Pepper spots on legs after laser treatment. What can I do?

Question

I had recently had my legs treated with laser hair removal and there are spots all over my legs. Which I am assuming are pepper spots. After reading reviews on them, it should clear over time and most reviews says it takes less than couple of weeks and should see the skin clearing. It has been almost a month and my legs looks the same. I have tried various home remedies and over the counter creams. The spots are still there. Any recommendations? Thank you.

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Since you did not submit a photo, it’s always best
to have it checked out by a dermatologist. If it is pepper spots, those are
normal after the treatment as it is your hair that will slowly come out. It’s
the transition period and you just have to be patient. Do not pick at them as
that can make it worse or leave scars. Please see your dermatologist so that
he/she may recommend the best option for your skin to help remove them.

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Pepper spots after laser hair removal are very common and typically can last 2-3 weeks. You can speed up their disappearance by using an exfoliating agent such as glycolic or lactic acid, retinol or retinoic acid etc. Regardless, it will disappear soon enough. Your dermatologist can help you with this.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is normal to have little "pepper spot" on your skin after laser hair removal. Usually this is just the hair coming to the surface as it sloughs off. If you have concerns, speak to your laser provider about the best option between treatments. This should lessen each time you have treatments done since there will be less hair.Best Wishes, Pablo Prichard, MD

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Pepper spots on legs after laser hair removal is actually the treated hair coming up and out. Sometimes if the hair is thick, it will kind of get stuck in the process of being removed and create a blackish spot for awhile. SkinCeuticals Body Retexturing is great to apply if this happens and I've had great success in my practice applying it immediately after laser hair removal to treated body areas to help eliminate peppering from happening. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot  
be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person  
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Pepper spots on legs after laser treatment. What can I do?

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Answer: Pepper spots on legs after laser hair removal

Answer: Pepper spots on legs after laser hair removal

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Pepper spots on legs after laser treatment. What can I do?

Answers (4)

Answer: Pepper spots on legs after laser hair removal

Answer: Pepper spots on legs after laser hair removal

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Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.