Laser hair removal should not be undertaken during an active herpes outbreak and you should inform your laser hair removal practitioner if you are taking antiviral medication to manage an outbreak.
Prior to laser treatment, it is advisable to shave the area you intend on having treated 24 hours before. This will enable the laser to absorb heat efficiently. Also avoid sun exposure or artificial tanning products.
It’s a natural reaction
If you are currently suffering from cold sores and opt for laser hair removal, the heat from the laser could exacerbate them and spread. Therefore, it’s wise to refrain from having this procedure done while infected by herpes; should it become necessary, antiviral medication should be taken in order to prevent outbreaks between treatments.
Some individuals should avoid laser hair removal as its side effects could be severe for them. This includes people living with Genital Herpes Virus-2 (HSV-2), recent skin infection or taking antibiotics; pregnant women and those who have had skin cancer in the past are not advised to undergo this process either.
Some side effects associated with laser hair removal include temporary reddening, burning and bruising due to heat from the laser or certain medications or drugs. People may also experience color changes to the treated skin (lightening or darkening); this should only last temporarily and usually clears up within 3-6 months. Others will note finer and lighter-hair growth after treatment with laser.
Before beginning laser hair removal, it is crucial to shave or trim the area to be treated. Eliminating any new growth helps the laser detect individual hairs more accurately and treat them efficiently. Furthermore, avoid using any sunless tanning creams during the weeks prior to your appointment as this could darken your skin too much for its treatment by laser.
Moles or birthmarks with dark pigmentation should also be avoided for laser hair removal as these can absorb too much heat from the laser, leading to burns or blistering. Moles that absorb too much heat should especially be avoided as these tend to absorb excessive amounts of laser energy and could potentially burn or blister badly during treatment.
Individuals living with herpes should be aware that it can be transmitted via kissing, oral sex and skin-to-skin contact. As it’s a relatively common virus, it’s recommended that those living with it undergo testing prior to receiving laser hair removal services as this will provide insight into whether your herpes is active or dormant and also allow you to discuss its risks with their laser hair removal provider.
It’s caused by the herpes virus
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection can result in cold sores around the mouth or face, as well as genital herpes in thighs, buttocks or anal area. Additionally, it may infiltrate eyes or skin and spread via kissing, oral sex or direct contact with infected person’s saliva – and can easily pass from parent to child or partner to partner – becoming an extremely widespread epidemic that most will eventually contract at some point in their lives.
Laser hair removal may not be recommended for people living with herpes, though ultimately you must decide for yourself if you wish to risk it. One concern about using light during treatment could be stimulating the herpes virus and leading to cold sores or lesions to appear more frequently – before making your decision, discuss all risks with your dermatologist and ensure you understand them fully before moving forward with any decision regarding having this procedure done.
Another issue caused by laser treatments is their heating capability; it can cause blisters and rashes on the skin that become extremely uncomfortable, depending on where your sores occur on the body. Burns may be particularly severe in certain locations.
Laser hair removal professionals understand the importance of discussing any herpes history with you so as to prevent outbreaks during treatment. You should even take antiviral medication prior and after laser hair removal sessions in order to lessen flare-up risks and ensure optimal results. Furthermore, it’s crucial not to shave before an appointment as this could result in damaged skin triggering an outbreak.
If you are concerned about herpes, ask your laser hair removal provider to adjust their laser settings so as to reduce the risk of outbreak and spread of herpes throughout your body. Also avoid using any sunless tanning solutions or skin lightening creams in the days leading up to laser hair removal; these may compromise the results of the treatment and interfere with desired outcomes.
It’s caused by the laser
Removing unwanted hair growth on the face and body is often an irritation. Shaving, waxing and plucking can all be time-consuming processes that often end in frustration; laser hair removal offers an easier alternative with reduced maintenance needs for smoother skin appearance with reduced upkeep needs. While laser hair removal can cause cold sores in some individuals, it is essential that they understand why before undergoing the procedure.
Laser hair removal involves using a device emitting specific wavelengths of light to target and destroy cells responsible for hair growth, depending on the size and depth of an area. Treatment typically lasts several minutes up to an hour, and you may feel something similar to rubber bands snapping against your skin during treatment. After your aesthetician applies soothing gel, any redness and swelling should diminish quickly and become manageable over time.
Laser hair removal should not be performed if you have certain medical conditions or medications which interfere with the skin’s ability to absorb light, such as Accutane and some forms of tetracycline, as these could lead to photosensitivity or photoallergic reactions and should be avoided prior to an appointment. In particular, sunlight exposure and tanning beds should be limited prior to an appointment date; additionally, inform your physician if you have herpes infections as laser treatments could trigger outbreaks.
Laser hair removal does not typically cause herpes outbreaks; however, damage to the skin during treatment could reactivate it and increase risk for outbreaks of herpes outbreaks.
To reduce herpes outbreaks following laser hair removal, it’s best to choose a reliable provider who prioritizes patient safety. Also important are adhering to proper hygiene and sterilization protocols during laser hair removal sessions. Should any outbreaks arise during treatment, make contact with your provider immediately while forgoing shaving for at least eight weeks until sores heal; apply moisturizing cream such as Vaseline twice daily until healing has completed.
It’s caused by your hormones
Based on your hormones, laser hair removal may cause some side effects that vary according to individual. They include skin crusting that leads to scabbing and scarring; it’s important to moisturize affected areas with moisturizer such as vaseline. A cool bath or an ice pack may also provide temporary pain relief and discomfort relief. Some individuals also report seeing temporary changes in coloration that appear lighter or darker than usual during treatment, yet eventually return back to their natural tone over time.
Heat from laser treatments can irritate skin and trigger an outbreak of cold sores if you have herpes in either your facial or genital area. Cold sores tend to be painful and blister-like in appearance and spread easily, so if laser therapy is something you are considering for herpes treatment be sure to take an antiviral medication for several days prior to getting any procedures as this will reduce outbreaks of herpes outbreaks.
Some individuals with herpes can safely undergo laser hair removal without experiencing cold sores; however, it’s advisable to avoid shaving and waxing during their treatment as these processes could damage hair follicles that remain sensitive during this process. It would be wiser to consult a dermatologist first if considering laser treatments as these processes might damage them further.
Avoid skin creams that darken the skin, as these could make herpes symptoms worse. Also, it is advisable to limit contact with anyone infected with herpes and engaging in anal sex, since herpes is spread via kissing, oral sex and vaginal sex as well as any form of skin-to-skin contact.
Laser hair removal is an efficient and quick way to get rid of unsightly body hair. While shaving, waxing, and plucking can take time-consuming efforts on large body areas, laser hair removal offers a quicker alternative that doesn’t involve tedious chores such as shaving. When seeking medical-grade laser treatment it is wiser to find someone certified by a board-certified physician than seek services at spas and salons which employ nonmedical personnel who perform these treatments.
