Is It Safe to Do Laser Hair Removal on Area That Was Treated with Topical Clindamycin Few Days Earlier?

If you are using Clindamycin/ Cleocin topical treatment to an area in which you are planning laser hair removal it is my suggestion that you stop your topical antibiotic 1 week prior to laser treatment. Clindamycin is a photosensitive drug which may cause sensitivity to sunlight and also laser light. Typically topical clindamycin is used to treat acne. Some acne may actually be caused from folliculitis (infected hair follicles ). There have been several occasions in which I have seen LHR improve acne. It would be advisable to wear sunscreen and avoid sun exposure while using Clindamycin or any other photosensitive medications. You may resume your topical Clindamycin a few days post LHR.  If you tend to have reactive or sensitive skin I would recommend a test spot to ensure the safety and effectiveness of your laser hair treatment. If I can be of any further assistance or have nay more questions please feel free to contact my office and we can get you in touch with our LHR  nurse specialist. (502)899-9979.

As long as you have stopped treatment of the Clindamycin 4 to 5 days prior to treatment you should be fine. Keep in mind you should also wait 4 to 5 days after as well before continuing with the Clindamycin treatment. Depending on what your skin condition is you may want to consider the possibility of stopping the Clindamycin during the time you are receiving laser treatments until you have completed them. Good news is that laser hair removal has actually been known to sometimes help with certain skin conditions. Make sure you talk with your provider in reference to this before going ahead. “Dr. D”

Laser hair removal after topical clindamycin is safe, but it's better to stop applying the medication few days before the procedure as to avoid any potential of residual irritation.

Having applied a topical antibiotic several days prior to laser hair removal is not a contraindication for the procedure in my office. It is not advised to laser very inflamed tissue so if the area is still not healed from the clindamycin then waiting may be advised. In general, topical clindamycin is for acne and so laser hair removal may be done in the area with attempts to avoid severely inflamed or cystic acne lesions due to tenderness mostly. Check with your dermatologist prior to treating.