Laser hair removal can be an efficient and safe way to eliminate unwanted hair quickly. Unfortunately, however, some individuals experience first-degree laser burns after going through this treatment.
Laser burns may result from negligence by laser practitioners. Therefore, it’s crucial that you learn how to recognize them quickly so you can take appropriate actions immediately.
Common Causes
Laser hair removal may be effective for many, but it does have potential side effects. Burns are one of the more frequently reported side effects and could occur for various reasons; one being improper treatment administration or because a person’s skin type doesn’t react well with laser light.
Laser hair removal works by targeting melanin pigmentation found within hair follicles. Unfortunately, blonde, white and gray hair lack melanin content that laser can target effectively; also red hair contains different kinds of melanin that cannot be addressed with laser treatment.
Some of the leading causes of laser hair removal burns include not following pre-treatment instructions, improper settings or malfunctioning equipment. If you already have preexisting conditions such as psoriasis, eczema or rosacea this increases your risk for laser burns during hair removal sessions; your practitioner must take extra measures such as adjusting laser/IPL settings or using an ointment to protect your skin during treatments.
Laser hair removal requires cooling the area being treated. Some treatments require using a special gel that helps the laser glide smoothly across it, while another treatment could require waiting until after using the gel has dried to use it as otherwise it could become too hot and cause first-degree burns.
When experiencing laser hair removal burns, it’s essential to hydrate with Vaseline petrolatum ointment to help heal quickly. In addition, do not pop blisters as doing so could spread infection and delay healing time.
Over time, your burn will gradually peel away as its original color returns. While you might experience some discomfort during this process, it should heal quickly; otherwise you should contact a physician or clinic nurse immediately for guidance or treatment options that might assist in healing – your physician can recommend a suitable cream.
Symptoms
Laser hair removal can be safe and effective for most people, though its effects may not work equally. Lasers work best on people with light skin with dark hair as the contrast makes it easier for the lasers to absorb heat and target hair follicles more effectively. People with very dark skin could face first degree burns as the laser may target their pigment and damage skin further; preexisting conditions like rosacea and psoriasis could make your skin even more susceptible.
Laser hair removal burns typically cause pain and redness in the affected area. Your skin might feel warm or scaly to touch and have visible swelling that’s most notable on legs; in such cases it is vital that medical help be sought immediately as these burns could prevent absorption of nutrients by your body and could result in complications such as infection.
Laser hair removal burns should be treated by quickly cooling down the skin as soon as possible, without increasing pain or swelling. Lukewarm or cold water are best as this will soothe any inflammation caused by hot water; alternatively use lukewarm or cold water instead to calm skin injuries without rubbing; it might be useful to consult a practitioner regarding an ointment that will protect and prevent infection, while it’s advisable not to apply anything greasy as these could trap heat further and worsen a burn injury.
Laser hair removal burns usually heal quickly. After 10-15 days, most burns form a scab which eventually falls off, leaving behind healthy skin beneath. However, in severe cases this process could take as much as several months until its natural color returns to that area of skin.
To reduce the risks associated with laser hair removal burns, the best way to ensure you avoid them is to select a clinic with trained and experienced practitioners that have access to appropriate equipment and know how to customize it to meet the individual client’s needs. It may also be wise to inform them about any skin conditions you might have had previously, so they may adjust settings appropriately to reduce chances of burning the skin.
Treatment
Home treatments for laser hair removal burns may depend on the severity of injury. At-home measures could include using cold compresses and ice packs on the skin and applying coolant lotion such as aloe vera gel or petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to maintain moisture and speed healing time. Starting early treatments could prevent dryness and itching while possibly decreasing scarring risks.
Laser burn pain may be eased with over the counter anti-inflammatories such as paracetamol or ibuprofen; if severe pain or damage to sensitive areas occurs, professional medical help should be sought as your injuries will require stronger medications.
Laser burns from hair removal typically cause first degree burns that heal on their own with proper care. It is important to follow all instructions provided by your laser technician; if there are any discrepancies with their level of service or care then do not hesitate to get in contact with the clinic where your treatment was carried out.
Some individuals are more vulnerable to laser burns due to preexisting skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis or rosacea; if this applies to you, be sure to inform your laser technician prior to treatment so they can take steps to mitigate risk and ensure minimal damage occurs.
Popping blisters that form on a laser burn is best avoided as this can lead to infection. If they do not rupture on their own, gently peel at their edges with disinfected scissors until they rupture naturally. You should also take steps to minimize further irritation by avoiding showers and hot baths until your burn has fully recovered.
If the burn has led to discolouration of your skin, a doctor might recommend the use of a topical serum or cream that contains Vitamin C and elements that promote collagen production – this will aid healing while diminishing discolouration caused by laser burns. In cases of existing scarring such as laser burns where scars have already formed, additional clinical treatment such as medium depth chemical peel may be required in order to minimise scarring appearance.
Prevention
Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic treatment, and when performed properly can leave you with silky-smooth skin. But there can be risks involved; poorly conducted procedures could leave first-degree burns. This is particularly likely if you visit an unqualified beauty technician.
Laser or IPL (intense pulsed light) hair removal is a safe and effective method to rid yourself of unwanted body hair. It works by using light to target melanin pigment in hair follicles which is then converted to heat energy to destroy them and inhibit or delay future hair growth. While receiving laser or IPL treatments, the skin must always be monitored closely as any change to colour or texture could indicate first degree burns have occurred;
Therefore, it’s vital that you only visit salons with qualified and experienced laser practitioners conducting your treatment. Any issues should be reported promptly so they can ensure the equipment is functioning optimally before taking immediate steps to keep you cool to avoid burns.
Prevention measures also include avoiding sunbeds or artificial tanning before receiving laser or IPL hair removal treatments, as these activities may increase melanin levels and make light easier to absorb by your skin and be converted to heat. It is wise to be wary of skincare products you use that could affect how your skin reacts differently during treatment; always attend a consultation beforehand in order for a practitioner to see how your skin responds at different laser settings.
At first, it’s best to begin treatment on small areas like your upper arm or bikini area – this way if any laser burns occur they will be limited and easier to treat.
