I Am Breaking out After IPL Treatment. What Causes It and What Should I Do?

Question

After my third IPL treatment, parts of my face have itchy red bumps all over them, they look like acne. I had this happen after the second treatment, but not as severely and I thought it was due to a new cream they used on me after the treatment. It looks horrible and itches like crazy. What is causing this and what is the best thing to do for it, last time it took about 10 days to clear up and this time it is much worse. If it helps, the areas that have hair on them are the worst.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Sometimes after a procedure like this, the skin can become irritated. If there is redness and itching, it may be fine to use some hydrocortisone 1% cream. If it persists, I would encourage you to see your physician.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

There is some erythema and edema after IPL at times, which is caused from the light itself affecting the skin. Additionally, as you mentioned, some of the hair follicles can become irritated and you can get a form of folliculitis after an IPL treatment which is a general rashy irritation on the skin. Make sure after treatments you apply cool water and hydrocortisone cream 1% (available at any pharmacy for a few dollars) a few times a day. This will help calm the irritation tremendously. Try to avoid perfumes for a bit after as well as the oils and scents will irritate these spots even more. And make sure you tell the office treating you that you are having this happen after a treatment. While it's not something to worry about, they should know!

I Am Breaking out After IPL Treatment. What Causes It and What Should I Do?

Answers (2)