About Laser Hair Removal Infections
Laser hair removal is an extremely popular cosmetic procedure. By using lasers to "zap" hair follicles, you can permanently stop hair growth and, ideally, have smooth skin forever. However, the procedure does have some potentially unpleasant side effects, such as infections that can interfere with results and cause significant cosmetic damage. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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Since the time of the ancient Egyptians, people have been plucking, brushing, waxing and shaving their hair. Pharoahs and their families were groomed almost constantly to insure that there was not a single strand of hair on their bodies. This was a grueling experience, and the process had not changed much in thousands of years until the past few decades, when laser technology became a popular way to permanently remove unwanted hair.
Function
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Laser hair removal uses a thin laser beam to destroy hair follicles. The beam burns the follicle, damaging it so that it can not produce hair. In most cases, this process works without major complications, but the damaged area is prone to infection while it heals.
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Types
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Several infections and complications can arise from laser hair removal. The follicle area will, at the very least, be red, swollen and sore following a treatment session. This is normal because you have just damaged the follicle. However, these areas--which are, in effect, small, open wounds--can become infected by bacteria. Bacterial infections can lead to scarring and permanent discoloration of the skin, so they must be treated immediately.
Considerations
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Certain factors make you a more likely candidate for infection following laser hair removal. If you have herpes and are having hair removed in your bikini area, you are likely to experience an outbreak shortly after you have a laser treatment session. Outbreaks can complicate the healing process. Also, if you are exposed to the sun for lengthy periods of time before the healing process is over, you are more likely to develop an infection.
Identification
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Since the area may already be sore and somewhat inflamed from the treatment, people sometimes have trouble recognizing an infection. If you see crusty patches and scabs on the treated areas, this is a sign of infection. So are bruises and purpura--dark purple marks--on the skin.
Warning
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Laser hair removal has not been around long enough for doctors and researchers to have a comprehensive idea of its long term impacts. Particularly if you are in one of the high-risk groups for infection--you have herpes, sensitive skin or red hair--you may wish to postpone treatment until more data is available.
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