When I wax my arms I develop a reaction/acne on only my upper arms that lasts at least a month or two. Should I try laser?

Great question. Based on your photos and description, it seems like you could be a very good candidate for laser hair removal. Dealing with folliculitis, razor burn and irritation caused by shaving or waxing can be a frustrating and difficult problem to overcome. With laser hair removal, once you’ve completed your full round of sessions, you shouldn’t have to worry about other more painful hair removal methods any more. Sit down with an experienced professional to discuss your options, plan your timeline and answer any specific questions you might have.

These bumps are inflamed hair follicles, infection, acne that occurs from the waxing. This requires topical creams and oral medications to improve. I suggest getting an evaluation with your dermatologist to determine the best course of treatment.
The best long term improvement would be for you to start laser hair removal. Diode, alexandrite and yag lasers work best. It will take a series of treatments to get improvement. 
Please see an expert for an evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer.

Thank you for your question! From what I can gather from your pictures it looks like you are having an acneiform reaction to epilation of the hairs (basically, you break out when the hairs are removed).  This happens occasionally and I like to think of it as the treatment "stirring up" the normal skin bacteria and causing breakouts.  It probably is related to the treatment itself and not necessarily to the type of wax or other factors.  If that is truly the case then it may be better in the long run to have laser hair removal.  Even though laser treatment could cause  the same type of reaction, you will be killing off hair and have less problems with each subsequent treatment.  After a series of treatments you may not have to wax again, and if you do have to wax again it will be a MUCH less often. Best of luck! 

Hi, from the pictures provided it seems like you would be an ideal candidate for laser hair removal. Just make sure to go to an licensed trained professional to make sure the settings and skin type is correct. So that there is no risk to you. Best of luck 

Folliculitis from waxing can be terribly annoying and it seems that it is constantly recurring.  I would definitely advise you to do laser hair removal. You will have the best cosmetic results. Best, Dr. Green

If you have dark hair on your upper arms, laser hair removal would be an excellent option.  Plus, it lasts a lot longer than waxing and no bumps!  It will take 3-12 treatments to get rid of the hair, usually spaced 4-6 weeks apart then once every 6-12 months to keep the hair gone.  If you have blond or light colored hair, it wont work.  Good luck. 

From what I can gather from your pictures it looks like you are having an acneiform reaction to epilation of the hairs (basically, you break out when the hairs are removed).  This happens occasionally and I like to think of it as the treatment "stirring up" the normal skin bacteria and causing breakouts.  It probably is related to the treatment itself and not necessarily to the type of wax or other factors.  If that is truly the case then it may be better in the long run to have laser hair removal.  Even though laser treatment could cause  the same type of reaction, you will be killing off hair and have less problems with each subsequent treatment.  After a series of treatments you may not have to wax again, and if you do have to wax again it will be a MUCH less often.  
Hope this is helpful info.  Best Regards,
Dr. Amy

Yes. hair follicles can become infected a variety of ways, sometimes shaving sometimes waxing. Laser will take care of all of this. Just remember it takes several treatments (we say 4 - 6) to reach completion for most people.