Doctors at a private dermatology clinic in Nice, France reported a connection between the popularity of pubic hair removal and the number of cases of the Molluscum contagiosum virus in the British Medical Journal on March 18, 2013.
The researches found a direct correlation between the practice of pubic hair removal and the rise in the number of cases of sexually transmitted Molluscum contagiosum in the past decade. The virus produces flesh colored dome shaped pearly lesions on the infected area.
The doctors found a higher prevalence of sexually transmitted Molluscum contagiosum in men than women.
“Among the 30 patients, most (93%) had had their pubic hair removed, with most opting for shaving (70%). Among the rest, it had either been clipped (13%) or waxed (10%).” The abrasive nature of shaving was noted to facilitate transmission of the virus as a result of the micro trauma it causes to the skin.
Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a DNA poxvirus called the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). Four varieties of the virus are known to exist. MCV-1 is the most prevalent and MCV-2 is seen usually in adults and often sexually transmitted. The virus is spread by skin to skin contact. Sexual contact, scratching the bumps, and even using a towel that a person who has the virus has used can spread the infection.
The virus can be treated and cured with over the counter medications, cryosurgery, laser surgery, and in the case of immunodeficiency by immunotherapy. Most cases die out naturally after nine months to two years.
Once treated the virus does not remain in the body but reinfection is possible.
The researchers opine that the reasons for choosing genital hair removal 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.
One might expect that it is the fashion and has been for a few decades. The Brazilian wax was first so named in modern times by the J. Sisters salon in Manhattan, founded in 1987 by seven sisters from Brazil named Padilha. The original intent was to eliminate pubic hair from being visible in ever decreasing sizes of bikini bottoms.
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