Tingling and burning sensations similar to a mild sunburn are common side effects of laser hair removal treatments. These symptoms, such as itching, redness, mild swelling, tingling, and a burning sensation similar to that of a mild sunburn, usually disappear within a few days. However, if proper steps are not taken to protect the skin, more severe side effects can occur, such as severe burns, blisters, crusting, scarring, and extreme irritation. To reduce the risk of experiencing these symptoms, it is important to follow certain skin protection tips after each laser hair removal treatment.
The key to avoiding discomfort from laser hair removal lies in proper skin care. The procedure damages target hair follicles and the body reacts to this by causing redness, irritation, and other symptoms in the affected areas. These may include a tingling or tender sensation, as well as slight swelling. An itchy feeling is also common during or after the treatment.
Fortunately, these effects usually resolve quickly. Special creams can help relieve red bumps and itching. For example, a post-treatment cream can reduce redness and swelling. Additionally, it is important to avoid showering with hot water for 24 to 48 hours after each laser hair removal treatment. This will help ensure that the treated area heals properly and does not delay the next laser session. Although rare, laser hair removal can cause permanent damage to the skin such as scarring, burns or changes in skin color.
It is also known that these effects can be avoided by taking proper precautions before and after the procedure. For this reason, it is important to avoid shaving, pulling out or threading the hair on the treated area throughout the hair removal process. For most people, laser hair removal is a safe way to remove hair in unwanted places permanently or for long periods of time. Common side effects of laser hair removal include redness, swelling and irritation in the treated area. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate discomfort caused by a tingling sensation after laser hair removal.
Additionally, some patients who receive less aggressive treatment may experience side effects of a greater magnitude than expected. This is particularly useful for treating the sequelae of laser hair removal as it ensures long-lasting comfort for those undergoing laser hair removal aftercare. Although there are no open wounds associated with laser hair removal, the treated area must be kept clean after the procedure to avoid any complications caused by infection.
