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Should I be concerned about these inflamed follicles after my last laser treatment? (Photos)

I had a laser treatment done on my arms and legs about 3 days ago and I am still feeling itchy. My skin has been inflamed and bumpy around certain follicles. How long do you think this will take to clear up?

Doctor Answers 4

Inflammation of Hair Follicles After Laser Hair Removal

November 1st, 2016
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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.

Web reference: http://www.myethosspa.com/services/laser-hair-removal/

Hardik Soni, MD


Summit Emergency Medicine Physician
5.0 out of 5 stars 46 reviews

November 1st, 2016

Inflammation of Hair Follicles After Laser Hair Removal

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

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.

Learn more: http://www.myethosspa.com/services/laser-hair-removal/

Hardik Soni, MD


Summit Emergency Medicine Physician
5.0 out of 5 stars 46 reviews

Follicular edema after laser treatment

October 16th, 2016
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This is perfectly normal, due to swelling from the follicles that are "burned" by the laser, which is the desirable endpoint.

Ram Chandra, MD
Edison Physician

October 16th, 2016

Follicular edema after laser treatment

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This is perfectly normal, due to swelling from the follicles that are "burned" by the laser, which is the desirable endpoint.

Ram Chandra, MD
Edison Physician

Laser hair treatment

October 16th, 2016
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From the photos, it appears you are exhibiting a normal reaction after your laser hair treatment. Follicle inflammation is an expected result and should dissipate over the first few days. 

Pamela Stuart, MD

Pamela Stuart, MD
San Jose Physician
5.0 out of 5 stars 4 reviews

October 16th, 2016

Laser hair treatment

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From the photos, it appears you are exhibiting a normal reaction after your laser hair treatment. Follicle inflammation is an expected result and should dissipate over the first few days. 

Pamela Stuart, MD
San Jose Physician

Inflamed hair follicles after LHR

October 16th, 2016
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I see no evidence of a burn. This is a good sign for the treatment results. Apply topical steroid cream if irritating or itching.

Steven F. Weiner, MD

Steven F. Weiner, MD
Panama City Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.7 out of 5 stars 44 reviews

October 16th, 2016

Inflamed hair follicles after LHR

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

I see no evidence of a burn. This is a good sign for the treatment results. Apply topical steroid cream if irritating or itching.

Steven F. Weiner, MD

Steven F. Weiner, MD
Panama City Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.7 out of 5 stars 44 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.