Laser hair removal often leaves behind bumps and itching as side effects, and it is important not to scratch them as this could result in scarring.
Follicular Edema, or hair follicle swelling, is an unavoidable part of laser hair removal sessions and typically lasts from 30 minutes to several hours after each laser hair removal treatment session. Aloe Vera or 1% hydrocortisone lotion should be used as relief after use.
1. It’s normal
Laser hair removal can be an effective treatment to permanently reduce the number of hairs in an area, but it may result in side effects such as redness and itching in treated skin areas. While it may be tempting to scratch away at any lumps caused by laser treatment, doing so could irritate and scar the affected area more than is necessary.
Histamine reactions, which are an involuntary body process causing redness and itching, may be the source of such reactions. Laser hair removal procedures use heat to heat hair follicles which in turn may trigger allergic reactions in some people; so to ensure a successful experience it is crucial that any skincare products containing irritants such as fragranced soaps be avoided prior to beginning any laser hair removal sessions.
Hair follicles targeted by lasers emit small plumes of smoke with an unpleasant sulfur smell during treatment, which contain protein allergens. Therefore, it’s crucial that you consult a physician who has experience using lasers and can recommend an appropriate device based on your skin type.
Laser hair removal often leads to itchy bumps as part of its histamine response, which should subside within a few days. If symptoms persist beyond this point, consult a dermatologist who may prescribe an antihistamine and steroid cream combination to reduce histamine reactions and the itching.
Redness and swelling after laser hair removal are a normal reaction of histamine response, also known as follicular edema, which typically lasts 1-3 days post treatment, resembling sunburn symptoms.
Hives can be an adverse reaction of laser hair removal. Hives appear as itchy, red and swollen welts in areas where hair follicles have been damaged by laser’s heat. Hives may be difficult to treat because of itching associated with them, however antihistamine medications like diphenhydramine (Aler-Dryl) or hydroxyzine may provide temporary relief. If the condition worsens or spreads rapidly or occurs alongside fever-related symptoms it should be addressed immediately by visiting a doctor.
2. It’s a sign of healing
Laser hair removal is a common procedure that removes unwanted hair from your skin using laser light to target its pigment and destroy it without harming nearby skin cells. While laser heat may temporarily cause bumps and itching on some people after treatment, this should subside within a day or two of treatment; otherwise you could use cool compresses or soothing creams to ease irritation.
One reason you may experience itchy red bumps after laser hair removal sessions may be your body responding to damage caused by laser light. As part of its healing process, your body will produce new tissue to seal up holes caused by laser lights; this new tissue, known as granulation tissue, may be itchy but will eventually shrink and fall off leaving behind less severe scars than before.
At this stage, it’s essential to avoid activities and substances which could irritate or worsen an already sensitive area. This means avoiding exfoliation, hot showers and products which might irritate skin. Furthermore, wearing sunscreen helps safeguard treated areas against harmful UV rays.
Once the area has fully healed, avoid shaving, plucking, or waxing as these methods of hair removal can disturb new tissue and lead to itching. If this itching persists beyond control measures such as an antihistamine or steroid cream can provide some relief.
If the itching persists, consult a dermatologist immediately in order to take additional measures to treat it. As itching could be an early indicator of more serious conditions like psoriasis or eczema, seeing one early could give them access to treatments and medications designed to ease symptoms while treating potential causes.
3. It’s a sign of irritation
Follicular edema is a side effect of laser hair removal that typically lasts only for a few hours, however if yours persists beyond this and/or causes itching it’s important to speak to your practitioner (particularly if they were doctor-led) and discuss treatment. They may suggest applying aloe vera gel or hydrocortisone cream directly onto affected areas as a solution.
Antihistamines may help relieve itching as they work by inhibiting histamine, an itch-inducing chemical. Furthermore, applying a cooling or soothing lotion over the affected area after treatment can also help ease itching and redness – our Restorative Gel works wonderfully well in this regard!
Rarely, some patients experience more severe itchy red bumps rash after laser hair removal. This condition, called urticaria, can cause itching, stinging and swelling and often appears as multiple raised itchy, red or purple spots or patches that resemble multiple raised itchy, red or purple spots or patches with an symmetrical pattern – this reaction often being the cause. Urticaria often appears among those suffering from allergies like hayfever or asthma who also use multiple forms of allergy treatments like medications for these conditions.
These reactions may be the result of the laser’s heat energy stimulating the skin to release histamine, leading to swelling. Urticaria typically affects arms, legs, groins and torsos but may spread elsewhere too.
Prior to receiving laser treatments, it is vitally important that you stay hydrated by using fragrance-free moisturizer. Also avoid products like sunless tanners that darken the skin, shaving and other forms of hair removal that disturb follicles as these could interfere with healing processes.
If itchy red bumps after laser hair removal are persisting, contact your practitioner immediately for guidance. They may recommend applying topical steroids like 1% hydrocortisone to soothe itching and reduce inflammation; in general it should clear up in several days.
4. It’s a sign of a rash
Laser hair removal can be an efficient, pain-free way to quickly eliminate unwanted facial and body hair. But if the treatment causes itching afterward, it could be time for you to visit a dermatologist – according to new research findings, persistent itching could indicate an allergic reaction from laser treatment that caused a rash.
This type of rash, known as follicular edema, occurs as the result of laser energy hitting each individual hair follicle and stimulating them with heat, which causes their cells to expand and produce red bumps and itching around the area of treatment. This effect typically lasts around 30 minutes but may continue for days afterward.
If the itching is severe and persistent, try taking a shower or bath in cool water to soothe irritation. Additionally, you could apply cooling cream or ointment such as Sudocream which contains zinc; and After Inked which provides soothing lotion used after tattoo removal or other procedures where your skin might flare up.
Avoid scratching itchy red bumps as this could cause scarring. Instead, use a cool soothing cream several times daily to ease discomfort. Also try not exfoliating as this could irritate and further inflame the treated area, leading to even greater itching and worsening symptoms.
Reduce sun exposure and wear sunscreen whenever going outdoors to protect sensitive skin from UV rays that can cause discoloration and inflammation.
