Laser hair removal is one of the best ways to get rid of body hair. This method has become one of the most popular methods for having smooth and hairless skin due to its low pain and low complication. In this article we have decided to deal with the cases that laser hair removal should not be done or it is harmful for the skin or it is better to consult a doctor before that and be sure to inform him. The following is a list of things that should not be done with laser hair removal.
What are the contraindications to laser hair removal?
Keloids
After damage to the skin tissue a layer is created on the skin to cover the wound and damage and repair the damage. Reddened and protruding scars (excess flesh) are important things that should not be done with laser hair removal.
Hives and sensitive skin
Superficial swelling of the skin with discoloration (usually red or pink) that can be acute chronic or induced. These skin symptoms remain on the surface of the skin for a few minutes to a maximum of 24 hours and are one of the cases in which laser hair removal should not be done. In cases of sensitive skin or a history of hives due to laser cooling tools it is recommended to consult your doctor before laser hair removal.
Tattoo
Other things that should not be done with laser hair removal include tattoos. Tattoo pigments absorb light and can divert light from the follicles as well as damaging the skin. In laser hair removal because the mechanism of the device is to capture the pigment of hair follicles. During the laser the focus of light goes to the tattoo pigments and we have unfavorable feedback from the laser for excess hair but it can also lead to dangers and damage to the skin tissue it is even possible that the tattoo will fade.
Thrombophlebitis
Phlebitis means inflammation of the vein and thrombosis means clotting. In fact if the veins especially the veins of the legs become inflamed and this inflammation is accompanied by clotting and blood clots thrombophlebitis occurs which is also called phlebitis for short. In such cases laser hair removal should not be done because the possibility of blood clots and diseases and complications caused by blood clots and embolism increases.
Pregnancy
Due to the hormonal changes that occur for pregnant mothers it has sometimes been observed that hair grows where there was no hair before such as the face neck abdomen and chest or in other areas such as the legs hair growth is faster. It is generally safe but there is currently no long-term study that examines the effects of the laser on the fetus and mother so it is recommended that you postpone the laser hair removal after delivery for added safety. Of course keep in mind that after childbirth with the balance of hormones this excess hair will be reduced a lot. So in short lasers are not unsafe for pregnant women but they still need research and after the pregnancy is over these excess hairs become less. Laser hair removal during breastfeeding is also safe but some experts recommend that this method be used less on breast hair for greater safety but ultimately the doctor s decision is the most important.
Taking photosensitive drugs
In these cases it is recommended to inform your doctor and in some cases laser hair removal should not be done until the treatment period is complete and after that laser hair removal surgery should be performed. A list of drugs that increase skin sensitivity They come to light:
Phenothiazine: An antipsychotic drug available under the brand names fluphenazine and thioridazine and chlorpromazine is one of the drugs used to treat mental disorders as well as anti-nausea. The side effects of this drug include skin sensitivity to sunlight (general skin sensitivity to light)
Fluoroquinolones: Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone that is used in the treatment of urinary tract respiratory and gastrointestinal infections etc. This drug is also available orally eye drops ampoules and other items and depending on the doctor in its specific form and dose. Comments are provided and rare side effects include dry skin and red spots on the skin. During the course of treatment with this drug if you decide to remove excess hair with laser be sure to inform your doctor and consult.
Doxycycline: An antibiotic for the treatment of some infections and the prevention of malaria which is available in pill and capsule form (maximum: capsules). The dosage also varies depending on the doctor. Due to the increased sensitivity of the skin to light when using doxycycline it is recommended to use sunscreen during the period of use even on cloudy days.
Sulfonamides: Sulfonamides have antibacterial properties. Sulfadiazine is a drug for the treatment of infection and prevention of recurrent rheumatic fever the side effects of which are hypersensitivity to light. Let yourself know. Cotrimoxazole (cotrimoxazole) is another antibiotic in this group which has the effect of intensifying photosensitivity.
Tetracycline: An antibacterial drug used for oral infections of the genital tract etc. Another use for this medicine is to treat acne and pimples. Side effects of this drug can increase the body s sensitivity to light in general so it is recommended to consult your doctor for laser hair removal during your treatment.
NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Drugs such as ibuprofen naproxen and celecoxibe which are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can increase the skin s sensitivity to light. We have sensitive skin. It is better to seek the opinion of your doctor about the simultaneous use of these drugs and laser hair removal.
Retinoids: Drugs used to treat acne such as isotretinoin which helps treat acne by inhibiting the activity of sebaceous glands in the skin. . Another drug in the category of retinoids is acitretin which is used as oral capsules in the treatment of psoriasis and other diseases and its side effects can include urticaria and angioedema (an allergic reaction that affects tissues deeper than the skin surface). He pointed out that it is recommended to consult with your doctor about taking these two drugs and deciding on laser hair removal.
Blood sugar lowering drugs: A number of blood sugar lowering drugs such as glipizide help control insulin by stimulating the release of insulin and increasing its sensitivity but they also have skin side effects such as redness itching hives and increased skin sensitivity to light. . Glibenclamid which is available in many brands under the brand name (Apogiboride Daunil Glibenclamide Glimencide etc.) helps control blood sugar by reducing insulin resistance and its relatively common side effects include: An allergic reaction (redness of the skin rash itching and hives) is noted and it is recommended that you consult your doctor when deciding on a laser for your excess hair.
Diuretics (diuretics): Medications such as frusemide and bumetanide (treatment of heart disease) and hydrochlorothiazide which generally reduce blood pressure and help treat cardiovascular disease. Sensitivity of the skin and sensitivity to light.
Enalapril: An antihypertensive drug available on the market in pill form has side effects one of which in rare cases is hypersensitivity to light.
Amiodarone: Oral and injectable amiodarone help control single heart (increase heart rate) by prolonging the action potential of heart tissue. Side effects of this drug include skin sensitivity to light and Steven Johnson syndrome.
Tanning and sunbathing
In these conditions the possibility of burns and damage caused by laser hair removal increases and it is one of the cases that laser hair removal should not be done. Not that it is not possible to use a laser when a person has tanned their skin but tanning by removing melanin on the surface of the skin causes the laser heat to be removed from the hair follicle. In addition it has been seen in cases where tanning changes the color of hair and makes them lighter and reduces the desired effect of the laser. So it is important to avoid the sun when deciding on laser hair removal and inform your technician of any history of sunburn.
Vitamin A in the diet (vitamin A)
Other things not to do with laser hair removal include taking a vitamin A and beta-caron supplement (a precursor of vitamin A) that sensitizes the skin to light. Taking too much beta-caron can cause poisoning with this vitamin. Of the symptoms of this
Symptoms of this poisoning include the following:
Drowsiness
Irritability
stomach ache
nausea
Vomit
Therefore in cases where a person is taking vitamin A it is better to postpone the laser hair removal until after the end of the vitamin A course.
Anti-acne treatment
In some cases medications used for pimples and acne can make the skin more vulnerable to light by removing fat from the skin surface. In cases where a person uses drugs such as Roaccutane to treat acne and pimples the skin condition becomes weaker and worse. Side effects of this drug include dry skin and mucous membranes and another side effect is skin sensitivity to sunlight due to less skin oil. In general people who use medications that make the skin more sensitive should not have laser hair removal after the treatment period is complete and the allergy has subsided.
Anti coagulants
Other contraindications to laser hair removal include anticoagulants which cause small bleeding under the skin. Anticoagulants are drugs that prevent blood from clotting. Side effects of these drugs include an increased risk of bleeding headache and more. Laser hair removal can cause subcutaneous bleeding so it is best to tell your doctor if you are taking anticoagulants such as heparin or warfarine or vitamin K antagonists.
List of anticoagulants:
Rivaxaban
Vitamin K antagonist: Its oral form is warfarin.
Thrombin inhibitor: argatroban
Aspirin
Clopidogrel (plavix plavix)
And other items
Moles
Moles distract light from the hair follicles and even damage the skin so when laser hair removal it is better that the shots are farther from the moles and if the number of moles are large or close to each other it is better due to deviation of heat energy concentration. Do not laser the area between the follicles.
Herpes (warts)
Herpes is a contagious disease caused by herpes simplex (HSV) disease in which case laser hair removal should not be done. In many cases these patients have no knowledge of their disease. Before laser hair removal it is best to first remove your warts with treatments such as burning or cryotherapy and then use antiviral drugs such as acyclovir and the like depending on your doctor.
Active skin infection
Open and infected wounds or fungal infections on the skin are some of the things that should not be done with laser hair removal and postpone the laser operation until the infection is completely cured.
Persistent intense reaction
Allergic reactions such as bullous dermatoses urticaria or recent allergic reactions. It is best to have laser hair removal performed in consultation with your doctor.
Hirsutism
Hirsutism is the unexplained growth of hair due to hormonal problems in the head face abdomen and back which are often black and thick. Although the prevalence of this issue in women is not high but it is seen due to hormonal problems or women. If a person has symptoms of hirsutism it is best to consult an endocrinologist or gynecologist before laser hair removal.
Medicines that contain gold
These drugs which are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis can have skin side effects. In these cases laser hair removal should not be done before consulting a doctor.
Author: Dr. Milad Fereydoni
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