Woman loses hair after bad reaction to wax leads to major infection

A woman who lost her hair while fighting a horrific infection after reacting badly to being waxed is fundraising for ongoing hospital care and a wig.

Jessica Curran, who is a tattoo artist and piercer with modelling experience, has been fighting the infection for months, and had to have her scalp shaved to allow abscesses to drain.

In February, Curran waxed hair from her legs, bikini line and face - not an unusual occurrence, according to her Givealittle page.

She noticed red lumps on her legs a few days later and, thinking they might be ingrown hairs, did not give it a second thought.

But the lumps did not go away.

They multiplied in size and number, causing her to seek the help of a doctor, who prescribed antibiotics.

When the medication finished, the lumps returned, developing into sores and abscesses that spread onto her face and scalp.

"Her hair fell out where the abscesses were, her eyebrows were lost to scarring," Curran's Givealittle page reads.

"This continued for four months, with three rounds of antibiotics, but the antibiotics were not enough."

On June 10, the infection became overwhelming, with her face swelling to the point where it forced one eye closed.

Curran was rushed to hospital and she is unable to work while she recovers.

According to the Givealittle page: "All money raised would go towards a wig that Jessica could wear while her scalp and hair recovered, and to cover her living costs while she is not able to work."

The page was created by her mother Petrina Curran, who stated on the page: "Jessica is my beautiful daughter. It breaks my heart to see her suffering like this."

Petrina Curran did not want to comment when approached by the Herald.

Jessica Curran performing at the Highlife Stonyridge New Year's Party in 2015. Photo / Norrie Montgomery