Be very cautious — steroid-treated skin tears like tissue paper. Both topical corticosteroids (hydrocortisone, Betnovate, Dermovate, Eumovate) and long-term oral steroids (prednisolone) thin the skin and weaken the bond between its layers. Wax grips that fragile surface and can lift live skin away with the hair, leaving raw patches, bruising, and slow-healing wounds — the same mechanism as waxing over retinoids, but often worse because steroid thinning goes deeper.
The working rules most UK insurers and training bodies expect:
- Topical steroid on the treatment area: don't wax over it. Ask the client to stop for at least 2–4 weeks and check the skin has recovered — potent steroids (Dermovate) need longer than mild ones (1% hydrocortisone).
- Steroid used elsewhere on the body: waxing untreated areas is usually fine, but inspect the skin first.
- Long-term oral steroids: skin is fragile everywhere, bruising is common, and healing is slow. Patch test, use gentle hot wax rather than strip wax, and get GP confirmation for high doses.
The catch: clients rarely mention a "cream from the doctor" when you ask about medication — eczema and psoriasis flares are exactly when they book waxing because they can't shave. Ask directly: "Are you using any prescription creams on this area, even occasionally?"
Every client, remembered — safely.
SAY-OS keeps each client's contraindications, allergies and history in one place, and flags them at booking — so the right call happens before they're in the chair.
Get Free Early Access