After laser hair removal, red spots or bumps may occur and should subside within hours.
Treatment options for these spots include aloe vera cooling cream. Furthermore, avoid heat and sweating for several days post treatment to help avoid potential bacterial infections or acne breakouts.
Redness
Lasers used to remove hair follicles must specifically target the pigment of hair follicles while avoiding contact with surrounding tissues, which explains why hair color and skin type play an essential part in laser treatments’ success. Darker hair with lighter skin tends to produce better results as more of the pigment absorbs laser energy while less harm comes to surrounding tissues.
Following their laser hair removal session, many patients may notice redness, bumps and irritation in the area where laser hair removal was performed. Most clients should experience relief soon after treatment is completed; if symptoms continue, cooling creams can help minimize discomfort and reduce redness while taking anti-inflammatory drugs like Tylenol can also provide pain management and inflammation control.
Red spots appear temporarily after laser hair removal Richmond Hill due to a process known as follicular edema. This occurs when laser heat concentrates directly on one individual hair follicle and causes it to expand as a result of exposure to laser heat, leading to swelling. This effect typically lasts a few hours up to one day post-treatment; and is completely normal.
If the red spots persist after several days, a visit to your physician should be planned in order to rule out other possible causes for them, such as infection or an allergic reaction to latex or other materials. If they’re caused by medical conditions instead, he or she may prescribe a steroid cream to ease swelling and discomfort.
Sometimes rashes are symptoms of an underlying issue such as bacterial infections. Laser heat may displace natural balance of skin bacteria and increase levels of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria causing red puss-filled rashes similar to acne; treatment will need to be prescribed by your physician in this instance.
Swelling
Laser hair removal has become an increasingly popular solution for those tired of shaving, plucking, waxing or otherwise trying to control stray hairs. While most laser treatments result in no adverse side effects other than temporary discomfort similar to sunburn, some individuals may experience redness and swelling following treatment if their skin type is sensitive.
Follicular Edema (also called Follicular Inflammation or FIL) is an entirely natural phenomenon caused by laser heat altering hair follicles; its heat causes changes that create bumpy patches resembling hives; however, this should not alarm you; just consult your laser practitioner immediately if symptoms persist beyond 48 hours or 24 hours.
If you are experiencing swelling and redness after laser hair removal, it is essential to apply a cooling cream immediately. Look for products that are fragrance-free and non-comedogenic (does not clog pores). Ice packs or cold wash cloths compressing the area can also help soothe it and alleviate symptoms; showering in hot water could further irritate it and increase itching, burning, and redness.
After receiving laser treatments, it is also vitally important to protect the treated areas with high SPF sunscreens and apply as needed. Reapplication may be necessary.
At laser appointments, it is also beneficial to arrive clean-shaven in order to expedite and make the procedure less uncomfortable for patients. Furthermore, tanning before any laser appointment increases risk for hypopigmentation or burns and should be avoided before attending laser hair removal sessions over an extended period. Finally, for best results it is recommended that multiple sessions be spaced out at least every four or six weeks apart.
Itching
After laser hair removal, itching is a common side effect; however, it is important to resist the urge to scratch. Scratching irritates skin and can lead to scarring; instead try using moisturizer several times daily in order to hydrate and reduce itching. Avoid products containing exfoliants or harsh chemicals which could irritate and cause further itching; alternatively try hydrocortisone cream which provides immediate relief without irritating surrounding areas further.
Follicular edema, caused by laser beam heating of skin around hair follicles, is often the source of itching after laser hair removal. This reaction typically lasts only for minutes before dissipating; however, in rare instances some people may experience prolonged itchy skin after laser hair removal that lasts days; should this occur, soothing lotion such as hydrocortisone cream or aloe vera may provide temporary relief.
An alternate source of itchy skin after laser hair removal could be an allergic reaction to the numbing cream used prior to treatment. While such reactions are uncommon, if they arise it’s important to notify your laser hair removal technician as soon as possible in case he or she recognizes symptoms like these and provides appropriate remedies.
On occasion, laser hair removal may cause you to experience hives. Hives differ from other rashes in that they appear as many small bumps rather than one large area; typically red in color and lasting for 72 hours, hives should be seen by your doctor immediately if this is happening to you.
To reduce inflammation after laser hair removal, you should avoid skincare products that can irritate the skin and take steps to protect the treated area from sun exposure. Shower in tepid or lukewarm water instead of hot and avoid saunas, steam rooms and Jacuzzis which can exacerbate itching further; additionally use cool compresses on any affected areas to help alleviate inflammation and itching.
Burns
After laser hair removal, clients’ skin may become hot or prickly due to heat from the laser being absorbed by melanin in their skin. Minor pain is common during treatment; clients can use numbing cream if necessary for discomfort relief. If severe pain or redness of the skin occurs after laser treatment it’s important to seek medical advice immediately as these signs could indicate burns have been experienced.
Though rare, laser hair removal burns may occur. Their most likely source is prolonged contact with the laser without proper cooling; an older machine typically lacks safety features to prevent burns than newer devices; finally, people with darker skin types may be particularly prone to burning due to overtreatment since lasers mistake pigmentation for hair follicles and treat too heavily.
Communication between client and practitioner during laser treatments is of utmost importance. If their skin becomes uncomfortable or hot, quickly alerting the practitioner will allow them to adjust settings on the machine to minimize risk of burning the client. Also, avoid sun exposure prior to laser sessions as this could impact results and result in skin irritation or potential burns.
Clients leaving the salon should heed any post-treatment recommendations given by their practitioner and avoid further contact with the treated area. It is also vital not to pop any blisters that form as this exposes an injury more readily to infection; alternatively, soothing creams such as coconut oil or raw honey may help relieve discomfort while hasten healing processes.
Depending on the severity of a burn, scars may take months or years to fade; however, laser hair removal can be effective at eliminating them provided an experienced practitioner is conducting the procedure and that steps are taken post-treatment to protect affected skin from sun exposure.
