I Think I've Been Burned on my Lips from Laser Hair Removal. What Can I Do?

I've had 5 laser treatments (full face) and my lips are now very dry, cracked and red above my upper lip and below my lower lip. I've been keeping vaseline and neosporin on them, but it doesn't seem to be getting better.

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lips burn

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by New Brunswick in New Brunswick, NJ

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Stop the Neosporin!

After 5 treatments, and after using Vaseline and Neosporin each time for red, dry, and cracked lips, I also recommend stopping the irritants. This sounds like an allergic or hypersensitivity response to Neomycin, and I have (rarely) seen it to Vaseline also. 10% of patients can develop Neomycin reactions with repeated use; since the response is more redness and swelling, the patient thinks there is a possible infection, and they slather on even more Neosporin! I'd stop the... more

Skin reaction after laser hair removal

Common things being common, you may very well have had an irritation from the laser which is normal, but the neosporin may be causing an allergic contact or irritant contact dermatitis. It doesn't matter how many times in the past you used Neosproin without a reaction, allergies never occur in the time of the first application. The body must have the immune system get sensitized to the product and intermittent use is a good way to sensitize someone to an allergan. Furthermore,... more

Cracking red lips after laser hair removal

What you describe sounds more like a contact allergy to the neosporin that is being applied or possibly eczema due to weather changes and increased dryness of the air both outside and inside the house. I recommend stopping the neosporin, as it contains two well-known contact allergens, neomycin and bacitracin, and applying an over the counter cortisone cream twice a day for 4-5 days. In addition you need to use petroleum jelly to keep the lips moist. Make sure it is pure... more

If you think your lips were burned after laser hair removal, you should visit your doctor.

I read your concern. A burn after a laser treatment is usually noted the same day or the day following your treatment. It's not clear when you had your last laser treatment and when you started to experience dry, cracked red lips. You'll probably get relief from OTC hydrocortisone ointment 1%. Many people are sensitive to neomycin (Neosporin), so this should not be used without direction from your physician. I hope this is helpful for you.