How to Stop the Irritation and Itching After Active FX?

I agree with the other doctors that have answered and would like to add that you could have contact dermatitis to the aquaphor. We find that 15-20% of our ActiveFX patients will develop contact dermatitis to the ointments used to treat the laser burn.
This presents usually on day 2 with increased redness, burning, tightness and itching. It only gets better when you stop the ointment that is causing it. So far the only cream we have found that doesn't have a risk of this is Crisco. Hope this helps.

It is common to see swelling and redness after Active Fx, though the duration and severity are usually limited with the settings we employ. For your symptoms, often an oral antihistamine like benadryl or vistaril will help. For more severe cases (ie. patient can concentrate, can't sleep), we usually will prescribe an anxiolytic such as Ativan. We find this to be extremely helpful for patients with your symptoms.

Redness, swelling, and itching are expected after most fractional CO2 laser resurfacing. This is due to release of the heat brought about the CO2 energy underneath the skin, which is critical to stimulate a cascade of collage production. Oral Benadryl can be exceedingly helpful to provide relief of itching, swelling and insomnia. Even though cool compress will help, doing so is to be avoided as it may take away some of the necessary inflammation as part of the therapeutic effect of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing.

To alleviate irritation and itching after an Active FX procedure, consider the following:
1. Follow Post-Procedure Instructions: Adhere to the guidelines provided by your healthcare professional. They may recommend specific creams, ointments, or cold compresses.2. Keep the Area Clean: Gently cleanse the treated area with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Avoid harsh products that could further irritate the skin.3. Moisturize: Apply a soothing, non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated. Look for products containing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile.4. Avoid Scratching: As tempting as it may be, refrain from scratching the treated area. Scratching can worsen irritation and potentially lead to infection.5. Cold Compress: Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and soothe the skin. Be sure to wrap the ice pack in a thin cloth to prevent direct contact with the skin.6. Over-the-Counter Remedies: If approved by your healthcare provider, you may use over-the-counter anti-itch creams containing hydrocortisone.7. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support overall skin health and recovery.8. Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect the treated area from sun exposure. Use sunscreen with a high SPF and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s crucial to contact your healthcare provider for further guidance and evaluation.

After any type of resurfacing the skin will start to heal. Part of the healing process give the sensation of itching. Remember the of grandma saying "if it itches, its healing" when you scraped your knees? That is what is going on. Oral Benadryl should help you to overcome this little normal problem. Hope you are doing well.