Laser Hair Removal is an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure to significantly decrease unwanted body hair. Unfortunately, some patients experience itching or bumps following treatment.
Itching is common after receiving laser treatments and typically disappears within a day or two after your session. This discomfort is due to heat from the laser that damages hair follicles, preventing new hair growth.
Itching after laser hair removal is normal
Laser hair removal uses powerful light waves to selectively disable pigment cells responsible for hair production, damaging surrounding skin cells and leading to redness and itching in its wake. If this persists after 24 hours has passed, soothing cream or aloe vera gel may be applied for soothing purposes; sunlight exposure should also be avoided to avoid hyperpigmentation or sunburn.
After laser hair removal, it is crucial that you follow all recommendations made by your practitioner in order to reduce risk of itching, rashes and other complications. Furthermore, shaving, plucking waxing or threading the affected area must be avoided as much as possible while an SPF sunscreen should also be worn daily to provide extra UV ray protection.
Attenuate inflammation by moisturizing regularly. However, exfoliation should be avoided since this can irritate and worsen itching symptoms. Furthermore, hot showers or saunas should be avoided to protect skin from becoming further irritated.
Although itching after laser hair removal is normal, it is essential to resist the temptation to scratch at it. Scratching can increase irritation and lead to itchy bumps that could eventually form scars if scratching continues. For best results, consult with a physician or dermatologist for the appropriate course of action.
Laser hair removal can be an excellent option for people looking to get rid of unwanted hairs. But before making your decision to have it done, it is essential that you are aware of all potential side effects and risks involved with the procedure and follow any recommended treatments to minimise itching or bumps post laser hair removal. You should always wear sunscreen post laser hair removal to protect your skin against harmful sun rays.
Itching after laser hair removal can be caused by follicular edema
Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure used to decrease unwanted hair growth. While generally safe for most individuals, some side effects may arise; those most often reported include bumps and itching due to pain-relieving cream or gel used before treatment or possibly an adverse allergic reaction caused by laser light itself.
For maximum effectiveness after laser hair removal treatment on sensitive skin, it is wise to avoid all irritants for at least two days afterward, such as hot showers, saunas and steam rooms, exfoliating scrubs, loofahs or any other product that might aggravate itching or sensitize it further. Apply a moisturizer several times daily as a preventive measure against itching.
Bumps and itching following laser hair removal could be signs of follicular edema, a condition wherein hair roots become inflamed due to laser light’s high concentration, which affects skin underneath it and especially when combined with dark or thick hair. While this symptom should resolve within days with no further need for intervention, if persists steroid cream could help provide temporary relief.
Histamine reactions may also contribute to itching after laser hair removal, leading to itchy redness, swelling and even hives. While these side effects are uncommon after laser hair removal treatments, it’s essential that any individual experiencing them contact their physician if the problem persists.
Keratosis pilaris, which causes small bumps on the skin, can also contribute to itching after laser hair removal treatments. More likely affecting women than men, laser treatments may further exacerbate it and should be avoided prior and after laser hair removal for best results. Chemical peels or microdermabrasion should be avoided on this area prior to and post laser hair removal for best results.
Though its impact on an unborn or nursing baby remains unknown, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid laser hair removal during gestation and breastfeeding as its light can potentially trigger an inflammatory reaction in their baby’s skin and damage cells in its development.
Itching after laser hair removal can be caused by infection
Laser hair removal treatment works by emitting a beam of light that penetrates through the skin and heats pigment in hair follicles, melting away their pigment and stopping future hair growth. While the heat of laser hair removal destroys these follicles and thus stops further hair growth, it may irritate surrounding tissue leading to itchy bumps after treatment – though these bumps should not be scratched as doing so can aggravate inflammation and increase risk of infection.
Itching is an expected part of healing after laser hair removal. To reduce itching and redness associated with laser treatment, calming cream should be applied directly onto the skin post-treatment to soothe itching. Furthermore, sunscreen should also be worn post-treatment to shield skin from damaging UV rays.
If the itchy redness does not go away after 48 hours, contact your physician immediately as this could indicate an infection or other health issue that needs medical treatment. Infections can be very dangerous so do not ignore their signs and symptoms! Hot showers or saunas should also be avoided until your itchiness subsides.
Follicular edema is one of the primary causes of itching after laser hair removal, leading to swelling around treated follicles. As this condition causes itching, an allergic response occurs that will usually disappear within a day or two; however, scratching could cause unsightly scars.
At the core of laser hair removal is an allergic rash or histamine response – an allergic response to any source, like the numbing solution used during treatment or even the laser itself. Although rare, hives have also been reported.
Applying a cold compress or using over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream may provide relief from itching, as can avoiding hot showers, saunas and steam rooms to avoid further irritation. Apply moisturizer regularly throughout the day to keep skin hydrated; additionally it’s wise to avoid exfoliation for 10 days post treatment as this may irritate and increase itching.
Itching after laser hair removal can be caused by dry skin
While itching is a side effect of laser hair removal, it’s important to remember that it may not always be caused by the procedure itself. Some individuals with dry skin can make areas appear itchy after receiving laser treatment; in these instances it would be wise to wait several days after having treatment and follow your dermatologist’s skincare advice in order to eliminate itching and prevent other side effects from arising.
Laser hair removal may cause you to have dry skin due to its workings: laser light penetrates pigment in hair follicles and heats them, stopping future growth while at the same time irritating nearby skin and creating small bumps that can be uncomfortable or even itchy.
After laser hair removal, itching is a normal reaction that should fade in a day or two. Itching may be more noticeable in specific areas such as legs or bikini lines but this too will subside with regular moisturizer. If this does occur for you then moisture regularly on affected area(s).
After laser hair removal, it’s best to avoid direct sunlight as much as possible to protect the skin from burning or discoloring. If spending time outdoors is absolutely necessary, be sure to wear sunscreen with SPF 30+ protection and refrain from activities requiring intense exercise or scratching as this could damage crusting and lead to scabbing.
Before undertaking laser hair removal, it’s best to refrain from plucking, waxing, or shaving the area. Doing so could cause skin irritation so it is wise to let it heal for several weeks first before trying to remove it. Hydrocortisone creams may provide itching relief; you can find these at most drug stores and pharmacies but before beginning use you should consult a dermatologist as they will recommend suitable products according to your skin type as well as provide tips on after care after laser hair removal.
