The effectiveness of waxing or epilation compared to conventional methods of hair removal in reducing the incidence of surgical site infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Surgical site infections (SSIs) pose a significant challenge to healthcare systems by elevating patient morbidity and mortality and driving up financial costs. Preoperative skin preparation is crucial for preventing SSIs; however, certain traditional methods of hair removal have been found to increase the risk of SSI development. Mechanical epilation and waxing constitute two relatively explored methods of hair removal, which may hold potential to accelerate wound healing due to the activation of stem cells within hair follicles. This review assesses the efficacy of preoperative hair removal via waxing and mechanical epilation in reducing SSI incidence.

Methods

This systematic review was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (ref: CRD42023423798) and a protocol p

SUBMITTER: Cutteridge J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11659287 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature