These bumps also are called milia. 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.
Milia, which are small, white bumps, may appear in the laser-treated areas during healing (up to a month after treatment). These may be removed by gentle cleansing with a washcloth. Hyperpigmentation, and more rarely, hypopigmentation, may result in the laser-treated areas.
Inflamed Hair Follicles
The heat and energy from the laser can cause redness, swelling, and irritation around the hair follicle, often appearing as tiny red pimples. Bacteria entering open follicles can lead to the formation of pus-filled pimples, especially in areas prone to sweat and friction like the bikini lines.
In most cases, it'll fade within just a few hours of appearing. Occasionally, it may take a few days to clear. Following some of our treatment recommendations below might help you get rid of the bumps a little faster.
The bumps look like milia or white heads. the bumps usually resolve themselves in a few days. In rare situations they could be due to an infection and the patient should seek medical treatment if the condition doesn't improve or worsens over several days. and definitely do not pop them open.
Applying thick creams and bandages to your face after treatment can worsen acne or cause tiny white bumps to form for a short time. These bumps also are called milia. Infection. Laser resurfacing can lead to a bacterial, viral or fungal infection.
The treated skin will look red and swollen. Small white dots will be visible from the laser treatment. These appear where the laser hit the skin and are normal. You will be discharged with a light coat of anti-bacterial cream.
Heat-related irritation and inflammation can result in acne-like red bumps and pustules. Bacterial infection: Laser hair removal can upset the skin's normal bacterial balance, which can cause an overgrowth of bacteria that cause acne, like Propionibacterium acnes.
The rash appears as small red bumps or pus bumps that can itch or be mildly painful. Folliculitis is common on the buttocks, arms and legs - especially the thighs. Most improve in 7 to 10 days. Sometimes after the rash is gone, dark marks can be left behind.
Avoid Popping
This significantly increases the risk of infection and scarring. It's vital to let them heal naturally. If a blister accidentally breaks, clean the area gently with mild soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover it with a new, sterile dressing.
The Healing Process after Laser Treatment
As the skin heals, new collagen is produced, resulting in smoother, more youthful-looking skin. The healing process after laser treatment typically occurs in three stages: inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling.
In contrast, individuals whose resurfacing treatment reached medium depths can typically expect approximately five to seven days of “downtime,” and those who received deep laser treatment usually require about eight to twelve days of recovery before resuming normal schedules and activities in public.
Pepper spots occur after laser hair removal when the laser destroys the hair follicle but leaves some of the upper hair shaft intact under the skin's surface. As the body sheds the damaged hairs, they appear temporarily as small dark dots known as pepper spots.
Lasers can help with a variety of skin concerns. And the results are so incredible and effective that you don't want to stop. But can you overdo it? Yes, you can!
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.
Drugstore brands such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Neutrogena make gentle, hydrating moisturizers that can be used after laser treatments.
Resist the temptation to squeeze or pop a folliculitis boil. While you might manage to express the pus and other infected fluid, you also run the risk of pushing those toxins more deeply into the skin, to the point that they may enter your bloodstream. Instead, let your dermatologist diagnose and treat the problem.
One or More Swollen Red Bumps Draining Pus
This can start with a small bump that looks like a pimple or acne, but that quickly turns into a hard, painful red lump filled with pus or a cluster of pus-filled blisters. Not all boils are caused by MRSA bacteria — other kinds may be the culprit.
You usually get patches of small bumps on your arms, thighs or bottom, but they can appear in other places. The bumps are usually the colour of your skin. They can also be red if they're on white skin, or darker on brown or black skin. The skin can sometimes feel itchy, and may be better in summer and worse in winter.
Breakouts occur due to the quick skin turnover. You will require antibiotics if you're dealing with whiteheads or other signs of a breakout in the treated area. Antibiotics can reduce the breakout issue and make it easier for your skin to recover.
Small red bumps can be a normal reaction, especially on sensitive skin. Applying a gentle moisturiser or hydrocortisone cream can help reduce inflammation.
Keep hydrating your skin with a good moisturiser and protect it from the sun. And, if your cosmetic physician or dermal clinician has given you specific aftercare products or instructions, now's not the time to slack off.
Viral, bacterial, and fungal infections can develop after cutaneous laser resurfacing, usually during the first postoperative week during the reepithelialization process. The most frequent infectious complication associated with resurfacing is a reactivation of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) (Figure 2).
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.
Individuals up to their 50s benefit greatly from laser fractional resurfacing treatments. Skin concerns like sun damage and deeper wrinkles are common in this age group.