Those who suffer from unwanted hair can benefit greatly from laser hair removal. It can be a simple way to permanently remove a large portion of body hair.
However, there may be some bothersome post-treatment, short-term side effects such as itchiness, redness, and irritation. The best news is that they are easily treatable with the proper aftercare and precautions. By reading this guide, you will be able to know,
Is it normal to experience itchiness after laser hair removal?
Yes, itching after laser hair removal is a perfectly normal reaction. Certain areas, such as the bikini line or the legs, maybe more sensitive than others. If you’ve had ingrown hairs in the past, it’s possible that those areas are itchy as well.
You may experience some small bumps, redness, irritation, and temporary discomfort immediately following a laser treatment, but only on the treated area. This is only a temporary issue and should resolve itself within a few hours to a few days. Using a cooling cream, on the other hand, can help to soothe the area.
Try fragrance-free aloe vera or non-comedogenicaftersun products, for example). You can also use cold washcloths or ice packs as compresses to relieve swelling, burning, or itching sensations.
If you experience symptoms that are more than mild irritation, or if the side effects do not subside or worsen over time, contact your doctor.
On the treated area, avoid using harsh cleansers or exfoliants. This will only aggravate the skin.
Why do you experience bumps and itching following laser hair removal?
Factors that contribute to the formation of bumps:
1. Bumps appear as a result of hair follicle damage
Skin irritation in the form of bumps and itching is a common side effect of laser hair removal, in addition to hyperpigmentation. The skin irritation you may experience is the result of hair follicle damage. The body’s reaction to this damage is for the affected areas to become red, tender, and slightly swollen. Following this, you may notice small bumps forming in the same area.
2. Inflammation
Following hair removal, many people develop folliculitis, a bumpy, pimple-like rash. In most cases, inflammation is to blame. Inflammation usually resolves on its own without the need for treatment.
If you have white or fluid bumps that last more than a few days, you may have folliculitis caused by a minor infection. This is usually treatable at home.
3. Ingrown hairs
If you have developed bumps after the initial inflammation has subsided, they could be caused by ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs are a form of folliculitis. They establish when hair grows back into the skin rather than up through it. Acne-like small, round bumps or pustules are caused by ingrown hairs. Hair may or may not be noticeable inside the bump. If you have naturally curly or coarse hair, you are more likely to develop ingrown hairs.
These bumps may cause concern in some people, but they are completely normal and usually go away within a day or two. These bumps may become itchy as well, but it is critical that you do not scratch them. Scratching them may worsen the inflammation and cause unsightly scarring.
How should the skin be cared for after laser hair removal to avoid itching and bumps?
Itching and bumps are common side effects of laser hair removal, which is to be expected. Sticking to the pre-procedure routine, on the other hand, may reduce the symptoms and severity of the procedure. The following are typical things to do prior to laser hair removal:
1. Keep away from the sun
Avoiding sun exposure both before and after treatment is a critical component of this procedure. Tanned skin may become burned or discolored as the pigment attracts the laser. You should apply sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher to the areas where the procedure will be performed.
2. Treatment areas for shaving
You should shave the areas where you want the laser hair removal done. This may help to prevent surface burns on hairs that protrude through the top layer of skin. For up to six weeks, avoid plucking, waxing, and other hair removal methods. These alternative methods may cause damage to the hair follicles, which are an important part of the procedure.
3. Avoid taking blood thinners
You should talk to your doctor about which drugs to avoid ahead of time. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one example (NSAIDs).
4. Don’t use deodorant
Deodorant, moisturizer, and makeup should not be applied to the treatment area: Before treatment, you should keep your skin as bare as possible, as any foreign material could harm you.
5. Avoid using any harsh products
For the next 24 hours, it is recommended that you should avoid using any harsh products on the treated area: While the redness is present, you should avoid using makeup and other harsh skin products. These products have the potential to irritate your skin and cause unwanted side effects. In the meantime, it’s best to avoid them.
How do you treat itching bumps after the laser hair removal?
After-care treatment is critical in the management of symptoms and adverse effects. It. Here’s what the experts say:
- It is equally important to avoid sun exposure for the next seven days following therapy. There is a risk of skin damage and discoloration because the treated areas are so delicate.
- Inflamed areas should be treated with cold cloths, ice packs, and a restorative gel. Pain and edema may be reduced by using this. This might also help with the itching that comes with pimples.
- In order to alleviate discomfort, we suggest using Tylenol or another over-the-counter medication. If you experience any pain, you may wish to consider taking an anti-inflammatory.
- For the next 24 hours, refrain from using any harsh items on the treated region. You’ll want to avoid using makeup and other harsh skin products while you’re experiencing redness. Using these products could cause irritation to your skin and other unpleasant side effects. For the time being, it’s best to stay away from them.
What are the other skin care tips after the laser hair removal?
1. Avoid using make-up unless absolutely necessary
After a laser hair removal operation, mineral makeup is the only type of makeup that is safe to wear. Avoid using cosmetics on the afflicted region for at least a day or two following.
2. Use cold compresses
Use a cold compress if your skin is feeling heated, itching, or tight. Many of the nerves that convey pain signals to the brain travel through cold, which can instantly reduce your pain.
3. Use witch hazel as a natural laxative
Witch hazel is safe to use on the skin, and it is known to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help minimize any post-laser swelling. Make your cold compress more relaxing by sprinkling a bit on the outside.
4. Be sure to purchase a calming cream
After a laser hair removal procedure, many dermatologists recommend applying a relaxing cream to the skin. There are various ways to lessen side effects, such as redness and swelling. Calming creams can help alleviate some of these symptoms.
The temptation to scratch the region or touch it frequently is strong, yet these are the worst things you can do. Applying a lotion as needed will help you get through the first several days following your treatment.
5. Avoid the tanning salons
After a laser treatment, you should avoid tanning salons and intense sunshine for six weeks. You’ll be able to enjoy your summer activities while protecting yourself from the sun’s rays with an SPF of 30 or more.
6. Avoid using cosmetics following facial rejuvenation surgery
Makeup should be avoided for a few days following laser face treatment, especially if you are suffering any discomfort. A small layer of sunblock will allow your skin to heal correctly if you don’t use your cosmetics.
7. Take an over-the-counter painkiller to ease any discomfort
If you have any stinging sensations or soreness following a minor laser therapy, you can take acetaminophen, which is an over-the-counter pain reliever (Tylenol).
Should you discontinue your laser hair removal treatments if you are itching?
The most common laser skin procedure performed worldwide is laser hair removal (Epilation).Bumps and itching on the skin are two of the most common and long-lasting side effects of laser hair removal.
Itching after laser hair removal is a completely normal reaction. This itchiness and bumpiness will go away within a day or two of treatment. After your laser hair removal treatment, your skin may feel a little itchy but resist the urge to scratch. Because your skin is so delicate, even a minor scratch can irritate it and cause it to become red and inflamed.
Using a moisturizer several times per day will keep your skin hydrated and reduce itching.
However, you should consult your doctor to determine whether you should continue with laser hair removal treatment if you experience symptoms that are more than minor irritation or if the side effects do not subside or worsen over time.
Watch How to care for skin after laser hair removal treatment | Video
What should I do to soothe my skin after laser hair removal?
If the skin is broken after laser hair removal, you should use an antibiotic ointment to treat it until it heals. For post-treatment discomfort, Tylenol is advised.
To relieve heat discomfort, you can also use Restorative Gel (highly recommended), cool towels, ice packs, or aloe vera.
How can you get rid of itching after laser hair removal?
Itching can be relieved by taking Benadryl. Other hair removal methods (tweezing, waxing, and depilatories) should not be utilized on the treated area during laser treatments, as this will reduce the effectiveness of your laser treatments.
How long does it take for the itch to go away after laser treatment?
Within a week of the laser hair treatment, you should notice that your skin has calmed down. If the itching persists, talk to your laser practitioner or pharmacist.
What happens if you scratch your skin after a laser hair removal procedure?
Scratching the skin after laser hair removal treatment, will aggravate the inflammation, causing severe discomfort and possibly scarring.
Is itchiness a side effect of laser treatment?
Itchiness is a normal histamine reaction to the treatment and should go away within 24 – 48 hours. Itching of the skin after laser hair removal is a normal reaction.
Conclusion
Laser hair removal can cause temporary irritation. In addition, there may be some redness and swelling in the treated area. Nonetheless, these effects are minor. They are frequently the same as the effects of other types of hair removal, such as waxing.
To reduce these side effects, your dermatologist may use a topical anesthetic prior to the procedure.
Overall, discomfort should subside within a few hours of the procedure. Applying ice packs to the affected area may help to reduce swelling and pain. If you experience symptoms that are more than mild irritation or if the side effects worsen, contact your doctor.
If you experience symptoms that are more than mild irritation, or if the side effects do not subside or worsen over time, contact your doctor.
