I Think I've Been Burned on my Lips from Laser Hair Removal. What Can I Do?

After 5 treatments, and after using Vaseline and Neosporin each time for red, dry, and cracked lips, I also recommend stopping the irritants. This sounds like an allergic or hypersensitivity response to Neomycin, and I have (rarely) seen it to Vaseline also. 10% of patients can develop Neomycin reactions with repeated use; since the response is more redness and swelling, the patient thinks there is a possible infection, and they slather on even more Neosporin!

I'd stop the Neosporin immediately, and if you can also stop the Vaseline. You may need some moisturizer as your lips heal and get better, so use the mildest you can find (none at all is the best if you can stand it).

Topical cortisone can help with inflammation and overall soreness, but can actually slow the healing, so use steroids (even mild ones) conservatively and cautiously if at all.

See your doctor. Good luck!

Common things being common, you may very well have had an irritation from the laser which is normal, but the neosporin may be causing an allergic contact or irritant contact dermatitis. It doesn't matter how many times in the past you used Neosproin without a reaction, allergies never occur in the time of the first application. The body must have the immune system get sensitized to the product and intermittent use is a good way to sensitize someone to an allergan.  Furthermore, there are three allergens in the Neosporin, all of which people have been known to be sensitized: Neomycin, Polymyxin and Bacitracin. Stop the use of the Neosporin, use over -the-counter corticosteroid creams and see your doctor as soon as possible if it persists or worsens. aquaphor is a great product and can be obtained without a prescription.

I read your concern. A burn after a laser treatment is usually noted the same day or the day following your treatment. It's not clear when you had your last laser treatment and when you started to experience dry, cracked red lips. You'll probably get relief from OTC hydrocortisone ointment 1%. Many people are sensitive to neomycin (Neosporin), so this should not be used without direction from your physician.

I hope this is helpful for you.