What Causes Blistering After Laser Hair Removal?

By Brian Lett
10 Min Read

what causes blisters after laser hair removal

Blistering after laser hair removal may be bothersome, but is typically not serious. Blistering may be caused by various causes including irritation or using an inappropriate laser type for your skin tone.

Aftercare instructions such as applying ice and refraining from physical activity should always be adhered to, otherwise further injury could occur.

Skin Irritation

People with sensitive skin may experience itching after laser hair removal. While itching is a normal side effect that typically goes away within a few days, to reduce it and soothe any potential discomfort it would be wise to apply ointments containing aloe vera and 1% hydrocortisone to help relieve symptoms and keep their treatment area moisturized; in order to further soothe any itching that may be worsened by harsh cleansers or exfoliators used on it or sunlight exposure as these factors could make matters worse and cause further irritation of itching!

At laser hair removal sessions, light energy from a laser heats and destroys pigment within hair follicles, leading to redness, swelling, and blisters forming on affected areas. Blistering may cause discomfort but generally won’t be serious in nature.

Although redness and swelling are normal symptoms after laser hair removal, they should subside within several days. If more significant skin side effects occur it is wise to seek medical advice.

Laser hair removal burns are rarely caused by direct contact, but rather through misapplication of the device. Most commonly, these burns occur from using the wrong device or leaving it on for too long, both of which could potentially misfire with disastrous consequences for skin color or texture.

Prior to beginning their laser hair removal procedure, laser professionals typically apply a cooling gel onto the skin in order to ease laser scanning across it more smoothly. Unfortunately, sometimes this gel fails to dry fully and causes burns.

Laser hair removal treatments may cause temporary discoloration of darker skin tones, although it’s always important to consult a practitioner prior to beginning any course of treatment.

After laser hair removal, it is crucial not to pop blisters. Doing so allows bacteria into the wound and could lead to infection; for itchy skin conditions it would be wise to use products like Sudocream or After Inked that will soothe and promote healing of skin irritations such as Sudocream or After Inked.

Swelling

Laser hair removal often causes temporary swelling as an adverse reaction; many clinics apply numbing cream before their procedure to help reduce pain and discomfort.

Follicular Edema refers to the swelling you experience following laser hair treatment in your treatment area. This occurs when hair follicles become enlarged due to heat from the laser; typically this effect only lasts a few hours to one day after your session; if this continues beyond this point please notify your practitioner.

Treat this by applying a cool compress to the affected area. Simply soak a clean washcloth in cool water and apply gently against your skin for 10 to 15 minutes several times daily, or alternatively use an ice pack in a towel wrap to ease pain and inflammation.

Another way to help treat follicular edema is through applying topical ointments containing 1% hydrocortisone, which works to decrease inflammation while relieving pain, itching and redness. You’ll find these products over-the-counter; just follow label instructions carefully when using.

Certain darker-skinned individuals may experience longer lasting reactions following laser hair removal, including blisters, burns and scabs. This could be caused by differences in pigmentation or skin sensitivity; therefore, it is wise to consult a professional before undertaking laser hair removal treatment.

As previously noted, blisters after laser hair removal are fairly uncommon, but can occur if your skin is particularly sensitive or the strength of the laser exceeds what works for you. When blisters do form it is important not to pop them as this could result in scarring. Instead, let the body reabsorb any fluid trapped inside them naturally as part of its healing process. To speed this up keep the affected area clean and avoid wearing clothes that rub against them to speed healing along. In cases of infection apply a triple antibiotic ointment as instructed by your physician.

Follicular Edema

After laser hair treatment, your scalp may become inflamed and red; this is a normal and temporary reaction and serves as an indicator that it was successful. Follicular edema usually lasts no more than 30 minutes but sometimes lasts longer or causes itching; applying aloe vera or 1% hydrocortisone directly onto this area may reduce inflammation and itching.

After laser treatment, it’s essential to keep the treated area as clean as possible. Use mild soap and pat dry with a towel. A cool compress may help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain; simply wrap an ice-filled towel for 10 to 15 minutes several times daily over the area for pain relief and speedy healing. Avoid baths or showers since these may irritate blisters – instead use gentle bath products with moisturizing properties instead.

Your skin type and tone may result in blisters, burns, or scabs after laser hair removal. This could happen if too much time or training are given when operating the laser device; or if the strength of laser too strong.

Laser hair removal does not work on blonde, gray, or white hair as its wavelength doesn’t target melanin molecules in those colors. Furthermore, it may cause a purple-colored rash known as purpura that will dissipate on its own in several days without blistering.

Darker skin tones are more likely to experience side effects from laser hair removal such as scabs, burns or blisters due to having less melanin in their skin and therefore being more sensitive to its light energy. Furthermore, this can occur if the laser is mishandled or an aggressive technician attempts to use it – although not necessarily all factors contributing are necessarily present.

Pain

Laser hair removal utilizes heat energy to destroy hair follicles, and this may sometimes cause pain. It’s more likely to affect sensitive areas, such as upper lips and bikini areas. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help, though always follow manufacturer’s instructions closely for use.

Laser hair removal may cause blisters as a side effect in some people, as its heat irritates their skin’s surface, creating small bubbles filled with pus that resemble acne breakouts. Your doctor should be able to prescribe an antibiotic ointment which should address this minor problem.

Laser hair removal typically causes redness and bumps that typically subside within 24 hours, similar to what occurs after waxing, although they last about as long. You can reduce these side effects by avoiding heat sources, applying cooling ointments or taking over-the-counter pain relievers.

Scrubbing should also be avoided to minimize further irritation. Scratching should also be avoided since this can disrupt the healing process and result in scarring.

Though unlikely, it is possible to suffer laser hair removal burns – particularly on darker complexions where melanin absorbs more laser energy and creates blistering. Blistering itself shouldn’t cause much concern; however, you should refrain from popping blisters as this could lead to infection.

To prevent unwanted side effects of laser hair removal, it is best to avoid tanning or using any sunless skin products on the area to be treated before beginning treatments. Shaving prior will increase laser effectiveness and lower irritation risk; your provider may recommend lightening this area using bleaching cream beforehand if you have dark complexion. Likewise, waxing or plucking should be avoided as these methods interfere with hair follicles and increase risks of side effects.

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