How to Get Rid of Warm and Itchy Red Bumps Days After Laser Hair Removal? (photo)

Question

Hi, I had my 1st laser hair removal session on my lower legs. The photo shows what it looks like today (4 days after my session). My legs have red bumps & are very warm compared to the rest of my body. I have tried applying ice packs to cool it, vaseline, and cortizone cream over the past few days. No hairs have fallen out and it seems like I'm getting a lot of ingrown hair (I shaved the day before my session). My doctor recommended to be patient... please advise! Thank you.

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question -

	 

	It is difficult to know exactly what will happen because I don't know what type of laser was used or the setting that were applied.

	Redness can certainly appear after laser treatments.  In our San Francisco area we rely on careful laser calibration, test spots and hydrocortisone as well as carefully trained personnel to minimize possible complications.

	 

	Time may improve these spots.  Most redness resolves in the first 48 hours.  Redness that is more persistent should be followed carefully by your plastic surgeon.

	 

	I hope this helps!

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank
you for your question. From your photo this looks like perifollicular edema and
erythema. This is normal following laser hair removal. Perifollicular is the
area around the hair, edema means swelling and erythema is redness. This should
resolve within 2 days. However, if it persists, please follow up with your physician for
an evaluation and treatment. Best of Luck!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank
you for your question. From your photo this looks like perifollicular edema and
erythema. This is normal following laser hair removal. Perifollicular is the
area around the hair, edema means swelling and erythema is redness. This should
resolve within 2 days. However, if it persists, please follow up with your physician for
an evaluation and treatment. Best of Luck!

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Your picture shows almost a hive-like reaction that is similar to what we call perifollicular edema and erythema following laser hair removal. Perifollicular is the area around the hair, edema is swelling, and erythema is redness. These are the normal end points following laser hair removal. They should disappear within the first 24-48 hours no matter what type of laser is used. If it persists longer than 2 days, I would connect with your provider and get in there to see them. The rash can be the result of a contact dermatitis or something that you applied to the area after the procedure, or it can just be one of the normal responses. But someone who knows skin should look at this. Treating this is not too difficult for a dermatologist; the right topical medicine will minimize this quickly.

How to Get Rid of Warm and Itchy Red Bumps Days After Laser Hair Removal? (photo)

Answers (4)