Laser hair removal should not cause herpes outbreaks; however, if a cold sore appears near the area that is to be treated it is wise to postpone treatment until its effects have subsided.
Albinism patients should avoid laser therapy as its laser would be attracted to their indistinct pigmentation and not recommended for those suffering from keloid scars.
Herpes Simplex Virus
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) causes recurrent episodes of small, painful fluid-filled blisters known as cold sores in the mouth or lips (cold sores), eyes or genital area. HSV is highly contagious; it can spread by direct contact or even just touching areas without sores; sexual activity or pregnancy are other possible means. Unfortunately many individuals remain asymptomatic.
HSV-1 typically affects the mouth or lips while HSV-2 usually causes it in the genital area; both types may occasionally spread to eyes and brain. While herpes simplex virus cannot be completely cured, antiviral drugs such as Acyclovir, Foscarnet and Cidofovir may reduce both severity and frequency of outbreaks.
At first, symptoms of genital herpes can include tingling sensations in or around the genital area followed by small red bumps that form blisters that eventually burst open into painful open sores – itching may increase initially; however, as they dry up and crust over this feeling usually diminishes.
Herpes can strike anyone at any time and inflict havoc in various parts of their bodies, from their vulva and anal canals (vulvar herpes) or buttocks and lower back (sacral herpes) to sharing toothbrushes, razors and towels with someone with it (anal herpes). Condoms offer significant protection from its transmission.
If a herpes outbreak occurs during laser hair removal treatment, clients should reschedule or take antiviral medication prior to and post procedure. Studies indicate that laser treatments can significantly lower recurrence rates of herpes in genital areas; one such study randomly assigned patients either laser or sham treatments revealed significantly lower recurrence rates of herpes in those receiving laser than in those not. Although this small sample size demonstrates positive results, their application cannot be assumed across all women.
Cold Sores
Cold sores are skin blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus and manifest themselves as red, swollen areas covered with crusts that form. These painful blisters may occur on any area of your face or genital area and often include itching, burning sensations. Antiviral medications taken orally or applied topically may reduce how long or severe cold sores last or their severity but will not cure herpes completely; once contracted it stays within your system for life. They’re contagious so could spread while having cold sores themselves or when scratched over.
Laser hair removal should not be undertaken if an active herpes outbreak exists; heat from laser can stimulate herpes and worsen its severity, making things worse than before. If there’s an outbreak on either your face or genital area it would be wiser to postpone any appointments until after it has subsided.
Before seeking treatments, always inform the laser professional if you have herpes as this will allow them to advise on which options may best meet your needs. As they will not be able to treat areas covered by active herpes outbreaks (cold sores on your face or genital area), it would be best to reschedule until after it has healed completely.
Home remedies have long been suggested for treating herpes sores. Many have anecdotal support and aim to alleviate symptoms, pain, itching and discomfort while the cold sore heals. Examples of these remedies include using cold compresses, avoiding foods which irritate sores, practicing stress management techniques and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. Over-the-counter ointments like Abreva may also offer temporary relief of these symptoms as it contains an FDA-approved ingredient which hastens healing time.
Herpes Virus Infections
Herpes simplex virus comes in two varieties, with type 1 (HSV-1) usually leading to mouth and lip sores known as fever blisters or cold sores; and type 2 (HSV-2), which causes genital herpes in most adults. Most adults carry herpes simplex virus; its symptoms can include painful sores, itching and burning sensations in the genital area that recur after healing; medicines may reduce symptoms but cannot cure herpes completely.
Herpes virus infiltrates nerve cells and can only be spread from person-to-person contact, meaning most people carry it throughout their lives. An outbreak can produce sores in any part of the genital area, mouth or eyes. Outbreaks may be triggered by stress, illness, tiredness, irritation of sunburned or irritated skin as well as menstruation or having sexual relations.
Some people with herpes don’t experience any symptoms at all while others develop recurrent infections. Living with herpes can be challenging and have an effect on sexual relationships; however, many find ways to manage it and feel at ease with themselves and their partners.
As it’s essential that your laser hair removal specialist be informed if you have herpes, treatment should not take place on an area with active herpes outbreaks and it would be wise to reschedule for after the herpes has healed.
Shaving can cause breaks in the skin that increase the chances of an HSV outbreak, while laser hair removal damages follicles which lead to open wounds that HSV may enter and cause an outbreak.
Before laser hair removal treatments begin, blood tests to check for HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies can be conducted to demonstrate exposure. While this test does not reveal an active herpes infection (since no visible sores or lesions have yet appeared), it does inform your provider if there is herpes present and whether it has been effectively managed.
Precautions
Laser hair removal may still work for those living with genital herpes, with certain precautions taken beforehand. First of all, cold sores should never be exposed to light during laser hair removal sessions as the light may trigger them and worsen the symptoms. Furthermore, it would be wiser to reschedule until after your outbreak has completely subsided before scheduling another laser session.
As much as possible, it is best to forgoing artificial and natural tanning before your laser hair removal procedure. Tanned skin can reduce its effectiveness and cause irritation; shaving the area two to three days prior is also advised, and waxing, tweezing or plucking hair in that area before your appointment could reduce effectiveness of treatment.
Laser hair removal treatments tend to work best on people with dark hair and light skin, as the contrast in colors makes it easier for the follicles to absorb laser energy. However, some light-haired people can still benefit from laser treatments; prior to booking your appointments with one you should always discuss your individual circumstances with a dermatologist first.
Your dermatologist will wear protective goggles during laser treatments to protect your eyes from its beam. Next, they may apply topical anesthetic cream on the skin in order to decrease discomfort during laser sessions; during which you might feel something similar to rubber band snapping or sunburn-like stinging sensations; these will subside once treatment has concluded.
Your skin may react to the heat from the laser treatment by becoming red and swelling in the area treated, a natural response. Some individuals may even detect a mild aroma from its smoke puffs which can be slightly bothersome.
Overall, risks associated with herpes and laser hair removal tend to be minimal for most individuals. If you would like more information about laser hair removal or seeking consultation from a dermatologist in SOHO, Tribeca or Uptown NYC then Spring Street Dermatology in SOHO/Tribeca/Uptown offers services.
