Chris always dug getting his tits, cock, and balls waxed. He thrilled at the fleeting sting that gripped his attention as each drop of molten candle wax struck. He especially loved it when his buddy Ike first blindfolded him, bound him spread-eagle to four screw eyes sunk into the floor, fluffed his tits with suction cups, and rubbed his throbbing nipples and genitals with sandpaper. Then the wax. Chris could never tell where or when it would strike--or where it would dribble after it landed on his skin. If he twisted aside to avoid it, he only exposed a fresh, vulnerable area. When the build-up of cooled, hardened wax provided too much insulation, Ike would roughly scrape it out of his victim's crotch and chest hair with a large-toothed comb--and then start all over again.

This type of play with hot wax is something most of us have experimented with. It is a very common type of thermal torture in S/M. But the use of heat in S/M includes a wide variety of techniques, from simple hot wax all the way up to branding--a very advanced scene best reserved for highly committed bottoms (slaves, usually) and technically expert tops.

It is possible to enjoy the stimulating effects of heat scenes with relative safety if you understand something about burns and how to prevent or treat them. Least severe are first-degree burns, which cause the skin to become reddened and painful to the touch but do not create blisters. This type of injury is seen every summer in the form of sunburn. Heat scenes that may result in unintentional first-degree burns include hot wax, hot oil, and cigars or cigarettes. They should be treated with a topical analgesic such as Solarcaine.

Never use beeswax candles for hot-wax scenes. The cheaper paraffin type is safer because it has a lower melting point; it's still plenty hot enough to give a nice sting! Also, remember that melted wax spatters when it is dropped or poured from a height. When waxing someone's nipples, be careful that the hot liquid does not splash into his eyes or face. Any height above three inches from the body is completely safe; wax dripped from a lesser height can cause burns, and on hairy skin it may act as a depilatory, removing the hair permanently.

Short votive candles can be fun when set in place at various strategic points on the bottom's prone body. Slight movements will shake the candles, causing the pools of melted wax at the tops to spill over. (It will cool enough to be safe as it runs down the sides.) Be sure, however, to remove the metal foil on the bottom of such candles before use. Otherwise, as the candle burns down, the metal foil will get very hot and possibly cause a burn or even a scar. Also, be sure to anchor the candles firmly with melted wax applied first to the skin where you want to set them. A lighted candle that tips over onto the body can cause a serious burn with its flame. Some tops like to end this kind of scene by blowing out each candle, pulling it off the bottoms body, inverting it, and rubbing his skin with the softened and still-hot end. If you do this, wait a few seconds until the wick is no longer glowing or a burn will result.

You can avoid burns with cigars and cigarettes--unless a permanent mark is desired--by keeping the glowing ember at the tip from actually touching the bottom's skin. Maintain about a quarter-inch distance to be completely safe. (The bottom should be firmly restrained so he doesn't inadvertently eliminate this safety margin by jerking around!) You will still create a distinct sensation of heat at the spot where you are holding the butt, and your subject's imagination will probably magnify it considerably.

A head of ash on a cigar or cigarette acts as a buffer; you can actually brush the ash against the skin without bringing the tip close enough to burn. You can intensify the psychological effects of this scene even more by first rubbing his nipples, say, with ice cubes and then bringing your butt slowly closer and closer (up to the quarter-inch limit). The temperature contrast will make the relatively slight heat feel much hotter.

Hot oil can be used much like wax--but be sure you drip it, don't pour! The lighter oils, such as salad oil, are safer because they heat up and cool down quickly, making it easy to regulate their temperature. (Never use oil that is visibly boiling.) Before you apply hot oil to your partner, test it with your fingertip. If it is too hot to touch, wait and let it cool somewhat, then try again. If it feels hot but not burning, try a few drips on the inside of your wrist where the skin is very sensitive. If you can take it there, he should be able to tolerate it anywhere you're likely to apply it. You night try working the procedure of testing the oil's temperature into the scene as a means of building suspense.

Warm, not hot, oil can also be used in small quantities as a douche. It should be no more than 8 degrees above normal body temperature (98.6 for most people). Use a candy thermometer to check the oil's temperature. (NOTE: Be aware that oil will break down latex condoms. If you want to play safely, don't follow this with fucking.)

Although not itself hot, Ben Gay ointment is often used in a scene to give a sensation of heat (it causes a rush of blood to the skin surface where it is applied). Use it with caution: if it comes into contact with mucous membranes lining the eyes, nose, mouth, urethra, or rectum, the pain will be unbearable. Also, be careful about using Ben Gay and then covering the treated area with airtight plastic wrap (as in a mummification scene), since this will greatly exaggerate the sensation. If you need to remove Ben Gay in a hurry, use a mild detergent, such as dishwashing liquid. (hand soap will not get it off.)

Unlike the other scenes we've considered, branding is intended to cause a burn, specifically a second-degree burn, which is characterized by blisters and some scarring. It is absolutely not anything to get into lightly, since the scene itself is extremely intense both physically and psychologically, and the result is usually permanent, or at least very long-lasting. Before you consider either branding someone or letting yourself be branded, talk with someone who has experienced it or done it. And then think a long time before you commit yourself.

If branding is done sloppily or the resulting burn is not treated properly, there will be an ugly scar instead of a clean mark. Even well done, the psychological stress of the scene can cause fainting or possibly shock, and these contingencies must be prepared for. As those who are experienced will know, a brand must be covered immediately with sterile gauze spread with an antibiotic. While it is healing--usually a period of several weeks--the wound should be washed three times a day with a germicidal soap and water, then covered with a fresh dressing. Standard cattle brands are too big to use on a human being--the wounds they make are too large to heal easily without damage. Aficionados of the scene have their brands custom-made. Only iron (not steel) should be used.

I have heard the suggestion that a temporary brand can be done by immersing the iron in very hot oil instead of flame. This could be a dangerous procedure unless you have practiced a lot (with inanimate objects, such as grapefruits) and know exactly how hot to get the iron. Ideally, such a brand would cause a first-degree burn, with redness lasting several days or longer, but no scarring like a second-degree burn.

Branding is ordinarily done on a very fleshy area, such as the ass.

Second-degree burns anywhere else--but especially on the hands, face, eyes, and genitals--should be seen and treated by a physician as soon as possible. The same applies to a second-degree burn covering an area larger than the palm of one's hand. All third-degree burns, those in which the various layers of the skin have been completely destroyed, require immediate medical attention. Such burns can be caused by accidental spills of boiling oil or grease or by prolonged contact with an open flame.

Heat scenes are an exciting part of S/M. By taking the necessary precautions, you can make some hot man even hotter--safely!

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