Many individuals naturally possess photosensitivity and may not require changing their medications before receiving laser treatments. A licensed medical technician, however, would be aware of any drugs you’re taking that contain photosensitive compounds and can customize your treatment to prevent skin damage.
Vitamin E supplements may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising during laser hair removal procedures. Therefore, it is advisable to discontinue taking Vitamin E two weeks before your appointment.
Antidepressants
Antidepressant medications often contain photosensitive compounds that can cause skin reactions when exposed to laser beams, often in the form of lightening on its surface. Zoloft, Prozac, Adapin and Vivactil are examples of such antidepressant medicines containing photosensitive compounds; their use should be discontinued several days before undertaking laser hair removal treatment as well as any creams meant for lightening skin such as Sunless skin lighteners.
Take this medication only as directed by a qualified healthcare provider. If in doubt, consult with a certified medical laser technician for guidance and advice.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are an effective solution to allergies. These pills work by blocking histamine absorption into the skin and thus reducing itching and swelling caused by this chemical; many allergy drugs sold on drugstore shelves act as antihistamines as do over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen.
Before scheduling laser hair removal treatments, it is vital that a person disclose all medications and supplements they are taking, including supplements such as vitamins. Trained medical laser technicians will understand any risks involved and can tailor treatments specifically to specific medications and supplements that could increase risks. They can also offer pre and post treatment guidelines which ensure safety during treatments while decreasing chances of an adverse reaction.
Many medications contain photosensitive compounds that can react adversely with UV light used for laser hair removal treatments, including antidepressant drugs like Zoloft, Prozac, Adapin and Vivactil. Combining laser treatments with these medications could cause skin sunburned or itchy patches – so it is advisable that they are stopped several weeks prior to receiving laser hair removal sessions.
Other medications which may react adversely with laser hair removal treatments include blood thinners, which increase bleeding and bruising risks and make skin more sensitive to light. It is advised to discontinue their use two weeks before seeking laser hair removal treatment.
Garlic and gingko biloba herbal supplements should also be avoided two weeks before having their hair removed with laser technology, due to their photosensitive properties and should be discontinued prior to an appointment with laser hair removal. Ginkgo biloba, known for its benefits to the brain and circulatory system, may make skin more vulnerable to UV light exposure.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are a class of medications designed to fight off bacterial illnesses. Tetracycline is one such antibiotic which may increase skin sensitivity to light, potentially increasing risk during laser hair removal treatments and leading to irreparable damage if taken alongside them. Therefore, it’s advised that those on tetracycline wait until their course has ended before seeking laser hair removal treatment. Accutane should also not be taken before laser treatments as it also increases skin sensitivity to light exposure, leading to more serious harm from being exposed.
Before receiving laser treatment, the skin must be clean and free from makeup, lotions, oils, deodorant products, sunless tanning products or numbing creams. Sunburn may trigger an uncomfortable heat reaction from the laser that causes red or swollen spots on the skin post-treatment, although any discomfort should diminish with time or be eased by applying a cool compress or moisturizing.
Prior to beginning any laser treatments, it is vital that you inform a laser technician of any medications or supplements you are currently taking in order to avoid potential issues arising and ensure the laser is being utilized appropriately.
While laser hair removal is generally safe, it may occasionally result in side effects. Mild discomfort accompanied by redness or swelling may be experienced; these should subside over time but if any persistant reactions occur it is important to visit a physician immediately in order to avoid complications.
Blood Pressure Medications
Prescription medications prescribed to treat high blood pressure may increase your risk of skin injury during laser hair removal and make this treatment unsuitable for you. This applies to medications such as blood thinners, antidepressants and antiseizure drugs; therefore it’s essential that any such patients consult their doctor prior to beginning laser hair removal treatments.
Laser hair removal uses light energy to heat and destroy hair follicles, leading to inflammation of the surrounding skin and sometimes histamine reactions triggered by medication, which are an immune response and cause symptoms such as itching, redness and swelling in response to its stimulation of immune cells. Histamine reactions typically lessen over time but may sometimes become severe enough that they lead to hives or anaphylaxis reactions requiring hospitalization.
As with many medications, oral contraceptives, most antibiotics, anticancer agents and anti-inflammatories may all trigger histamine reactions; those living with autoimmune conditions such as lupus or porphyria may also be at increased risk. If you’re concerned about histamine reactions in advance of receiving treatments like Benadryl or Claritin you should take an over-the-counter antihistamine such as Benadryl for safety.
Some herbal remedies, including garlic and gingko biloba supplements, may cause histamine reactions after laser hair removal treatment. Therefore, it’s advisable to discontinue taking them at least two weeks prior to receiving laser hair removal treatment. Furthermore, any skincare products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) or Vitamin C products before your procedure could irritate the skin further, increasing your chances of experiencing histamine reactions after laser hair removal. Lastly, staying hydrated before and using gentle fragrance-free moisturizer in treatment areas is key!
Cardiac Medications
Nobody should go without taking some sort of medication while having laser hair removal treatments, whether that be antibiotics, mood stabilizers or acne medication. While most don’t interfere with being treated using laser, there are some which increase photosensitivity that could interfere with that treatment and should be avoided before having laser treatments done.
At your initial consultation for laser hair removal, it is crucial that you disclose a complete list of medications. Many prescription and over the counter drugs contain photosensitizing compounds which cause light exposure reactions in some people – these photoreactive medications can lead to damage of skin tissue as well as potentially severe side effects, including blistering or even skin discoloration.
Phototoxic reactions tend to be mild and generally resolve within 24 hours; photoallergic reactions are more serious and sometimes permanent, caused by molecular changes to a drug which prompt the immune system to attack it as though it were foreign material – this reaction could range from mild symptoms such as itching and burning to blistering and rash formation.
Herbal supplements, vitamins, and blood thinners can make people more susceptible to light-induced side effects when receiving laser hair removal treatments. Garlic is an herb with both culinary and medicinal uses; however, taking it alongside laser treatment could make skin more sensitive to light exposure and cause laser side effects. Ginkgo biloba can also increase light sensitivity.
