Does waxing create skin cancer? 

There is no reason to suggest that waxing, both normal and non-traumatic waxing, increases the risk of skin cancer in the way it is now performed. A series of waxing procedures that results in severe discomfort, ingrown hair, and scars could be an exception. In this situation, scar tissue is more likely than normal, unscarred skin to develop skin cancer. However, this is still a low-risk factor. A hereditary predisposition, being of Northern European ancestry and living in the subtropical, tropical, or equatorial latitudes, one or more severe burns in one’s life, a high degree of cumulative sun damage, history of arsenic exposure, immunosuppression, ionising radiation exposure, and the use of tanning beds are all risk factors that have a greater impact.

Sun sensitivity

A freshly sunburnt face should never be waxed. At the same time, after waxing, one should be particularly cautious about sun exposure. The procedure removes sections of the epidermis (top layer of skin) as well as the hair aiming to remove. As a result, just like a chemical peel, the effects on the epidermis can make the skin more susceptible to the sun. Waxing removes a very thin layer of skin along with the hair, making waxed areas more susceptible to sun exposure – a condition called photosensitivity. According to the Food and Drug Administration, this is more likely to happen when using a hormonal contraception.

Hence, increased sun sensitivity from waxing might contribute to skin cancer, if not being a primary cause of it. Use sunscreen on exposed areas and/or wear protective clothes outside, even on cloudy days, to avoid the sun’s harmful effects on waxed skin.

Waxing after skin cancer

Waxing should be avoided during cancer treatment since the skin becomes extremely sensitive as a result of the treatments, for a variety of reasons. Customers can get their undesired hair removed once the treatment is complete and the hair has grown back after a few months. Hair follicles usually work normally again after treatment, and hair growth continues.

Chemotherapy, for example, makes the skin more sensitive generally, and the skin barrier’s function decreases, particularly in the facial area. Waxing during cancer treatment would be too stressful for the already sensitive skin, even is the facial hair stayed intact from the cancer therapy. Chemotherapy’s impact on the skin has decreased in recent years, and many clients do not need to adjust their typical facial care practises while undergoing treatment.

Radiation-induced severe skin damage is thankfully, becoming less common. Nonetheless, because the hair follicles in this area are frequently destroyed, irradiated skin stays permanently sensitive. If a person has a history of skin cancer, he/she should not wax without the permission of an oncologist or dermatologist, even after completing treatment. Depending on the type of skin cancer, the doctor may recommend aesthetic therapy or not. Before waxing, the beautician should inspect the client’s skin to ensure that it is healthy. The skin should be free of inflammation and have recovered well from the negative effects of cancer treatment. The beautician can record the present skin condition using a questionnaire.

Hair loss is a common side effect of cancer treatment for many patients. As a result, many people undergoing cancer treatment stop waxing and shaving. However, many women may want to continue waxing where there is hair growth after their treatment is complete to help them feel more like themselves. It is vital to take some precautions when waxing after cancer treatment, but it is still possible to do so.

Risks to Waxing after Cancer Treatment

After cancer treatments, it is vital to proceed with hair-removal techniques like waxing with caution, as skin can be quite sensitive as a result of radiation and chemotherapy. Waxing with caution is still an option if the skin has not been severely affected by the procedures. Any skin treatments after chemotherapy or radiation should be done with extreme caution to avoid infection. Because cancer therapies suppress the body’s immune system, patients are more susceptible to infection. As far as possible, utilise disposable equipment that can be thrown away after each use to ensure that all tools are thoroughly cleaned and sanitised.

If the body is in excruciating pain from cancer treatments, or the skin is suffering from the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation, it may be best to avoid waxing and other procedures that increase sensitivity. When providing therapy, avoid cuts and scrapes that could get infected, and make use of gloves.

Waxing the body while undergoing cancer treatment should be done with safety and attention. Because chemotherapy and radiation can have such a wide range of impacts on people, the reaction to waxing may be extremely different as well. Waxing should be done with caution, but it can be done to assist persons with cancer to feel more like themselves if they feel the need.

Hair Removal during Cancer Care

Many hair removal treatments include heat or friction, which can cause pain and sever as an entry point for infection, particularly in people who are experiencing or recovering from cancer. Furthermore, these procedures can be unpleasant, which is amplified when the skin is compromised.

Some chemotherapy medications produce hair thinning or partial hair loss, but not all. Hair loss is one of the most dreaded adverse effects of treatment from a psychological aspect. Patients who are receiving chemotherapy may have a weaker immune system, making them unsuitable for hair removal procedures. Some women may develop undesired facial hair after undergoing chemotherapy due to “medical menopause”. Approximately one month following  the last chemotherapy treatment, this hair may appear. It may resolve on its own in some cases, but in others, the person may choose to have the hair removed professionally or by themselves.

Waxing can be excruciatingly uncomfortable for someone who is undergoing chemotherapy. The person may experience discomfort as the hair is pulled from the root, and the wax adheres to their skin, removing skin cells with it. While this is an advantage for people who have no health problems, it may cause increased irritation and inflammation in persons who have delicate, fragile skin and are under chemotherapy medications. This can be made worse if the person develops and allergic reaction to the wax’s ingredients. There is also a risk of burning the skin if the wax is uncomfortably hot. Bruising might develop if the skin is not held taut when removing the wax strips.

Waxing a neutropenic or thrombocytopenic patient would be quite dangerous. Also, keep in mind that this patient’s skin has a dry side effect. If the skin is not well moisturised, it will be more readily irritated, and will be more likely to tear it. Certain toxic chemotherapy drugs can also impact melanocytes, resulting in hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Any harsh wax compositions can stimulate melanocyte activity by causing cellular trauma; when chemotherapy drugs already affect melanocytes.

Waxing on a radiation-treated area of skin that may be thinner or have a distinct texture. It is important to identify any neuropathic pain that may be accompanied by a loss of sensation. It is not recommended to wax over an area of irradiated skin where hair is growing. It is similar to waxing over a burnt area, except the skin may get more fibrotic over time. The wax’s heat has the potential to “burn” over previously burnt skin.

Hair removal can resume once the skin’s integrity has returned to normal following cancer treatment. This could last anywhere from four weeks to six months or longer depending on the individual. Remember, some individuals have to be monitored for life, and the skin integrity must be examined on a frequent basis owing to medication changes and/or adverse effects.

 

Sources:

1. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/shaving-vs-waxing-whats-better-for-your-skin/

2. https://pink-cosmetics.com/en/waxing-secrets-blogs/waxing-after-skin-cancer/

3. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/how-to-wax