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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)
More aesthetic for some, hair removal of the intergluteal fold requires some precautions. But according to our medical director and emergency physician, Dr. Gérald Kierzek, it can also cause rather… unexpected discomfort, seen in consultation. Things to know before going under the wax or laser!
Having smooth, hair-free skin down to the smallest nooks and crannies of the body is what SIF hair removal enthusiasts are looking for. This is what we call the intergluteal groove, or intergluteal fold, designating the fold located between the two buttocks. The intergluteal groove thus includes the anus and the area all around, called the peri-orificial area. An area which, we can understand, turns out to be sensitive, whether it is waxed or lasered for a definitive version.
Pathologies linked to the intergluteal fold to know
According to a previous Doctissimo subject, several pathologies, of varied origins, can also affect the intergluteal groove. They may then question the possibility or not of local hair removal.
- Mycoses, candidiasis and infectious intertrigo. “Like the armpits and the area under the nipples, the intergluteal fold is a fold prone to friction and humidity. As a result, mycosescandidiasis or infectious intertrigo with a staphylococcus can develop there.explained Caroline Pouget, dermatologist and member of our committee of experts.
- Cysts. In this location, we find a specific cyst of the intergluteal fold: the pilonidal cyst. “It is a deep cyst which has its orifice inside the intergluteal fold, at the level of the hairs.underlines Caroline Pouget. “An abscess is created at the level of the furrow, which due to its location is difficult to treat and requires a surgical procedure”she adds.
- Inflammatory pathologies such as psoriasis or eczema. More classic, these inflammatory skin diseases cause more or less severe skin itching, as well as a need for scratching.
- Verneuil’s disease. This inflammatory skin pathology, also called hidradenitis suppurativa, causes repeated abscesses in the same area or in nearby parts of the body. “It is a chronic infection, quite painful”, notes the dermatologist.
The little-known danger after SIF hair removal
Apart from these pathologies, there is also another danger at this precise location, which hair removal will reveal: that of a burn… because of friction. This is the case of a patient who presented to the emergency room recently: after a nice hair removal of the SIF, he went for a hike where he spared no effort. Result ? A local second degree burn on this now very clear furrow.
“Hair actually has a usereveals Dr Gérald Kierzek, they particularly protect against sweat. In the event of hair removal, microcuts and irritations occur and can become superinfected, especially in the event of friction.
A bit like the irritation that we can experience at the level of the rubbing of thighs…but more central and more boring.
“Moral, in case of freshly waxed SIF, avoid activities that can cause a lot of friction such as hiking or cycling!” concludes Dr. Kierzek.
Slide: What you don’t know about the buttocks