Laser treatment gone wrong!

Question

Unfortunately can't provide photos due to the area I had the laser doneago now, I wish I never had it. I am itching like crazy I am sore,red and have all these spots, it also looks like I have a burn. I have been to my doctor on several occasions but it's like they are not taking it seriously and giving me creams like E45 not working.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Unfortunately without information or seeing the area I cannot help give an opinion on this matter.  Burns and scars need immediate attention. Best, Dr. Emer.

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Laser hair removal carries with it the risk of pigment changes and burns. Fortunately these are not permanent and the skin will heal normally in most people. It is very important you use a bland cream like Aquaphor to keep the area protected. You can take Benadryl for the itching or even mix a little hydrocortisone with the aquaphor to aid the itching. It is equally important to avoid the sun and use sun screen. It may take several months before the skin bounces back to normal. All the bestDr Soni

Manu B. Aggarwal, MD · Answer

What is called the endpoint for laser hair removal is perifollicular edema. That means the treatment causes swelling and redness around each follicle. When there is not enough cooling of the treated area and/or the hair is very dense, the endpoint can be pretty red, sore and itchy. This can happen with the first few treatments. As the hair becomes less dense and is removed, this reaction becomes less and less. What can be done to help is to cool the skin even more before treatments (ice packs on area), using good cooling during treatments and medications to alleviate the redness and itching after the treatment. It doesn't happen often but some patients have a big reaction to the treatment due to the reasons above. I have those patients take Benadryl before treatments and after, use hydrocortisone over the counter on the area daily for about 3-5 days after the treatment and rarely give them an oral steroid for three days after treatment. I know you said you can't provide pictures but it sounds like you might need steroids. The other possibility is folliculitis which requires an antibiotic. This is infected hair follicles. Again though not common after laser hair removal, it could be possible. Good luck!

Laser treatment gone wrong!

Answers (3)

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