Laser hair removal is an effective and safe solution to unwanted hair growth. The laser light heats the pigment within each hair follicle, discoloring and eventually falling out over time.
Before and after laser treatments for herpes, people should take antiviral medications as directed to prevent outbreaks from the herpes simplex virus which responds to light stimulation by activating. Light can stimulate an outbreak and laser therapy may induce it.
Avoiding Photosensitive Medications
Laser hair removal is an efficient, permanent solution to eliminating unwanted hair. It works great no matter where it appears on the body and works great with all skin types. Laser treatment is far faster and more convenient than traditional methods like waxing, shaving or creams for getting rid of unwanted strands.
But before booking your laser session, there are a few considerations you must keep in mind. If you are taking medication that makes your skin sensitive to UV rays, such as antibiotics, it is wise to wait until their effects wear off before scheduling laser therapy treatment. Some drugs can cause an adverse reaction similar to sunburn known as phototoxicity.
Some medications that can trigger this reaction include antihistamines, birth control pills and antibiotics. As this may differ depending on who takes them, it’s a good idea to read any warning labels associated with your prescriptions to see if there are any possible interactions with sun or laser treatments.
Other medications that may lead to phototoxic reactions include sunless tanning creams containing ingredients that darken skin; acne medicines like Accutane and Retin-A; and blood thinners. All three can be activated when exposed to sunlight or artificial UV lighting sources, like tanning booths. Also, topical products applied directly onto skin; taking medicine by mouth or injection; or coming into contact with someone carrying this medicine can all trigger phototoxic reactions.
Before getting laser hair removal, there are several things that should be avoided before starting treatment. Avoid products like sunless tanning creams that darken the appearance of the skin as these could impede with results and treatments that disturb hair follicles such as waxing, shaving or electrolysis that might disturb them as these could impact negatively upon results.
As taking Acyclovir can diminish its effectiveness of laser hair removal procedures, if you’re considering having laser hair removal done it is wise to notify your physician as they can help determine if it is safe and may order lab tests to monitor your blood function and immune system before suggesting a course of treatment.
Avoiding Antihistamines
Antihistamines used to treat allergies can render your skin highly photosensitive and should therefore be avoided prior to laser hair removal.
Acyclovir is an antiviral medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat infections caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). It’s FDA-approved for treating genital herpes, HSV encephalitis, shingles, herpes zoster (chickenpox), as well as blocking viral DNA synthesis in cells. Available as tablets, capsules or suspension to take orally directly on herpes sores; or topically applied directly as needed – taking it daily as soon as symptoms such as tingling, burning or blisters appear. Be sure to follow directions given on prescription labels as well as on Medication Guide or Instructions for Use included with any given medicine!
Do not administer Acyclovir to children aged under 2 years, nor with other medications without first consulting your physician or pharmacist. Also be sure to notify all doctors, including any over-the-counter drugs, vitamins or herbal supplements you are taking that could have an impact on how it works or increase risk for side effects.
If your immune system is sensitive, taking Acyclovir could exacerbate herpes symptoms and create other issues. Herpes symptoms may include genital sores; pain, burning or itching; redness or swelling; as well as affective effects on the nervous system.
Before beginning laser hair removal treatments, it is advisable to avoid products or treatments which darken the surface of the skin, as these could increase your risks of perifollicular edema, which causes swelling in hair follicles.
Before laser hair removal, it is also a wise idea to discontinue taking any supplements or herbs that might affect your skin’s sensitivity to light, such as garlic and gingko biloba. Doing so increases the risk of damage or bleeding during laser treatment and could impede its success.
Avoiding Acyclovir
Acyclovir (Zovirax) is an antiviral medication approved to combat herpes viruses that spread within the body. It has been clinically tested against herpes simplex viruses, herpes zoster (shingles) and herpes poxvirus type 2 (chickenpox). Furthermore, Acyclovir also reduces symptoms associated with genital herpes infections like fever and sores – this medicine requires a valid valid medical prescription from a licensed provider in order to be taken.
Acyclovir works to inhibit herpes virus replication by targeting its DNA-producing machinery. To do so, it competes with host cell’s DNA polymerase for incorporation into newly synthesized viral DNA; as a result, replication halts due to lack of deoxyguanosine triphosphate present in new DNA syntheses and thus stops.
If you are currently taking medication that could impede laser hair removal, it is essential that you understand its impact. Because certain drugs can make skin more vulnerable and increase risks during the procedure; others interfere with how hair follicles absorb light energy – these all have implications on its effectiveness as an treatment option.
Some of the more frequently reported side effects of Acyclovir include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; in these instances it is important to drink plenty of fluids in order to stay hydrated and prevent dehydration. Some individuals may also develop an allergic reaction which manifests itself through hives, difficulty breathing or facial or throat swelling; should this occur immediately seek emergency medical help.
Stromal Keratitis with Ulceration due to Herpes Simplex Virus can be an especially difficult corneal infection to treat. Pisitpayat P et al conducted research evaluating intravenous Acyclovir for use on this particular infection and found it significantly decreased duration and improved corneal clarity, as evidenced in their study results.
Make sure to inform your physician of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are currently taking as they could interact with acyclovir and cause unwanted side effects. Your doctor can help avoid interactions by prescribing different medication or altering the dosage; in addition, inform them about any health conditions you have such as allergies.
Avoiding Other Medications
Acyclovir is a drug prescribed to treat viral infections such as herpes simplex virus (HSV), shingles and genital herpes. The pill form can be taken orally with food or applied topically as an ointment or cream. IV injection may also be given under certain medical conditions such as kidney failure. Acyclovir may interact with various other medications. Before undertaking laser hair removal sessions it’s a good idea to talk with your physician regarding any interactions which could influence results negatively.
Prior to having laser treatment, it’s advisable to stop using any products which might lighten the color of your skin, such as sunless skin creams and anti-ageing treatments containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Your dermatologist might provide alternative solutions if this approach doesn’t suit you.
Other medications that could impede your laser hair removal treatment include blood thinners, which increase the chance of bruising or bleeding after treatment. Furthermore, shaving and waxing should also be avoided to protect hair follicles as these methods disrupt them and make it difficult for laser to target areas efficiently.
One of the more commonly experienced side effects of laser hair removal are temporary side effects like itching, pink skin or swelling of your follicles. You can reduce these side effects by following your practitioner’s advice in preparation for treatment and taking Acyclovir as prescribed – including monitoring any adverse reactions that may arise and noting any changes afterwards.
If you experience any questions or have concerns with your laser hair removal sessions, always speak with the practitioner who performed them and seek medical advice if necessary. To minimize potential problems from occurring in the first place, choose a practitioner registered as meeting set standards of training and skill.
Laser hair removal does not provide long-term solutions, but for optimal results you should avoid medication that might interfere with the procedure and schedule maintenance sessions about four times every year.
