blistering or bleeding must be dressed with an antibiotic ointment and covered. An infection could last seven to ten days and could lead to scarring. It is important to follow all post- treatment instructions carefully. There are many variable conditions which influence the long-term result of laser skin treatments.
You will need to apply antibiotic ointment to the area after your treatment. This will help reduce blistering. You should use the antibiotic cream for at least 24 hours. You will need to keep the area clean and dry as it heals.
Blisters should be covered with a dressing until 2-3 days after they have broken. If this is impractical, silicone gel is a good substitute. Apply a thin film 2-3 times daily until the skin surface has regrown.
If you get a blister from laser hair removal, allow it to heal as you would any other blister. Use a wound healing cream to avoid infection. Do not try to pop the blister. Be sure to tell your provider that you got the blister, and ask them what measures they will take to prevent it from happening again.
Use cold compresses: Applying cold compresses during the first 24 to 48 hours after your treatment can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Stay cool: Avoid hot showers, saunas, and strenuous exercise for the first few days after treatment. Heat can increase inflammation and slow healing.
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 an ice pack wrapped in cloth or cool running water over the burn for 10-15 minutes to stop heat damage. Avoid direct ice contact. Use OTC pain relievers. For discomfort, over-the-counter drugs like Tylenol or ibuprofen help reduce inflammation.
3 in 100 patients develop a scar in the area that has been treated. To reduce this risk it is important that you do not pick, scratch or aggravate the area as removing a scab or blister can increase your risk of developing a scar.
These reactions typically resolve on their own within a week as the inflammation goes down. Proper aftercare also helps minimize discomfort during the healing process.
Treatment of Blisters
The best treatment for small, unbroken blisters is to leave them alone. They will heal naturally on their own. However, if a blister breaks it should be cleaned often with soap and warm water. Antibacterial soap, betadine, and hydrogen peroxide can all be used to clean the area.
An ointment such as Vaseline® or moisturizing creams such as Eucerin®, or Aquaphor® are then applied. The purpose of using ointments or creams is to prevent any scab formation. In general, the areas heal in five to 21 days, depending on the nature of the condition that was treated and type of laser used.
The laser can damage the skin barrier, making it more susceptible to infection. The laser can open up the pores, allowing bacteria and other irritants to enter. Some people may be more prone to acne breakouts after laser hair removal due to their skin type or other factors.
You may also experience itching or stinging for a few days after the procedure. Depending on the treatment, some people may have what looks like a severe sunburn. The skin will be raw, oozing and may even blister.
But before you reach for a needle, Dr. Allen says most friction blisters heal within a day if they don't get infected, picked at, or continually worn by a shoe. In short: Your blister will heal fastest if you leave it alone.
Use the needle to prick the blister in several spots near the edge. Let the fluid drain but leave the skin above the blister in place. Apply an antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to the blister and cover it with a nonstick bandage or gauze pad. After several days, cut away the dead skin.
3. Although not necessary, blisters may be covered with a band- aid or other bandage. 4. Although not necessary, you can use an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin (triple antibiotic ointment, polysporin (double antibiotic ointment, or Vaseline (petroleum jelly).
What should I do if I develop small red bumps after laser hair removal? Small red bumps can be a normal reaction, especially on sensitive skin. Applying a gentle moisturiser or hydrocortisone cream can help reduce inflammation.
You cannot get rid of a scar, but most will fade over time. This can take up to 2 years or more, but there are some things you can do to help it heal or improve how it looks.
The immediate post laser treatment consists of covering the lasered skin with Vaseline (Aquaphor or whatever the specific product you are instructed to use) and using cold packs for discomfort and swelling. The best treatment to be comfortable is to apply cold compresses to the treated areas of the face.
Like many other aesthetic treatments that involve the use of energy-based technology or that involve deeply exfoliating the skin, you can expect your recovery for this laser resurfacing treatment to be moderate. For most patients, an average of two weeks is the expected recovery time for this treatment.
Searching for over-the-counter products meant for dry, sensitive skin will be a good place to start finding the right moisturizer for you. Drugstore brands such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Neutrogena make gentle, hydrating moisturizers that can be used after laser treatments.
Recovery instructions for post-laser skin resurfacing
You may wash your face 2-5 times a day using saline solution or dilute vinegar solution, depending on a dermatologist's recommendation. Sleep on an extra pillow during the first four nights after the procedure.