What Caused my Red Itchy Bumps/rash on my Legs After my Second Laser Hair Removal Treatment? (photos)

Question

I had my 1st laser hair removal session on my armpits, Brazilian and full legs. My legs have red bumps & very itchy. I've applied ice packs to cool it, alovera, & cortizone cream but nothing works. The only part that was infected were my legs. My dermatologist didn't know what it was, which was weird cuz even I knew that it might be (folliculitis edema). What can I do to prevent this next time? Should I stop the treatment? The itchiness is so NOT worth the suffer. I NEED UR ADVICE DOCTORS

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

It appears you are having a standard reaction to laser hair removal. Inflammation of the follicles is a normal side effect. It should resolve in the next few days. You can apply a topical steroid cream for the irritation or itching.

Ram Chandra, MD · Answer

It looks like follicular edema that should usually last less than 4-6 days. During the time the dead hair is pushing out you might experience some itchy feeling. Its normal. Apply 1% or higher cortisone ointment. Its a desirable sign and with more treatments, these will be less and less in frequency and prominence.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

The easiest solution is topical steroid creams. This will relieve itching most likely as well as the redness.

What Caused my Red Itchy Bumps/rash on my Legs After my Second Laser Hair Removal Treatment? (photos)

Answers (3)