Hives after laser hair removal. What should I do? (Photo)

Hello, this can happen with laser hair removal. I recommend that my clients apply a hydrocortisone cream in this scenario.

Hi there.  It looks like you have a bad case of folliculitis which is both hives and inflammation.  This is not something that normally happens after laser treatment.  It is essential to follow certain guidelines for laser to prevent this from happening.  First, the correct laser for the correct skin type at the appropriate setting should be used.  At Monroe Comprehensive Laser Center in Monroe, Mi we use the GentleMax Pro, which is able to treat all skin types.  Second, we recommend that patients not go into hot tubs or take really hot baths for 24 to 48 hours after treatment.  Third, it is very important that your skin be completely clear of blemishes, folliculitis, bumps, etc before treatment.  If anything is present on your skin that has bacteria, the heat from the laser will aggravate the bacteria and potentially cause infection.  Fourth, it is important to shave or clip 24 to 48 hours before your treatment to allow for just a mm or two of hair to break the skin surface for the laser to see.  If you shave the day of or are shaved right before treatment, there could be tiny micro nicks in your skin surface that the laser will heat up and also put you at risk for skin inflammation and infection.  Keep using your allergy medications and cortisone ointment.  If the areas starting getting more red or there is any discharge, you may need antibiotics.  Here is some important information.

Thanks for your question and posting pictures.  I can't tell exactly, but it looks like you might have severe case of folliculitis.  Your skin should be getting back to normal soon.  Stick with the allergy meds as directed by your local physician.  Sometimes this happens on its own, but not normally.  Don't let this dissuade you from doing additional treatments.  After LHR and most other laser treatments, it is important to not raise your body temperature for the next several hours.  Avoid strenuous exercise, hot tubs or even a hot bath for the rest of the day.  Aloe Vera my help soothe your skin. 
If LHR hurts that badly, you are in the wrong place.  To be safe, you should seek out a laser vs. IPL to help avoid complications.  Almost all newer lasers are safe for all skin types and have features built in (such as sapphire cooling tips) to make them more comfortable.  Some of the newer technology is also more efficient, allowing for lower energy settings to be used with better results and less discomfort.  With modern equipment, your treatment should only be mildly uncomfortable, but not painful.  We never use numbing cream for LHR.  We want our patients to be able to tell us if they feel pain or an unusual level of discomfort. We recommend finding an experienced and reputable provider in your area with updated equipment.  A consistent overlapping technique is the key to avoiding patchiness in LHR.   Calibration and power of the laser is important for a safe, comfortable and effective treatment.  Find out what laser they will use and if it is under a maintenance contract.  If their laser isn’t calibrated on a regular basis or is underpowered, your treatment may be painful or inefficient. After a series of 6-8 initial treatments, you may need a touch up every 3-5 years.  Best of luck.