How do you treat an infection after laser hair removal?

Author: Dr. Giuseppe Daugherty  |  Last update: Saturday, August 30, 2025

The following self-care tips may help relieve discomfort, speed healing and prevent an infection from spreading:
  1. Apply a warm, moist washcloth. ...
  2. Apply a nonprescription antibiotic. ...
  3. Apply a soothing lotion or cream. ...
  4. Clean the affected skin. ...
  5. Protect the skin.

How to treat laser hair removal infection?

Treatment and Recovery from Folliculitis After Laser Hair Removal
  1. Topical Antibiotics: To combat bacterial infection.
  2. Steroid Creams: To reduce inflammation and itching.
  3. Warm Compresses: To soothe the area and promote healing.
  4. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: For pain management.

Will an infected hair follicle go away on its own?

Mild folliculitis will likely heal without scarring in a few days with basic self-care. More-serious or repeat infections may need prescription medicine. Left untreated, severe infections can cause permanent hair loss and scarring. Certain types of folliculitis are known as hot tub rash and barber's itch.

What is the best antibiotic to treat folliculitis?

First‐line oral antibiotics including dicloxacillin (250 mg four times daily) and cephalosporins (such as cefadroxil 500 mg twice daily) are commonly used.

Can I use antibiotic ointment after laser hair removal?

Apply a thin layer antibiotic ointment (such as bacitracin) to the area twice a day until the skin heals. Do not pick or attempt to remove scabs that form following your treatment, as this may incur infection or scarring. Any extruding singed hairs is normal and may occur for several weeks.

'LASER' Hair Removal Treatment | My Experience | SEEMA RAO

Can I use Neosporin after laser treatment?

Neosporin (topical antibiotic): Neosporin should be applied if directed by your Technician or if blisters should occur after treatment, to prevent infection. Continue as directed until the treatment area is healed.

Can you start antibiotics after laser hair removal?

Tetracyclines, sulfa drugs, fluoroquinolones, anti-malarials, and some macrolides like erythromycin can increase photosensitivity reactions. Is it safe to take antibiotics after laser hair removal? Yes, topical or oral antibiotics may be given after to prevent infection in damaged skin.

Is neosporin good for folliculitis?

Topical antibiotic ointments, such as Neosporin or generic neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin b triple antibiotic ointment, may help scalp folliculitis heal up faster. Apply the ointment to the affected area a few times daily.

How do you treat a bacterial skin infection at home?

Cleaning your wounds or sores with antibacterial soap and water. Applying an antibiotic ointment on your wounds or sores. Covering your wounds or sores with a bandage to prevent dirt or bacteria from entering the area. Refraining from touching or rubbing your affected areas.

How do I get rid of folliculitis asap?

The following self-care tips may help relieve discomfort, speed healing and prevent an infection from spreading:
  1. Apply a warm, moist washcloth. ...
  2. Apply a nonprescription antibiotic. ...
  3. Apply a soothing lotion or cream. ...
  4. Clean the affected skin. ...
  5. Protect the skin.

What does a severe case of folliculitis look like?

Superficial folliculitis usually presents with multiple small spots and pustules, on an inflamed base, pierced by a central hair, although this might not always be visible. Deeper lesions present as painful, often pustular, inflamed lumps. Persistent or recurrent lesions may result in scarring and permanent hair loss.

What soap is good for folliculitis?

Antibacterial soap: Use antibacterial bar soaps such as Dial® or Cetaphil®. Use skin washes that contain benzoyl peroxide. If these bumps are bothersome or painful. If they are not improving or continue to appear.

What kills folliculitis naturally?

Essential Oils. Tea tree oil, neem oil, geranium oil, grapefruit seed oil are very effective in treating folliculitis. Tea tree oil can be added to your shampoo, lotion or body wash. Rub it gently onto the affected area and let it sit.

Can laser cause bacterial infection?

Laser resurfacing can lead to a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. The most common infection is a flare-up of the herpes virus — the virus that causes cold sores. Changes in skin color. Laser resurfacing can cause treated skin to become darker or lighter than it was before treatment.

What cream is best for folliculitis?

For localised areas of folliculitis, an antibiotic cream may be useful. Fusidic acid is a suitable antibiotic cream that can be applied 3-4 times per day to affected areas. If the folliculitis is thought to be fungal, a different treatment may be used.

What antibiotic kills folliculitis?

Folliculitis looks like acne pimples or non-healing, crusty sores. An acute eruption or one present for only a short time is usually due to Staph bacteria (impetigo of Bockhart). This is treated with oral cephalexin, dicloxacillin or similar oral antibiotic. Topical antibiotics creams or lotions can also be used.

Can Apple cider vinegar treat folliculitis?

In one study , researchers reported that acetic acid reduced bacteria growth on burn wounds. They also found that the acid decreased bacterial growth in laboratory samples. Adding a cup of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath may help fight the bacteria that cause folliculitis and keep the skin on the buttocks clear.

Does CeraVe help folliculitis?

Answer: CeraVe Smoothing Cleanser is a topical treatment for folliculitis, which works by exfoliating your skin to prevent and treat your symptoms. If you've got severe folliculitis, or your symptoms are worsening, you might need treatment with an oral antibiotic, such as erythromycin.

What can I use over-the-counter for bacterial folliculitis?

The specific folliculitis treatment depends on the cause of the condition. Home therapy for mild cases of bacterial folliculitis includes the use of an over-the-counter antibacterial wash like benzoyl peroxide (Clearisil, Proactiv), chlorhexidine (Hibiclens), or Phisoderm twice a day.

How do you remove an infected hair follicle?

In rare cases, your healthcare provider may use a sterile surgical knife with a thin blade (scalpel) to make a small cut in your affected areas. They'll squeeze out any pus and use sterile tweezers to remove the ingrown hair. To prevent scarring or infection, don't pick at, scratch or pop your ingrown hairs.

Can you get an infection from laser hair removal?

Risk of skin infection

As with other cosmetic hair removal methods, damaging hair follicles with a laser can create an infection risk.

How do you treat folliculitis after laser hair removal?

Folliculitis can cause the treatment area to feel itchy, dry, and tight. A soothing moisturizer will hydrate your skin and minimize the discomfort of existing folliculitis. You might also consider an antibacterial cleanser to eliminate the microorganisms causing bumps and blemishes on your skin.

What is a topical antibiotic?

Topical antibiotics are antibacterial medications you put somewhere on the outside of your body. Some of these come in over-the-counter (OTC) forms, but most are available with a prescription only.

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