What's this reaction called after laser hair removal on legs for the first time? (Photos)

Question

What is this reaction called? Is this follicular edema? Or burns? It’s very swollen red and extremely itchy. Hot to the touch. The only thing that helps is steroid cream. I don’t want to keep using it

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Every so often, we do see a rash following laser hair removal. This is usually because of irritation of the hair follicles in the treated area, and this can be easily treated with a mild cortisone preparation. I suggest contacting your Dr. for a topical solution. Best, Dr. Emer

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

It is difficult to tell if this is a burn or just a reaction to the laser.  I would definitely use a topical cortisone and Silvadene cream to the treated area.  Please consult a board certified dermatologist who is an expert in lasers for the best cosmetic results.

Paul C. Dillon, MD · Answer

It is difficult to tell if this is a burn or just a reaction to the laser.  I would definitely use a topical cortisone and Silvadene cream to the treated area.  Please consult a board certified dermatologist who is an expert in lasers for the best cosmetic results. I would recommend to follow up with the Dr where you got your procedure.

John E. Burke, MD · Answer

From your photos and your history of improvement with cortisone cream, my assessment would be that you have a follicular reaction.  Sometimes when the root of the hair treated with laser is killed but the shaft remains in the pore, the body will develop an allergic-like reaction to the remaining hair which results in redness, localized swelling and itchiness.  The reaction is usually transient and resolves once the hair shafts fall out.  Topical cortisone creams or oral Benedryl will help.  As always, it is best for your treating physician or clinic to see you in person to confirm the diagnosis.  If they confirm this assessment, taking Benedryl before the next procedure can make it less likely that this might happen again.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting pictures.  It looks like you might have had folliculitis.  Your skin should be getting back to normal soon.  Sometimes this happens on its own, but not normally.  Don't let this dissuade you from doing additional treatments.  After LHR and most other laser treatments, it is important to not raise your body temperature for the next several hours.  Avoid strenuous exercise, hot tubs or even a hot bath for the rest of the day.  Aloe Vera my help soothe your skin.  I hope this helps.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

It is difficult to tell if this is a burn or just a reaction to the laser.  I would definitely use a topical cortisone and Silvadene cream to the treated area.  Please consult a board certified dermatologist who is an expert in lasers for the best cosmetic results.  Best, Dr. Green

What's this reaction called after laser hair removal on legs for the first time? (Photos)

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More Laser Hair Removal Questions

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Answers (6)

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