Laser hair removal treatments often leave patients experiencing redness, itching, and discomfort immediately following each session; these symptoms typically last between hours and days post treatment.
These sensations and bumps are entirely normal and only appear at the spot where the laser was applied to skin. These reactions are known as follicular edema and caused by heat from laser therapy impacting hair follicles.
Causes
Laser hair removal works by using high-energy light beams to destroy or disable hair follicles so they cannot regrow, leading to the characteristic red, itchy bumps seen after treatment as side effects.
These bumps, known as follicular edema, are caused by your skin reacting to damage done to follicles during treatments and it’s recommended that numbing cream be used before and after any procedures to minimize discomfort.
After laser hair removal, you might also experience itchy red bumps due to hair follicles becoming sensitive to heat. People with darker complexions are likely to have more itchy bumps post-hair removal than those with lighter skin tones.
Scratching may be tempting, but don’t do it – this could lead to infection and scarring! Instead, use a cool compress or over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream as relief from itching.
If your itchy red bumps are accompanied by pain, this could indicate an allergic reaction. In such an instance, consult with a dermatologist about topical allergy medication to treat them.
After laser hair removal, another common source of itchy red bumps may be due to clogged pores in the treatment area. This happens because your follicles become irritated from treatment and cannot properly shed dead skin cells or clear out toxins; this temporary side effect should resolve after they’ve fully recovered from it.
Laser hair removal can be an ideal way to achieve baby-soft skin, but there may be side effects along the way that may annoy or distract you. Tanners and sunscreen should be worn after laser hair removal treatments so as to minimize these snags from appearing.
Do not wax or shave until after all treatments have been administered; waxing and shaving can disturb hair follicles and cause more hair growth, so it’s wiser to wait until hair growth has subsided before using additional hair removal techniques.
Symptoms
After laser hair removal, some people may experience “follicular edema”. This is an expected side effect and occurs because the laser beam caused swelling around hair follicles; it will quickly resolve itself over time and itching may occur; though usually not severe and should pass after several minutes to hours; cool compresses or soothing gel may help ease itchy spots.
Hives may occur as an unusual side effect from laser hair removal treatments; these rarely happen and typically involve either histamine reactions to the laser treatment itself, or preexisting allergies to foods, medications or allergens that had no interaction with each other prior to laser hair removal. Hives after laser hair removal can be itchy and uncomfortable but usually resolve themselves within days – don’t panic!
If you experience itchy red bumps after laser hair removal, the key to managing them successfully is not scratching. Scratching may irritate and inflame the area further and even result in scarring; to soothe it instead, purchase cooling cream from your pharmacy and apply. Furthermore, for best results it is advisable to limit hot showers, saunas and steam rooms until a few days post procedure have passed.
If the rash worsens, it is wise to consult your laser practitioner immediately for advice. They will assess if there could be another factor at work such as infection and provide suitable treatments.
Though itchy red bumps after laser hair removal aren’t considered medical emergencies, you should still be mindful that they could signal an allergic reaction and seek medical advice if symptoms persist for longer than several days. Furthermore, to minimize allergic reactions more efficiently it is advised that products like Retinoids, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), Beta Hydroxy Acids and Vitamin C be used prior to and following laser hair removal sessions in order to decrease their likelihood.
Treatment
Laser hair removal is an extremely safe and effective method for getting rid of unwanted facial and body hair, but like any medical procedure it may cause side effects – specifically skin irritation such as red bumps and itching that are temporary but should be managed. There are multiple solutions available to manage these symptoms safely.
First and foremost, it is crucial that you understand why red, raised bumps appear. These swellings are known as follicular edema and occur when laser heat disrupts individual hair follicles causing them to become irritated and swell up, creating those familiar itchy red bumps you see around your scalp. While not painful in most cases, if these continue for any length of time please notify your laser practitioner as this could indicate further issues with your treatment plan.
Take some time for yourself and apply soothing creams after laser hair removal to manage these itchy red bumps. Also, it’s advisable to stay out of direct sunlight as exposure may damage skin tissue as well as increase your risk for histamine reactions, which result in symptoms like itching, redness and swelling.
Benadryl or Zyrtec antihistamines may also help, as these medications reduce histamine production to relieve itchy red bumps after laser hair removal and other symptoms. You could also try anti-inflammatory gels like Restorative Gel containing advanced cellular silver; studies have revealed this ingredient reduces inflammation while speeding healing post laser treatments.
If you are tired of tweezing, shaving and waxing away unwanted hair manually, laser treatment could be the perfect solution for you. Though initially discomfort may arise from these procedures, in the long run it will provide beautiful skin without all of the hassles associated with manual hair removal. Speak with your dermatologist about laser hair removal today – they will answer any queries and can recommend treatments tailored specifically to your skin tone and type.
Prevention
Red bumps and itching following laser hair removal are generally short-lived side effects, usually subsiding within 24 to 48 hours of treatment. If they continue or accompany other symptoms, however, it would be wise to contact a dermatologist as soon as possible so they can offer skin care advice that may reduce itchy red bumps after laser hair removal.
One of the main causes for itchy red bumps to appear after laser hair removal is because this treatment damages or kills hair follicles that produce hair. Your body’s response may involve sending blood and lymph to that area to cleanse away damaged tissue, and can result in red, itchy, and swollen skin – known as “follicular edema.”
After laser hair removal, one reason why itchiness and redness may appear is due to histamine released by your body as it attempts to restore damage caused by laser beams. Histamine release causes symptoms including itching, redness and swelling – antihistamines may help relieve these effects while cold compresses or moisturizing cream can provide soothing comfort for the skin.
Before scheduling laser hair removal appointments, it’s also wise to avoid exposure to sunlight and tanning beds, since any type of laser can burn your skin. Melanin in your skin interacts with laser light to cause chemical burns which are especially likely in people with darker skin tones or who recently applied tanning products.
When new hairs start growing back after laser hair removal, resist the urge to pluck them. Doing so could irritate and inflame the skin further while exacerbating any itchy red bumps left behind. Instead, opt for using a gentle moisturizer such as Body Shop Hydrating Body Milk which will keep skin hydrated and soothe itchy red bumps.
For optimal laser hair removal treatments, it’s wise to consult a practitioner certified by Candela. This ensures they use the appropriate wavelength for your skin type as well as how best to perform their procedures to avoid adverse side effects.
