Ohio Cosmetology License Practice Exam

What is a contraindication for a body wax?

1. Thick hair

2. Sunburn or skin rash

3. Oily skin

4. Dry skin

The correct answer is: Sunburn or skin rash

A contraindication refers to a condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold a certain treatment due to the harm that it would cause the patient or client. In the context of body waxing, sunburn or skin rash is a significant contraindication because the skin in these conditions is already compromised. Waxing an area with sunburn can cause severe pain, irritation, and damage to the skin, possibly leading to further injury or infection. When the skin is sunburned, it is inflamed and sensitive, making it unwise to apply wax, which may tear the skin or aggravate the existing damage. Similarly, a skin rash indicates underlying issues such as inflammation, irritation, or infection, and waxing over such conditions can worsen the situation or spread infection. Hence, the presence of sunburn or a skin rash serves as a clear signal to avoid waxing for the safety and health of the client. Other conditions like thick hair, oily skin, or dry skin are generally not considered contraindications for waxing. While they may pose challenges for effective waxing, they do not imply that the procedure would result in harm, unlike the conditions associated with sunburn or skin rash.