What Caused my Red Itchy Bumps/rash on my Legs After my Second Laser Hair Removal Treatment?

Sometimes this can happen due to the increased settings with each treatment. Try not to scratch the area as much as possible to avoid further irritation. You may try taking an antihistamine and applying hydrocortisone a few times a day to relieve redness and itching. It is always best to avoid rubbing/scrubbing the area after a treatment and to avoid sun exposure, hot showers/baths, pools, oceans, jacuzzis, or hot saunas for a few days after your treatment to reduce further irritation of the hair follicles. Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers as well. Sometimes these rashes can result in hyperpigmented spots, but usually these spots resolve over time. If you do not notice an improvement or worsening of your rash, contact the person who performed your treatment so that you may be evaluated.

Red, itchy bumps are typically  normal after laser hair removal. Patients with dark and coarse hair usually react more during the first 2-3 treatments. Once the hair becomes less and thinner the reaction should be less as well. To help sooth the skin after the treatment you can use aloe gel or calming creams twice a day. To help with the itchy skin you can exfoliate in a couple of days to remove the burnt hair stuck in the follicles.

Thank you for your question. It is common to experience some swelling, itchness and redness after laser hair removal and this is usually due to irritation of the hair follicles. You can take an antihistamine and apply hydrocortisone to help relieve the redness and itching. I recommend following up with your treating physician. Best of Luck!

Every so often, we do see an itchy bumpy rash following laser hair removal. This is usually because of irritation of the hair follicles in the treated area, and this can be easily treated with a mild cortisone preparation. I would let the treating provider know this has happened and make sure they take any necessary precautions before the next visit – cleaning the site well, removing any excess gel if used, etc. Several new laser systems are now available which are super fast and most of the time will not lead to this type of adverse event – so make sure you are going to a reputable person with the latest laser hair removal technology.

Thanks for your question 

Yes, this can happen after laser treatment. Here are some things you can do:

1) Avoid anything abrasive to your legs (no exfoliants)

2) Avoid heavy, scented lotions/creams to your legs

3) Place cool washcloths to soothe your legs

4) As mentioned by another physician, over-the-counter hydrocortisone can be used on your legs to calm the itching down

5) If you do not scratch the bumps or use anything harsh on them, you should not scar