Ingrown Hair Bumps After Laser Hair Removal>Can ingrown hairs develop after having laser hair removal done? To put it simply, yeah. We can all agree that the skin’s outward appearance is something that should be safeguarded, but it’s crucial to remember that laser hair removal is a procedure with not instantaneous results. In addition, the boost of confidence that comes from having healthy, glowing skin is hard to deny.
All of your hair will fall out after your first laser treatment. Your skin will feel smoother, but when hairs eventually do start to grow back, they may not do so in the typical outward direction. The medical term for this is folliculitis, or an ingrown hair. When hairs grow inside rather than outward, this is a common adverse effect of laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal is a procedure that uses light to eliminate hair follicles. It can be used on any part of the body, but it’s particularly popular for the face, underarms and legs. During laser hair removal, a laser beam is directed at hairs that are in the growth stage, which damages the follicle and prevents it from producing additional hairs. Read on to learn more on hard lump after laser hair removal and pus filled bumps after laser hair removal.
Ingrown Hair Bumps After Laser Hair Removal
An ingrown hair is a hair which grows underneath the skin and fails to produce a follicle that penetrates the skin. Ingrown hairs can form in two different ways.
- As hair is growing out of the follicle, it grows into the side wall of the follicle instead of penetrating through the skin surface.
- A layer of skin grows over the hair follicle opening resulting in the hair becoming trapped within the hair follicle.
It is common for ingrown hairs to develop after performing a hair removal process on a given area. The hair removal process causes inflammation and irritation of the skin.
What causes them to develop?
Ingrown hairs can develop for a number of reasons, the most common reasons for the development of ingrown hairs are:
- Hair Removal Methods – Waxing, shaving, epilating, plucking, hair removal creams, etc. can all increase the likeliness of ingrown hair development.
- Wearing tight clothing can sometimes increase the chances of ingrown hairs to develop.
- People with thick, coarse, and curly hair may be more prone to ingrown hair development.
What do they look like?
What are ingrown hairs and what do ingrown hairs look like? Ingrown hairs can often be mistaken for small spots on the skin. Occasionally, you may see the hair growing below the skin. If an ingrown hair becomes infected, a pustule can form which, if left untreated can lead to scarring or dark pigmentation of the skin.
Ingrown hairs can become inflamed, sore and irritated if not removed properly and they can lead to permanent scarring of the skin tissue.
Which areas of the body are they commonly found?
Ingrown hairs can develop anywhere on the body but are most commonly found developing in the following areas:
- Facial (especially surrounding the beard area)
- Lower legs
- Buttocks
- Underarms
- Bikini linE
How can you prevent them?
The following recommendations may help reduce the likeliness of ingrown hairs forming.
- Use a moisturising solution that contains Salicylic Acid. The acid content can help gradually dissolve dead skin cells thus preventing overgrowth of the hair follicle.
- Exfoliating the skin can help to prevent ingrown hairs, however, over-exfoliating the skin can also contribute to ingrown hair development. Find the perfect balance.
- Apply a moisturiser daily to keep the skin well hydrated and help prevent ingrown hairs from forming.
- Avoid wearing any tight clothing on the affected area for long periods of time.
- Lightly exfoliate the area 3-4 times a week using a high quality exfoliating agent.
- Be gentle with your skin, lightly exfoliate affected areas but don’t overdo it.
Does laser hair removal help reduce ingrown hairs?
Laser hair removal is definitely the best solution to reducing the occurrence of ingrown hairs in problem areas. Especially if you have coarse or curly hair and you find you have recurring ingrown hairs.
Because laser hair removal destroys the hair follicles at the source, the hair itself doesn’t get a chance to become ingrown. Over time hairs become thinner and lighter decreasing the likelihood of this happening again.
Whilst Laser Hair Removal is not an overnight solution to this condition, over time it significantly reduces ingrown hairs and prevents them from forming in the first place.
How Would you normally treat them?
To treat an ingrown hair it is important that you follow recommended guidelines and procedures. Using the correct method will help avoid any permanent scarring, infections, and/or tissue damage to the skin surrounding the ingrown hair.
- It is important not to pull, pick, or tug on the skin. Doing so can cause additional irritation and possibly result in infection.
- Cleanse the area of skin affected with a cleansing lotion and ensure that your hands and tweezers are cleaned thoroughly before proceeding.
- Before proceeding, apply a hot flannel or towel to the skin for a few minutes to soften the top layer of skin before treatment.
- If using a pair tweezers to remove the hair, be sure to disinfect the tips of the tweezers first to help prevent the chances of causing an infection.
- Using a pair of tweezers, locate and remove the ingrown hair slowly from the follicle.
- After successfully removing the ingrown hair, apply an antiseptic lotion to the surrounding area to help prevent infection.
- If you are unable to remove the hair, using tweezers, it is recommended that you regularly exfoliate the area until the hair has reached the surface.
- if you are attempting to treat an ingrown hair on the face, avoid wearing makeup on the are for at least 24 hours.
You may experience a particular area of the body becoming continually affected by ingrown hairs. This can lead to long-term scarring and/or cause dark pigmentation of the skin.
Men’s Necks and Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs often cause of great discomfort for many men who regularly shave. Shaving of the neck area can often become irritated and inflamed, often resulting in ingrown hairs. Laser hair removal is the best treatment proven to reduce the inflammation in this area. Laser hair removal quickly reduces the amount of hair on the front of the neck by destroying the hair follicles, the cause of ingrown hairs. With laser hair removal you can expect to see results fairly quickly, usually within the first two or three treatments.
Pus Filled Bumps After Laser Hair Removal
This side effect happens when pores get clogged. Since the heat of the laser opens up your pores, your skin will be sensitive to these very tiny infections. They happen the same way as any acne would – dead skin cells and bacteria can’t escape, so they create a puss-filled bubble as your body tries to get them out.
Hair removal by waxing, plucking, or threading can cause breakouts as the skin becomes irritated when the hair is pulled out. Laser hair removal is thought to be a less invasive form of hair removal — but patients experience acne breakouts and pimples after treatment anyways.
So why do patients get pimples after a laser hair removal procedure? The heat of the laser machine opens up the pores of your skin, allowing debris to clog and create tiny infections which turn into pimples. In some cases, red bumps develop as an inflammatory response to the procedure itself. Sometimes, patients who made a mistake with their aftercare develop this reaction as well.
Why Acne and Pimples Appear After Laser Hair Removal
After your laser hair removal session, acne and pimples may appear on treatment areas including your upper lip, legs, armpits, or bikini line. This post-treatment breakout is a side effect of your pores opening up due to the heat of the device and getting clogged with dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria. As your body tries to get these particles out, it creates a pus-filled bubble as a response.
Another acne-like side effect is called edema, which is swelling caused by excess fluids trapped in the skin’s tissues. Redness and inflammation are common side effects after laser hair removal and are not permanent so they aren’t a cause for too much worry.
How To Prevent Post-Laser Hair Treatment Breakouts
Preventing post-laser treatment pimple breakouts requires proper aftercare and good skincare habits. Here are three ways to manage your skin after undergoing laser hair removal procedure:
Keep the treatment area clean.
Once you’re done with your laser session, it’s important to cleanse the skin to remove any residue or bacteria that may have been left behind on the surface. You can apply an astringent such as witch hazel to calm down the redness and inflammation. Other anti-inflammatory and antiseptic ingredients like tea tree oil may also help.
As much as possible, don’t apply any heavy creams or oils to the treatment area immediately after the procedure as these can clog up your pores. Avoid applying make-up, deodorant, lotion, cosmetic, or any other scented cosmetics as well so your skin can breathe as it heals. With the pathways to your pores open, it would be much easier for them to clear out any debris and prevent an acne breakout.
Don’t sweat it out just yet.
Heat is going to be your enemy after a laser hair treatment as your skin is very sensitive and prone to damage. Sun exposure is definitely a no-no. Anything that increases your body temperature will cause you to sweat, which creates a breeding ground for bacteria that may lead to infection or ingrown hairs. Sweaty and strenuous workouts will also open your pores up to sweat, oils, and bacteria that creates pimples as well.
For a similar reason, you should also avoid saunas, hot baths, hot showers, and steam baths. If you really want to exercise, light walking is the best choice. You should also avoid swimming in the sea, lakes, rivers, jacuzzis, and swimming pools with strongly chlorinated water for at least 2 – 3 days after treatment. Bodies of water would have bacteria, chemicals, and algae you wouldn’t want entering your skin.
Be gentle with your skin.
As much as possible, do not pick, pop, rub, or scratch any emerging acne spots to avoid scarring or another adverse effect. In the days following laser hair removal, exfoliate the treatment area with a gentle exfoliant or scrub to prevent ingrown hairs and clogged pores. If swelling and redness occur, you may apply ice. Be sure to keep the ice inside a clean towel before patting on your skin.
Depending on your needs, your dermatologist may prescribe cooling creams, ointments, or topical steroids for any skin irritation. A thin layer of hydrocortisone cream is also good for managing itchy bumps and preventing breakouts or edemas from forming. A product with aloe vera in it would also keep your skin cool and moisturized so you wouldn’t be as red either.
Have you ever noticed red (sometimes painful) bumps on the skin, usually a few days after shaving? If you answered yes, you’ve most likely experienced ‘folliculitis’! Folliculitis is a skin condition caused by an inflammation of the hair follicle. It’s often confused with ingrown hairs and keratosis pilaris, however differs in cause & biology.
The most common areas to experience folliculitis is on the underarms, legs, pubic area, and arms. This is because the hair is generally thicker and therefore causes more irritation when the hair is removed. It’s a common occurance in both men & women, at any age. ‘Shaving bumps’ on the face, neck, and scalp are similar in appearance, however are referred to as ‘Pseudofolliculitis‘.
Folliculitis isn’t dangerous. However it can be extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing – especially if it’s on your arms or legs! Regardless of its appearance, we recommend treating it ASAP to prevent it from spreading and developing into a more severe infection.
Why am I getting folliculitis?
Folliculitis is caused by bacteria entering damaged follicles. Therefore it usually occurs after hair removal procedures. Regardless of whether you are waxing, shaving, or epilating, you’re still damaging the follicle. Consequently, you are still at risk of getting this bothersome condition.
Whilst not as common, it can also be caused by the friction of your clothing. If the friction is strong enough to damage your hair follicles, it can then cause the infection.
This skin condition is not usually contagious, however some forms of it can be. So we recommend avoiding skin to skin contact or sharing towels until it has completely cleared.
Try not to worry – mild cases will alleviate on their own!
How can I treat it?
There’s no such thing as ‘folliculitis removal’, however it will generally clear by itself (assuming you have a mild case). However if it’s developed into a severe condition, we recommend visiting your GP who will prescribe you with relevant medication.
To speed up recovery of mild cases and to prevent future folliculitis, Laser Hair Removal is the answer!
How?
The laser beam generated by the Candela GentleLase travels to the infected follicle, destroying the bacteria causing the skin condition. By destroying the bacteria, your symptoms should relieve within just a few days post-treatment!
Will it come back after laser hair removal treatments?
You’re likely to experience folliculitis even after laser treatments, if you do not complete your course of treatments. Laser hair removal (LHR) works by damaging your hair follicle until it is damaged enough to stop hair production. Although you’ll notice thinner regrowth after your first few treatments, it will return to its original state if left untreated.
The recommended course of treatments for each folliculitis-prone areas are:
- Pubic hair folliculitis (including folliculitis on anus) – 9-12 treatments
- Underarm folliculitis – 9-12 treatments
- Folliculitis on arms or legs – 6-9 treatments
- Folliculitis on face, neck, or cranium (scalp) – 20+ treatments
In your LHR consultation, your skin therapist will assess your suitability for treatment and explain the treatment process. If you’re not suitable for LHR, your therapist will provide alternative hair removal procedures and preventive measures.
Hard Lump After Laser Hair Removal
Hair follicle swelling known as Follicular edema is the natural result of the laser hair removal treatment. In most cases, this reaction lasts not more than 30 minutes. In rare cases, it can last for a few days and cause itching.
Follicular edema, or hair follicle swelling, is a perfectly natural result of every laser hair removal session. In 90% of patients it has gone in 15 minutes. In rare cases it can last for several days and cause itching. In these cases treatment with Aloe Vera or 1% hydrocortisone lotion is advised.
Different people show different reactions to laser hair removal depending on the skin and hair types. One of the reasons is the interaction of the laser beam and the Follicular Edema. Follicular Edema is an inflammation of the hair follicle which could cause the skin to be swollen, itchy, and blemished. It is a temporary reaction and it would last from 30 minutes to a couple of hours.
Hair follicle swelling known as Follicular edema is the natural result of the laser hair removal treatment. In most cases, this reaction lasts not more than 30 minutes. In rare cases, it can last for a few days and cause itching. In these cases, applying Aloe Vera or 1% hydrocortisone lotion on the treatment area is advised.
During the laser hair removal treatment, the laser concentrates a large amount of heat on each hair follicle and depending on the skin type and thickness of hair, this energy causes changes to the follicle which can make it swell and red. In this case and also to prevent Follicular Edema, you shouldn’t schedule your laser hair removal appointment before your daily workout. Anything that causes you to heat up or perspire should be avoided for a day or two after your treatment. You should also stay away from hot showers, hot baths, and hot tubs for at least 24 hours after each treatment.
To mitigate the risk of Follicular Edema, patients should take into consideration the following points:
- Do not use fake tan, sunbeds, or expose your skin to the sun about three weeks before the treatment
- Shave the area completely before the treatment
- If the red is bumpy follicular edema feels a bit uncomfortable to you, you can use hydrocortisone cream or treat it with cool compresses to soothe it. Also, you may apply an aloe vera gel
- Wash the treatment area with mild soap and cold water
- Avoid hot water for at least 24 hours
- Apply proper sunscreen cream on the treated area
- Do not expose treatment areas to direct sunlight
- Avoid any kind of manipulating of the skin in the treatment areas
- Avoid saunas and Jacuzzi
- Avoid cardio exercise for 48 hours after treatment
- You will need to be careful not to shave in a couple of days following the treatment as it is sensitive.
Why Does Follicular Edema Happen?
The goal of a sound laser hair removal treatment is to damage the unwanted hairs’ follicles by transferring enough heat so that they won’t continue to grow hair. However, the heat generated by the laser beam should not be too much that it damages the other parts of the skin or the surrounding areas.
As mentioned here, Follicular Edema is one of the skin reactions to laser treatment. The follicular edema in the shape of the hundreds of small bumpy red spots on the skin after laser hair removal treatment. During applying laser beams to the skin and transferring the heat to the follicle, they naturally swell. This reaction is more severe in areas where the patients have ticker hairs. Follicular Edema is not a side effect of laser heat removal and it is a natural temporary reaction of the skin to the treatment.
- Don’t touch the area after your hair removal procedure with unclean hands. As folliculitis is a bacterial infection, it’s very important to keep your skin as clean as possible.
- Shower after the gym. Sweat build up may cause folliculitis if your sweat sits on the skin for too long.
- Avoid tight clothing. As mentioned above, the irritation of your tight clothing may damage your hair follicles.
- Shave less. Shaving is a common irritant to the skin, even if you don’t suffer from folliculitis. The less you shave, the better.
- Wash your clothes and bath towels frequently. Wearing clean clothes and using clean bath towels will help prevent any damaged follicles become infected.
- Use an antibacterial soap. Particularly within two weeks after any hair removal procedure (including shaving).
- Laser Hair Removal. Laser is the only hair removal method that will not only prevent but also treat folliculitis.
Where do I start?
If you’ve followed our recommendations and are still suffering from folliculitis, it’s time to have a chat with us!
Our skin therapists are available for skin consultations Tuesday-Saturday. In the consultation, we will assess your skin and discuss your current skin and hair regime. We will then be able to advise product and treatment recommendations to further assist your condition.
Hair didnt fall out after laser
Many people expect to see their hair fall out instantly following a laser hair removal session. But this is an untruth: unwanted hair will not fall out automatically the following morning after the laser hair removal treatment.
Why isn’t hair falling out following the laser removal process? In one treatment, the laser may only treat about 15% of the hair removed by itself, later on, approximately five days after the procedure. This process depends on the individual and their age and skin type hormones, as well as the natural processes for hair growth.
Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle
Before you can figure out the reason hair doesn’t fall out following laser hair removal, it’s essential to look at three major cycles of hair growth hair follicles experience:
Anagen: is also known as the growth cycle, and it’s the best phase that the laser treatment can be effective. Anagen is the stage when hair appears on the skin’s surface, which lets the laser stay in place and transfer heat down the hair strand and to the hair follicle.
Catagen: The catagen phase in the cycle of hair, happens the one that occurs before the hair is shed naturally and not due to the laser. In this stage, laser hair removal will not be as successful as hair is already dead and pushed out of the hair follicle.
Telogen: is the stage in which hair is not growing or developing beneath the skin. Also known as the resting phase, Telogen is not suitable for laser hair removal as there isn’t any hair showing on the skin’s surface.