When waxing becomes too taxing

Dear Betsy,I just had my legs waxed a few days ago and I have broken out in a horrible rash with yellow pimples and my skin is peeled off in some areas and is red and angry.

I did complain that the wax was too hot but the girl said that was only because the weather was hot and my skin was warmer.

Why did this happen and what should I do to make it heal.

Deanna.

Dear Deanna,

First of all I would recommend that you go back to the salon and show your legs to the manager.

She needs to know what has happened to you and she should be able to offer you professional advice and compensatory options.

However, if you have yellow pimples then it sounds like you could have infected follicles which will require medication and if your skin is red and angry it may have been burned for which you may also require medication.

Visit your doctor and keep your legs out of the sun.

Scrupulous attention to hygiene is necessary for waxing procedures and the correct preparation and aftercare of the skin is vital also.

Wax and wax removal strips should be disposable and thrown away after use and never reused, although some salons still use fabric strips for wax removal which they wash and reuse.

Your skin needs to be cleansed prior to waxing with an alcohol based solution to remove surface oils and bacteria and after hair removal a soothing lotion should be used to prevent any irritation or infection.

The wax should be tested first by the therapist then also on your skin before use to ensure it is at the correct temperature and a single area should not be repeatedly waxed if stubborn hairs remain.

This can result in those red angry spots you describe as the surface layer has been irritated, burned and peeled off. Stubborn hairs should be tweezed out using sterilised instruments. The condition and type of wax is also an important factor.

Locally made wax or halawa, with sugar, needs to be used immediately as bacteria can quickly multiply on this type of product if it is left lying around.

Dear Betsy,

I want to redecorate our home and want to use wallpaper to give a glamorous modern look. Where can I buy wallpaper in Bahrain?

Julia.

Dear Julia,

I am afraid you will be rather disappointed as there are very few shops on the island that sell wallpaper.

ID Design does keep some in stock as do Manazil but both have very limited choices.

If you don't mind waiting a couple of weeks then visit Phoenicia dŽcor in the Seef area. It has endless books of wallpaper designs from the sublime to the ridiculous and at prices to suit most budgets.

Once you have made your choice the staff will order it for you and, most importantly, organise professionals to hang it for you.

Order a couple of extra rolls to allow for matching, depending on the pattern size and another couple of extra rolls to allow for mistakes and future accidents in case you need to do a quick repair job.

Dear Betsy,

My doctor says I have to lose weight and work on my cardio-vascular fitness, but I hate exercise.

I tried yoga but just couldn't get into it, aerobics classes are just too embarrassing and walking seems to have little effect.

The dietician at the hospital has given me a diet but she says it will have limited effect without exercise.

What do you suggest Betsy? What kind of exercise will help me to lose weight without getting bored.

Depressed Baby Hippo.

Dear Depressed Baby Hippo,

I know just how you feel! I also hate the idea of slogging it out in the gym.

The latest exercise craze to hit the kingdom promises to produce spectacular results in less than 30 minutes three times a week.

This type of circuit training uses double resistance machines that work fast to tighten and tone your body while increasing your fitness levels and helping weight loss.

I know it sounds a bit like "the gym" but honestly it is much more fun.

It involves spending 30 seconds exercising at a machine then moving on to the next machine or recovery station (jogging or walking on the spot or stepping) for 30 seconds and completing a circuit of around 23 stations then repeating the circuit.

End up with a stretch and within 30 minutes you can be in the shower feeling virtuous and on an endorphin high.

At present I found only two places in Bahrain that offer this type of exercise.

Curves in Budaiya, is a ladies only facility with friendly, well trained staff who do their best to motivate you and keep it fun, with one or two instructors always in the gym to correct your posture and help you reach your potential.

They offer body fat analysis and help you set goals and targets and take your weight and measurements.

Their opening hours are somewhat limited and they are closed on Fridays. Their fees, however, are very reasonable.

The other facility is the Dreambody Centre in the Seef area. This has separate gyms that cater to both men and women.

The staff here are happy to train you up to use the equipment effectively but then you are largely left on your own and staff are rarely to be seen in the gym offering support and assistance, but some people prefer this approach.

They don't offer a body fat analysis but will measure you.

Their fees are considerably higher, but they are open seven days a week with longer opening hours and they are in a prime location.

Additionally, members are offered a free nutritional booklet written by renowned local nutritionist, Alia Almoayyed.

Many ladies I spoke to at these centres were like you and had previously hated exercise and were never able to maintain regular exercise for long until they tried this form of fitness activity.

Both of these centres offer a "free week's trial" as they are so confident that you will enjoy yourself and feel the benefits within that first week that you will be enticed to join.

As with any new diet or exercise programme, you should first check with your physician that it is suitable for you

BETSY SAYS RELAX

Catch 'listmania" to improve your time management skills and reduce stress levels. Make a list every night of the tasks you need to perform the following day and prioritise them. Tick them off as you work your way through the tasks. Experience a feeling of satisfaction as you do so and, hey presto, you will find yourself with more time to relax.

IF ONLY YOU DO ONE THING THIS WEEK

Don't take yourself too seriously. Does it really matter if everything in your life isn't perfect? Instead of stressing over the imperfections, celebrate and luxuriate in your blessings, no matter how small or imperfect they are.