I did laser hair removal 3 days ago (this was my 5th session) and I got burned really bad right next to my anus (Photo)

Question

This photo was taken today, 3 days after the burn. I called the office and they told me that can happen and to put neosporin and aquaphor on it to keep it moist. I've been doing neosporin once a day and aquaphor multiple times a day. It's in a very delicate area and I'm wondering if I need to do anything else for it or go see a different doctor. It seems to be feeling slightly less painful today.

Adaeze Okeke, MD · Answer

So sorry for you. Unfortunately this is something that can happen very easily with laser hair removal. It does look like a second degree burn which you can treat yourself. Clean it gently with soap and water and apply a triple antibiotic cream such as neosporin. I would do this twice a day and after having a bowel movement. If it worsens at all you should see a physician. You should also let your LHR clinic know that this happened so they can check the settings of the laser. Hop you get better soon!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with a cosmetic dermatologist for after care. I recommend silicone gel with growth factors and hyperbaric oxygen to promote healing. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Christopher Dannaker, DO, MPH, FAAD · Answer

Neosporin, Bacitracin and Polysporin should all be avoided around the anus if possible as they are an exceedingly common cause of allergic contact dermatitis (itching, redness and swelling like a poison oak reaction).  If you are not allergic to these products, applying them to the perianal area can induce later allergy, so avoid them.  Moisturization is a good idea but  the physician, given the perianal location, has to decide if they are going to use either an oral, topical , or no antibiotic at all and watch the area for infection,  which can deepen the wound.  Topical antibiotics such as neosporin, as mentioned, should be avoided especially in this area.  Application of occlusive dressings might be considered but soaking the area very frequently to inhibit bacterial overgrowth is also important.  Scarring, although not common,  can occur.  I would suggest seeing a wound specialist BEFORE any  more complications arise if your dermatologist (assuming you saw one) is not familiar with these types of wounds.  Wound care typically includes application of topicals to encourage healing and discourage infection, dressings and close monitoring to recognize injection early if/when it occurs.

Lisa Jenks, MD · Answer

I am sorry this happened.  It looks as though you have a 2nd degree burn, which can usually be handled with topical antibiotics and an occlusive ointment such as aquaphor.  The biggest potential problem with burns is infection and, obviously, yours is in a bacteria-laden area.  I think you can handle it as you are, but if you notice that it is getting more tender, draining anything that looks like pus and/or you are running a temperature, you should get it evaluated immediately.Best of luck to you.

I did laser hair removal 3 days ago (this was my 5th session) and I got burned really bad right next to my anus (Photo)

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