Laser hair removal and a razor burn? What is it and how should I treat it? (Photos)

Question

I've had several laser hair removal treatments, hives gone in hrs. This time, patch treatments. She dry skinned shaved the areas, and then zapped it with the laser. After I felt burning, Immediately applied aloe vera. Applied, soothing PMDSkinToner. After, l had a rash/hives that burned. Applied ice pack. Later, applied oatmeal water+aloe vera. Woke up w/ clusters of hives/rash. Doesn't burn or itch. What's going on?Ice packs,More Aloe?Benadryl? History asthmatic, contact dermatitis, uticaria

Laura A. Katz, MD · Answer

First and foremost, with your history of urticaria and contact dermatitis, a laser " test spot" 24 hours before your scheduled treatment would be a good idea.  This is a good way to determine if you would be more at risk for a skin reaction before having a whole treatment.  The rash on your skin looks like a combination of urticaria(hives), contact dermatitis and folliculitis.  At Monroe Comprehensive Laser Center in Monroe, Mi, we usually advise wet shaving a day or two before your treatment.  This way, any potential shaving inflammation usually has resolved and just enough surface stubble may be present to more precisely target your treatment.  The dry shaving immediately prior to your treatment, combined with your already sensitive skin, may have lead to some inflammation and then the heat from the laser then could have prompted some bacterial growth as well.  The aloe treatment can help with inflammation but with the folliculitis antibiotics may be needed.  Another thought would be to review any medications or supplements that you are on before getting treatment to make sure that you are not on any medications that can cause heat or light sensitivity so that you can stop them a week or two before treatment.

Laser hair removal and a razor burn? What is it and how should I treat it? (Photos)

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Laser hair removal and a razor burn? What is it and how should I treat it? (Photos)

Answers (1)

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Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.