Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure to eradicate unwanted hair growth. While safe, effective and fast, some side effects such as bumps or itching may occur following treatment.
Bumps and itching are normal reactions to laser hair removal treatments; however, there are ways that you can reduce them post-treatments.
1. Excessive Scratching
After laser hair removal, skin may feel itchy and irritated for some time – this is normal and should subside within several hours. Applying an ice pack to the affected area may help soothe irritation and itching; additionally, frequent moisturizing of treated skin with aloe vera products should keep it hydrated and soothed.
If the itching persists, make an appointment with your physician as soon as possible. A physician can provide an accurate diagnosis and prescribe medicine that will alleviate itching symptoms. Keep in mind that continuous itching can result in sleepless nights, low mood and skin soreness; in such instances a visit to your physician could include blood, urine or stool samples and radiology tests to help pinpoint and diagnose its source.
After laser hair removal, itchy patches may indicate a new skin condition. This is especially likely if they coincide with other symptoms such as rash or swelling; in these instances it is wise to see a physician immediately. Itching should never disrupt daily life or worsen over time so always consult a medical provider if symptoms worsen over time.
Itching may be more prevalent in specific parts of your body, like legs or bikini line, due to laser heat creating itchy bumps when coming in contact with pigment in hair follicles. Scratching these itchy bumps should be avoided as doing so could lead to scarring.
Lidocaine cream can provide relief for pain and itching associated with laser hair removal, and is available at most drugstores or dermatological clinics. Furthermore, taking a cool bath or shower and patting the treated skin dry rather than rubbing will further alleviate itching while decreasing risk of infection. Afterward, an anti-itch cream like Sudocream or After Inked can soothe your skin while aiding healing.
2. Dry Skin
Dry skin can be itchy and irritating. It occurs when the top layer of skin (stratum corneum) loses some of its protective oils that help keep moisture at bay; excessive soap use, chemicals exposure or simply getting older are among some of the leading causes. Without enough oils to function effectively, skin shrinks and dries out making it more susceptible to irritations and germs while cracks develop on its surface leading to flakiness or cracks becoming visible in its place.
Laser hair removal treatments often cause this side effect and itchy skin can result from this. To combat it effectively and ensure the best results of laser treatments are realized, it is recommended to moisturize often as well as avoid high intensity exercise, scratching, or prolonged sunlight exposure. Doing this will ensure a positive result from laser treatment!
After receiving laser hair removal treatment, itching may occur; however, the effects should only last a few hours or days. To help alleviate itching and reduce itching symptoms, apply cooling cream such as fragrance-free aloe vera gel or non-comedogenic moisturizers; additionally ice packs or cold wash cloths may help provide some temporary relief. For continued itching issues please seek medical advice immediately.
Your skin may exhibit slight discoloration immediately following laser therapy; this is common across all skin tones and should disappear within hours or days on its own. It could also be an indicator that the laser was set at an appropriate wavelength for you and was targeted toward treating only that skin type.
Sometimes when your laser setting is too low or the skin has other factors that cause it to be sensitive, you may experience redness and itching after your procedure. This effect is more intense in those with darker skin or who have an existing condition like folliculitis or psoriasis. For optimal results from laser hair removal treatment it is wise to visit a dermatologist; they will have access to more precise settings tailored specifically to your skin type, helping ensure that you get optimal results from laser hair removal treatments.
3. Sun Exposure
Most individuals who undergo laser hair removal experience redness, swelling and itching in the area where treatment took place. This is a normal side effect and will usually dissipate within a day or two following treatment; caused by laser light damaging hair follicle cells which then begin replacing themselves over time.
Laser treatments are highly precise and can damage surrounding skin in unexpected ways, leaving it red, raw, and inflamed. Because sun exposure after laser hair removal increases the risk of hyperpigmentation or worse yet – sunburn – it is vitally important that sun exposure be limited as much as possible to minimize side effects and ensure the best possible experience.
If you decide to venture outdoors after receiving laser treatments, be sure to use a high-SPF broad spectrum sunscreen with high SPF levels for added protection against UV rays and to prevent itching, redness or inflammation in treated areas. Doing this will ensure smooth results!
Maintain a moisturised and hydrated area after laser treatments by applying soothing cream. This can prevent excessive itching while hastening up healing processes.
Shower as usual but be careful to avoid exfoliating too aggressively or using soaps with chemicals or perfumes that contain exfoliants. Excessive exfoliation and chemical-packed cleansers may lead to itchy skin as well as blocked pores which will make matters worse.
As another side effect of laser hair removal, bumps may appear on the treated area. This is often an indicator of small infections similar to acne which occur when your pores get blocked by dead cells and bacteria buildup, and should not be scratched as this could aggravate them and lead to unsightly scarring. It’s best not to scratch as doing so could aggravate them and worsen scarring further down the line.
Bumps and itching may be bothersome, but they’re actually signs that your skin is adapting to its new normal. Instead of scratching affected areas, try using soothing creams like Calamine to combat irritation. If the symptoms don’t fade away within several days or weeks, consult with a dermatologist for advice.
4. Infection
Laser hair removal can be an efficient and fast solution to remove unwanted hair growth, yet can come with side effects which cause itching in some people. Common reactions of laser hair removal include redness, swelling, and irritation – symptoms which usually dissipate after one or two treatments have taken place; itching tends to occur more commonly in certain parts of the body such as bikini lines or legs.
While itching is part of the natural healing process, scratching can result in scars or infections of the skin. Therefore, it’s best to avoid scratching irritated areas by using mild and fragrance-free cleansers on them; otherwise the itching could worsen further. For prolonged irritation consult a dermatologist who can find an appropriate solution tailored specifically for you and your needs.
Itching may also be caused by an intolerance to specific ingredients found in your products, or it may stem from preexisting conditions like keratosis pilaris or psoriasis that worsen after laser hair removal – these conditions should be treated using anti-itch creams in order to alleviate itching symptoms.
Laser hair removal involves having a technician press a hand-held laser instrument against your skin, often equipped with cooling devices or gel to reduce discomfort and protect your skin. As laser light passes through the skin and damages hair follicles, which inhibits future hair growth.
Damage caused by laser light may make your skin feel itchy while it makes repairs to cells, though this should only last a couple days at most.
if you are concerned about the pain and itching associated with laser hair removal, ask your doctor to use a topical anaesthetic or numbing cream prior to beginning treatment. Any extra cost might be worth investing if this makes your procedure as comfortable as possible.
If you’re considering laser hair removal, make sure that you visit a certified physician with extensive training and knowledge of this procedure. Avoid “cheap deals” or backdoor offices offering such treatments; visit an experienced dermatologist instead to ensure the best care and that your skin heals properly following treatment.
