Severe complications of a "Brazilian" bikini wax

Clin Infect Dis. 2007 Aug 1;45(3):e29-31. doi: 10.1086/519425. Epub 2007 Jun 18.

Abstract

A 20-year-old Australian woman with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes presented with life-threatening Streptococcus pyogenes and Herpes simplex infection of her external genitalia following a routine perineal "Brazilian" bikini wax. Extensive pubic hair removal is now common among young adults in Australia and elsewhere. However, the infectious risks of these practices, particularly among immunosuppressed individuals, are often underappreciated.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brazil
  • Cellulitis / etiology
  • Cellulitis / microbiology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / drug therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Genitalia, Female / pathology*
  • Hair Removal / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Insulin / therapeutic use
  • Streptococcal Infections / etiology*
  • Streptococcus pyogenes*
  • Treatment Refusal
  • Waxes / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin
  • Waxes