In recent days, laser hair removal has been a good option for removing unwanted hair from the body, but what about post-laser hair removal folliculitis? In most cases, these bumps are mild and fade on their own, but sometimes severe skin damage occurs, and chronic folliculitis appears. So, considering it is important when using laser hair removal. If you are looking forward to applying laser therapy, always go for a well-reputed brand featuring pain-free and smooth hair removal without any risk of folliculitis. This page is a thorough guide about post-laser hair removal folliculitis, its causes, risk factors, prevention, and management. Let's move towards the details.
What is Post-Laser Hair Removal Folliculitis?
Folliculitis after laser hair removal treatment is a damaged skin condition in which the hair follicle gets inflamed and resembles acne. The bumps on the skin seem like swelling under the skin. The skin becomes irritated because the heat coming from the laser triggers the hair follicle and makes it so weak to shed. The parts (e.g, legs, underarms, or bikini lines) that experience friction and where hair removal is done frequently get damaged mostly.
Folliculitis Primary Causes and Risk Factors
Although laser hair removal is generally safe and effective, certain biological responses and external factors can increase the likelihood of developing folliculitis. Understanding both the primary causes and associated risk factors can help minimize complications and improve treatment outcomes.
Primary Causes:
A lot of factors contribute to causing these folliculitis like;
Thermal Effect of the Laser: A laser hair removal device removes hair, but the heat generated by it may target follicles and cause infection of follicles.
Bacteria: After treatment, pores open and become vulnerable to bacteria. Due to excess sweating, moisture in the follicles also traps bacteria inside.
Ingrown Hairs: When a hair follicle gets damaged/inflamed and sheds due to weakening, some follicles grow inward before quitting grow altogether.
Risk Factors:
We have discussed the causes above; it's time to consider risk factors for producing folliculitis.
Medication: Some medications after laser therapy increase the chances of developing folliculitis.
Hair type: If you have thick, dark, or curly hair, then this type of hair gets inflamed with laser therapy.
Bad Hygiene: Wearing skin-tight clothes and not cleansing your skin properly increases its risk.
Excess Sweating: The excess sweating due to hot showers or direct exposure to sunlight may become a main risk factor.
Laser Settings: Using laser therapy devices with inadequate settings of energy levels fails to destroy your hair follicles completely.
If you overcome these risk factors, you may have a smoother and longer-lasting hair removal experience.
Laser Hair Removal Folliculitis Prevention: Before, During, and After Treatment
When considering laser hair removal therapy, prevention is needed.
Before Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Before treatment, must follow these preventive measures.
Gentle Exfoliation:Exfoliating well within 2 days before laser therapy contributes mainly to removing dirt, dead skin cells, debris, and extra sebum from skin pores. But exfoliation must be gentle and chemical-free.
Avoid Irritants:It would be better to stay away from subjects like sunlight, which may lead to skin irritation for at least 2 weeks before a treatment session.
Shave Your Hair:Shaving before 1 to 2 days of laser therapy is beneficial. Because laser treatment requires a specific length of hair follicle to penetrate it. Creamy shaving may protect you from irritation.
During Laser Hair Removal Treatment
During laser hair removal treatment, must follow these preventive measures.
Use Antimicrobial Soaps:If an individual going through laser therapy wears sports gear or a wet suit, use antimicrobial soaps to clean them.
Clean Tubs:The bathing tubs should be cleaned properly to maintain good hygiene. Additionally, it would be better to do proper chlorination of water.
Don't Share Personal Items:Avoid sharing your personal items, like towels or clothing to anyone to minimize the chances of folliculitis.
After Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Once you have completed laser therapy, must follow these preventive measures.
Use Cool Pack:To compensate heat effect from the laser, use a cold gel pack to soothe your treated skin. The cold pack must be taken fresh from the freezer and used gently without applying pressure. Make sure to avoid sunlight and tanning beds for at least 1 to 2 weeks.
Avoid Wearing Tight Clothes:Tight clothes are not recommended to wear after laser therapy because they create an ideal environment to trap bacteria and cause folliculitis. While loose clothes give comfort and don't stick to your treated skin.
Avoid Exfoliation:Exfoliation should be avoided until your skin has recovered. It is recommended to gently exfoliate your skin with a soft cloth, some days before laser therapy. But it's better to use chemical exfoliants after 2 weeks of laser hair removal therapy.
Undoubtedly, following these precautions guarantees smooth hair removal, but make sure to use a trustworthy laser device like JOVS Venus Pro II IPL Hair Removal having 12.5cm sapphire cooling technology to provide comfort and efficiency at the same time. This industry's best device utilizes cutting-edge IPL technology, offering hair removal efficiently within 0.5 seconds, and the results are outstanding. This FDA-cleared IPL device is suitable for most types of skin.
Managing and Treating Folliculitis
Management of folliculitis depends on the type of folliculitis you have, mild or moderate to severe.
Mild Folliculitis:When folliculitis is less severe, they disappear over time. Only self-care is needed: maintain good hygiene, and avoid hot baths.
Moderate to Severe Folliculitis:Moderate to severe folliculitis requires professional care; consult a dermatologist. Mostly, skin care specialists prescribe antibiotics, lotions, or gels to treat bacterial infections.
Special Considerations:Besides treatment, special considerations include:
- Clean the affected skin gently with an antimicrobial soap.
- Make sure to clean your personal items, like towels or clothes.
- Use soothing creams or lotion on the affected skin.
- Use antifungal pills if antibiotics don't work.
FAQs About Laser Hair Removal Folliculitis
What is post-laser hair removal folliculitis?
Post-laser hair removal folliculitis is the inflammation of hair follicles after laser therapy due to the emission of heat from the laser. The inflamed skin becomes red, itchy, and swollen.
What are the reasons causing folliculitis after laser hair removal treatment?
If we consider causes, laser therapy devices emit heat, which may trigger the skin. Besides, inadequate care, bad hygiene, and frequent exposure to direct sunlight may lead to folliculitis.
Can we treat chronic post-laser hair removal folliculitis?
Yes, don't worry if you are suffering from chronic folliculitis; consult a skin care specialist and use prescribed antibiotics and ointments to treat the infection. To avoid mild to chronic folliculitis, it would be better to utilize a good laser therapy device.
Final Thoughts:
Laser hair removal folliculitis is the most common issue to address when opting for laser therapy to remove unnecessary body hair. Mostly, proper care and maintaining good hygiene eliminate irritation. Laser hair removal is a reliable and effective solution compared to traditional hair removal procedures like razors, shaving, and others. But the main thing is to use a well-known laser device like JOVS Venus Pro II Hair Removal device featuring skin rejuvenation mode to experience a smooth and almost pain-free hair removal. The sapphire cooling technology ensures comfort, longevity, and effective hair removal. Then don’t frustrate with a fear of post-laser hair removal folliculitis and trust it for a smooth experience.
