IPL (intense pulsed light) can be an effective and safe solution to treating skin discolorations and unwanted hair removal, though occasional burns may occur from IPL treatments.
Burns can be treated at home using some basic steps and essential supplies. Be wary of popping blisters as this could expose the affected area to infections.
1. Cool the Skin
As part of an IPL hair removal session, you may experience redness, small bumps and irritation on the area where you were lasered. This is normal and should go away within hours or days depending on your pain threshold; swelling should also subside fairly quickly.
Once you notice burn marks on your skin, the immediate step you should take should be to quickly cool the affected areas as quickly as possible. You can do this by running lukewarm water over them for several minutes or using an ice pack – however it is vitally important not to rub or pick at blisters that form as this could lead to infection and delay recovery time.
If you experience severe discomfort after receiving an IPL photofacial, be sure to notify your laser practitioner as soon as possible. They can review your treatment settings to assess any potential machine issues as well as offer extra help or advice.
After an IPL photofacial, your skin may become sensitive and hypersensitive to heat; thus limiting hot baths or showers and using harsh skincare products such as exfoliants, scrubs, perfumed soaps and lotions, bleaching creams or astringents until your skin has fully recovered. You should also try not to swim in pools since chlorine can burn and irritate skin further.
If your burn is minor, it should fade on its own within several months; otherwise, see a medical provider for treatment and proper medication. For severe burns however, seek professional assistance as soon as possible as this could take more time to heal properly.
2. Apply Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever
Although IPL treatments are one of the safest and most effective ways to address skin discoloration, there is always the potential risk of burn injury if performed by medical practices or spas that do not possess sufficient training and knowledge in how to safely perform IPL procedures. This risk increases significantly if performed by healthcare practitioners without the appropriate certification and experience who cannot adequately deliver their service safely.
IF YOU EXPERIENCE A SUNBURN-LIKE SITUATION FOLLOWING IPL TREATMENT, take an over-the-counter pain reliever as soon as possible afterward to alleviate discomfort. Apply a cool compress directly over the area in order to soothe inflammation and decrease pain from burns caused by IPL treatments.
Cleansing the affected area regularly is essential, yet using soaps or creams that could further irritate a burn can be counterproductive. Instead, opt for gentle cleanser that does not irritate or has mild acidity such as hydrocortisone if there is itching or redness in the area. Apply a topical hydrocortisone cream as soon as you experience discomfort to alleviate itching or redness in the area.
As soon as you notice a burn from an IPL treatment, contact the laser practitioner that performed it as soon as possible so they can assess the situation and decide if there was an issue with their equipment or whether you must follow their post-treatment guidelines.
IPL treatments involve emitting bursts of light energy that are absorbed by melanin and hemoglobin to correct skin discoloration. Unfortunately, however, this treatment may also heat and burn surrounding tissue unnecessarily.
First degree burns from IPL exposure tend to be minor and will heal on their own; however, if an area becomes swollen and painful or blisters appear on the skin then this could indicate second or third degree burns and should seek medical advice immediately.
3. Apply Aloe Vera
After your laser or IPL session, the first thing to do afterward should be running cool (not cold) water over the affected area to ease pain and speed healing. Any oily ointments such as Aquaphor or Vaseline could trap heat deeper within your skin and further damage its integrity causing more serious burns to heal faster.
Depending on your treatment, if you experience pain afterward it may be beneficial to take pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). Additionally, keeping the area cool will help minimize swelling and inflammation.
Aloe vera contains powerful healing properties and can help treat burns effectively. Its gel contains antioxidants which promote healing while it can also act as an excellent natural moisturizer to hydrate damaged or dry skin and even help prevent scarring post-burn.
Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel twice daily directly onto burns for effective soothing and healing, and to reduce redness or itching in affected areas.
Cooling gel can provide your skin with the extra protection it needs during laser or IPL hair removal treatments, making the device easier to glide across it for a more pleasant experience. Available from most beauty retailers.
Prior to any medical appointments, getting enough restful sleep the night before can help relieve stress that could impede with your body’s ability to regulate its systems, including pain receptors. Experts advise getting at least 8 hours of restful slumber so your body is prepared for treatment.
4. Apply Over-the-Counter Antibiotic Cream
Laser hair removal is a widely utilized treatment option to eliminate unwanted body hair, but as with all treatments it may produce side effects – including laser hair removal burns which range in severity from mild to severe and can cause pain, itching, scarring and scarring in some cases. Therefore, it’s essential that patients know how to treat laser hair removal burns so they heal properly and quickly.
If a burn is mild, it can often be treated at home. To minimize swelling and reduce pain and itching, keep the area cool by keeping the area cooler than usual and applying cool compresses or an ice pack over it. An over-the-counter pain reliever may also help. Finally, avoid touching or scratching at it to avoid further aggravating it.
For serious burns, it’s essential to visit a physician immediately. They can examine the affected area and prescribe medicines that reduce inflammation, relieve pain and help avoid complications from occurring.
Doctors can help prevent laser hair removal burns by performing a full skin assessment prior to treatment. They will identify any preexisting conditions which increase risk for laser hair removal burns as well as recommend any necessary precautions that must be taken during this procedure.
Bear in mind that laser hair removal burns can take several months to fully fade due to skin sensitivity and scarring risks; thus making high-quality sunscreen essential when treating these injuries.
5. Keep the Area Clean
Cleanliness is of utmost importance after laser hair removal burns to avoid infections, according to cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. Rinsing with cool water may help ease pain and swelling caused by the burn, while sunlight should also be avoided as exposure will further aggravate it. She advises clients who seek further relief to use creams containing aloe vera or over-the-counter hydrocortisone products on their burns as these have proven helpful in soothing and healing their skin quickly.
Remember that even after laser hair removal burns have healed, the skin remains sensitive and more likely to scar. To minimize scarring risks, it’s crucial to keep the area clean and dry, such as no scrubbing or shaving on treated areas. Also avoid exerting too much pressure over affected areas as this could further irritate and pain the injured area.
Laser hair removal burns that occur at first degree usually heal without complications or scarring; however, if they become severe enough or blistered it is imperative to seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective method for eliminating unwanted body hair. As with other methods of hair removal such as shaving, waxing and tweezing, however, laser treatment carries with it an inherent risk of burning the skin; this risk increases substantially for individuals suffering from preexisting conditions like eczema, psoriasis or rosacea.
To lower the risk of burns from laser hair removal, be sure to select a professional laser practitioner and inform them about any preexisting skin conditions you have as this could enable them to adjust treatment settings accordingly and minimize burns or other side effects.
