Why does my skin feel itchy after hair removal?
Carla
Specialist in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Overview
Laser hair removal gives your skin a temporarily smooth look and feel. But for many people, hair removal comes with the side effect of uncomfortable itching. Red bumps from inflammation near your hair pores, called folliculitis, can also crop up after hair removal for sensitive skin.
The laser does not damage the tissue surrounding these hair follicles, but your skin may react to this treatment.
What causes itchy skin after hair removal?
Folliculitis is a common reaction of hair removal . If the hair follicle is injured or damaged during hair removal, it is very susceptible to bacteria such as Staphylococcus. Folliculitis occurs when bacteria such as Staphylococcus, which is naturally present on the skin, infect hair follicles. Hair follicles continue to grow under the skin, and shaving will stimulate the hair follicles. Sensitive skin after shaving may have red bumps due to inflammation near the hair follicles, called folliculitis.
Ingrown hair grows back into the skin instead of outwards and this is also a kind of folliculitis. Ingrown hair looks like acne. They appear like small bumps or abscesses that are warm to the touch.
Sometimes, the hair is visible under the skin. If you have rough or curly hair, you may be more prone to ingrown hair. They appear as bumps, which crop up a few days after you have shaving.
If you have a folliculitis infection, the symptoms are white bumps filled with pus, or a cyst due to the ingrown hair. The infection may occur because the hair follicle, which might be damaged due to shaving , gets infected by the staph bacteria, which are usually present on the skin.
How to stop itching after hair removal?
You should epilate on a clean skin. Take a shower before epilating. Make sure your skin is completely dry or completely wet when epilating.
After the initial reaction and crusting decreases, you should continue caring for your skin. Make sure to moisturize your skin periodically after your treatment.
Avoid hot showers for two days: Hot showers, steam rooms and hot tubs can be very irritating to the skin after laser hair removal. It's best to avoid them for at least two days following your treatment.
Don't scratch that itch: Your skin may feel a little itchy after your treatment, but it's important to resist the urge to scratch. Because your skin is very sensitive, even a little scratching can irritate it and cause it to become red and inflamed. Applying a moisturizer several times a day will help keep your skin hydrated and reduce itching.
Wearing loose clothing: Wearing loose fitting garments can help alleviate any irritation to the skin caused by epilating and its aftermath. Tight clothes can irritate the skin further and may lead to itching, especially in summer.
Apply a soothing gel: Calming gel has cooling and healing properties, which is why it's considered an ideal calming product for sensitive skin. If you get bumps after every waxing, keep the calming gel in your beauty department. Right after waxing, apply the calming gel to your skin and let it penetrate. It will also relieve you from itching and irritation.
HiSqin™ Gotu Kola Calming Gel
This Seaweed-based soothing gel provides the ultimate hydration while calming botanicals tend to sensitive or irritated skin.
Rich in Shiitake and Mannentake Mushroom BioComplex, the unique gel texture immediately cools when applied to even the most sensitive skin.
Plant derived Pseudo Hyaluronate Acid and Organic Extracts of Gotu Kola and Green Teas create a potent cocktail of herbal nourishment.
May be used daily or nightly as a moisturizer or as a post treatment on irritated or inflamed skin.
When to see a doctor
If itching or redness don’t go away within three days of hair removal, or if you see crust, blood, or pus around the area where your hair is growing back, you might have a skin infection. Call your doctor and describe what you see if you suspect that your skin has become infected from epilating.
Takeaway
Hair removal removes the hair at the root. Some after-effects such as itching, redness or tightness after using your handset. You may also see small bumps on your skin or feel a burning sensation. These effects disappear with time and there is no need to worry. It is just recommended to take care of your skin after each depilation.
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective option, but after the procedure, you need to properly care for the underlying skin to keep your skin healthy after laser hair removal.
DISCLAIMER Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice.
