‘Brazilians’ Can Give You The Pox


A French dermatology study has found pubic hair removal procedures may boost the risk of contracting Molluscum contagiousum; a pox infection that can be passed through sex. (In related news, this is a risk we are willing to take.)

Bikini picture from Shutterstock

In a bid to determine whether pubic hair removal played a part in the spread of Molluscum contagiousum, the research team visited a private skin clinic in Nice, France over a period of 15 months.

Of the 30 cases infected with Molluscum contagiosum during this time, 93 per cent had removed their pubic hair, either by shaving (70 per cent), clipping (13 per cent) or waxing (10 per cent).

“Signs of the infection (pearly papules) had spread up to the abdomen in four cases and to the thighs in one,” the researchers noted. “In 10 cases, there were other associated skin conditions, including ingrown hairs, warts, folliculitis (bacterial skin infection), cysts and scars.”

The report claims that the removal of pubic hair facilitates transmission of the disease as a result of the micro trauma it causes to the skin.

Bizarrely, the report goes on to pontificate about the possible reasons why ‘brazilians’ are fashionable among women, without citing any evidence to support its claims.

“The reasons for choosing genital hair removal remain unclear, but may be linked with internet based pornography, increased sexual sensation, an unconscious desire to simulate an infantile look, or a desire to distance ourselves from our animal nature.” Er, maybe try sticking to the hard numbers, guys.

Pubic hair removal: a risk factor for ‘minor’ STI such as Molluscum contagium? [BMJ Group]


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