veins appear as blue/purple swollen, knotted and enlarged veins on the legs. The treatment may cause discomfort or even damage to the veins and for this reason a doctors note must be obtained before the client can have their legs waxed.

Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Contra-indications

That restrict the treatment

Lets have a look in more detail

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Sunburn or recent sun/heat exposure

The skin would appear red and warm to the touch. If there is severe sunburn present then blisters or peeling may develop. You cannot wax over the area.

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Cuts or abrasions

The skin would be broken or grazed with dried blood present. You must cover the area with a plaster if it is still bleeding slightly, otherwise with petroleum jelly and work around the area. Remember to follow strict hygienic practices and wear your protective gloves.

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Bruising

The skin would be a different colour from the rest of the area, a purple/red colour. If the bruise can be worked around, then apply petroleum jelly and continue with the treatment, avoiding the bruise.

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Warts

A raised growth on the skin that usually has a rough surface and is grey/yellow in colour. They are contagious and so must be covered over with a plaster and totally avoided during treatment.

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Hairy moles

A raised lump on the skin that is usually brown/black or skin coloured. They will have hairs growing from them, which can be trimmed with scissors but must not be waxed. This is because the treatment may stimulate cancerous cells to grow. Firstly check the mole for any irregularities and if non are present apply petroleum jelly and work around the area.

Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Self tan

This will appear as orange/brown coloured skin that may be patchy or streaky in places. Due to the fact that waxing removes dead skin cells, some of the self tan will also be removed. If the client does not want their tan removing then the area should be avoided or the client may choose to come back at a later date.

Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Heat rash

This will appear as any area of redness with small red lumps. The area should be avoided as the heat from the waxing treatment will irritate the rash further.

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Abnormal hair growth

If on consultation you notice that the client has an excessive amount of hair growth on a facial area it may be due to a hormonal imbalance or a condition of the body. It may be in the clients best interest to check with their GP as to the cause, as it may be able to be treated with medication rather than waxing.

Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Let’s test your knowledge of the contra-indications to waxing.

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What is the following contra-indication?

Sunburn

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Contra-indication

Define contra-indication.

A condition is something that prevents or restricts the treatment from being carried out.

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What is the following contra-indication and what procedure would you follow?

Mole – contra-indication that restricts treatment. The therapist should apply petroleum jelly and work around the area.

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Diabetes

How would you recognise diabetes and why can we not treat?

The client would have to inform you at consultation stage. Because of the reduced healing rate there is increased possibility of causing spot bleeding or internal bleeding – doctors note is required.

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What is the contra-indication and why can we not treat?

Varicose veins – would be uncomfortable and pressure could cause the walls to burst or a blood clot to move.

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What is this contra-indication called?

Psoriasis

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What is the following contra-indication?

Boil

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Warts

How would you recognise a wart?

Rough uneven small lump that is normally yellow/grey in colour.