Laser Hair Removal And Genital Herpes

What Special Measures Can I Take To Make Laser Hair Removal With Herpes As Safe As Possible

Disclosing your status to your laser hair removal professional is wise and safe for everyone.

As long as you dont have an active outbreak, nothing is stopping you from receiving treatment in that area.

If you take antiviral medication daily, make sure to continue taking your medication throughout treatment. If you only take antiviral medication when you have an outbreak, you may want to consult with your physician to see if taking prophylactic antiviral medication is recommended during laser hair removal treatment.

Treatments For Herpes Simplex Virus

While there is no cure for infection by HSV-1 and/or HSV-2, topical and oral medications are available to treat the viral infection. Examples of antiviral medications include: acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. The medications can help control symptoms and outbreaks and may decrease the chances of spreading the virus. There are currently no approved vaccines to prevent infection by the Herpes Simplex Virus.

Who Is Laser Hair Removal Most Effective For

The good news is that with technological advances in the field of dermatology, laser hair removal is effective for most people. Nevertheless, there are certain conditions that make the procedure less effective, or possibly not advisable. Since the laser technology targets the melanin in hair follicles, a high contrast between skin color and hair color works most efficiently. A person with dark hair and pale, light skin is the best candidate for laser hair removal.

Some common conditions that could cause complications with laser hair removal include: a tendency to scar or develop keloids , outbreaks of cold sores or genital herpes, or certain medications including a prescription drug called isotretinoin which treats acne. Your dermatologist will ask you questions about your skin and assess the area and type of hair to be removed. Laser hair removal works better on hair in certain stages of growth. Depending on the coarseness of your hair, it can be more or less effective. Laser hair removal can remove hair from most parts of the body, but it works best on areas like the upper lip and chin, underarm, legs, and bikini area.

If your dermatologist thinks laser hair removal is right for you, they will outline a treatment schedule. The number of sessions you will need and the intensity of treatment all depends on your skin and hair.

Don’t Miss: How To Stop Herpes Prodrome

What Happens During Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal involves several steps. Your healthcare provider:

• Cleans the area.
• Gives you protective glasses or goggles to wear during the procedure. Your healthcare also wears protective eyewear.
• Treats your skin with the laser. It might feel like a series of stings. Some people describe it as a rubber band snapping against their skin.

Your procedure might take a few minutes or up to an hour. It depends on the size of the area that is being treated. You might smell smoke and burning hair. This is normal, and is the hair burning away from the lasers heat.

Can You Get An Std From Laser Hair Removal

Yes, there is a possibility of getting a sexually transmitted disease when you have laser hair removal.

But this can only happen when the tools used for the laser treatments are not sterilized and, as such, serve as the hosts for the infections.

But it is important to understand that this rarely happens as many spas invest a lot in the sterilization of their tools.

With this, any microorganism on the tools would have been killed before using them for other clients.

Nevertheless, you need to ascertain that your laser hair removal provider sterilizes their equipment properly before using it for you.

Homiley IPL hair removal device

Do you still have any doubt about the cleanliness of a laser hair removal provider? Then, you shouldnt get laser hair removal from such a person.

But you can stay in control of your hair removal process by using the IPL Hair Removal.

It can be used at home for removing unwanted from various parts of your body.

Also, you dont have to share this IPL hair removal tool with anyone hence, you can rest assured that you will never get an STD from using it.

Recommended Reading: Why Do I Get Herpes Outbreak Every Month

Lose The Haireven There

Theres no better feeling than stepping out of the shower after shaving and experiencing complete smoothness everywhere on your body. Imagine feeling that way every dayâonly without that whole annoying shaving part. With Brazilian Laser Hair Removal, say goodbye to your old shaving routine and hello to long-lasting, smooth skin.

Full Brazilian Laser Hair Removal removes all or almost all pubic hair. Itâs a more permanent hair removal treatment than waxing or shaving. The laser targets follicles, emits light energy, and stops the growth of hair. And it can be done in less than an hour. With Brazilian Laser Hair Removal, you can experience smooth, clean skin with minimal effort.

Youre In The Middle Of A Breakout

Although some lasers are designed to treat acne, if youre in the midst of an intense breakout and have more than a pimple or two on your face, you might want to postpone or rethink treatment. The intensity of some laser treatments can put you at an increased risk for infection if performed when you have active acne.

Along with putting you at a higher risk for infection, acne can interfere with lasers in other ways. Depending on what you are using to treat the acne, your skin might have trouble coping after the treatment. For example, the medicine Accutane, which is used for acne, can increase your risk for side effects after lasers and can slow down your skins ability to heal. If youve been using Accutane, your surgeon will most likely ask you to wait at least 18 months before you schedule any type of laser treatment.

Don’t Miss: How To Boost Immune System To Fight Herpes

Can You Have Laser Hair Removal If You Have Herpes

Do not go for laser hair removal if you have herps. it is better to shave with an electric razor device. Herpes is a relatively common virus that many individuals have experienced one or more times. When you have herpes, you will know by seeing some sores around your mouth and/or genitals.

Improves skin texture and pigmentation

100% hair-free and glowing silky skin after use.

Glides smoothly on your skin rooting out stubborn hairs

Work on Arms, Legs, Belly, Breast, Face, Armpits, and Bikini line

Although many of us have had herpes before, it is not common to find someone who has had laser hair removal while having herpes.

As a result, this article will be mostly based on my research, not personal experience. So, you should bear with me as I explain what I understand about this topic.

What Are The Benefits Of Laser Hair Removal

The results of laser hair removal last longer than shaving, waxing, tweezing or plucking.

Some people prefer laser hair removal to electrolysis. Electrolysis uses a thin wire to destroy hair follicles with electric current. Benefits of laser hair removal over electrolysis include:

• Fewer treatments.
• Reduced risk ofingrown hairs.

Don’t Miss: How To Avoid Genital Herpes Outbreaks

Laser Hair Removals Present

Laser hair removal is safe, effective, and can end your unwanted hair woes once and for all. But it does work differently for different people. Dermatologists have been working to perfect the laser hair removal process. The treatment is now more effective on light hair and dark skin than ever before.

Recently, at-home laser hair removal kits have flooded the market. The Food and Drug Administration has warned that these devices are not effective and could be harmful. While technology has improved, the process is not available to everyone. Your dermatologists state-of-the-art equipment is constantly being updated, maintained, and improved to give you the best possible service available.

Unwanted body hair can be physically and emotionally uncomfortable. Laser hair removal is a tried-and-true procedure that works for most people and with amazing results. Reach out to your New England dermatologist for a consultation today.

How To Prepare For Laser Hair Removal

Before the big day comes, youll want to make sure to discuss the necessary pre-treatment steps with your practitioner. Dhingra recommends avoiding topical actives such as acids and retinols for at least a week prior to your appointment, and ensure you havent had any waxing or plucking of the area for several months before. Alsoand this is a big alsoavoid the sun as well as showing up with a tan, as tanned skin might increase the risk of a laser burn.

On the day of your procedure, youll need to shave the area to be treated down to the skin using a quality shaving cream to avoid razor burn, and Orena adds that its important not to work out before your appointment, as it can cause the body to retain heat which may make you extra-sensitive to the laser.

Read Also: How Fast Can Herpes Show Up

Laser Hair Removal Patient Instructions Patientpopcom

• sa1s3.patientpop.com
• Highest rating: 4
• Lowest rating: 2
• Descriptions: If you have had a history of peri-oral or genital herpes simplex virus, we may recommend prophylactic antiviral therapy. Follow the directions for your
• More : If you have had a history of peri-oral or genital herpes simplex virus, we may recommend prophylactic antiviral therapy. Follow the directions for your
• https://sa1s3.patientpop.com/assets/docs/25446.pdf

When Is It Safe To Have Another Laser Treatment For Hair Removal

This varies from patient to patient. Removing hair often requires a series of laser treatments. Most patients can have laser hair removal once every 4 to 6 weeks. Your dermatologist will tell you when it is safe to have another treatment.

Most patients see some hair regrowth. Your dermatologist can tell you when you can safely have laser treatments to maintain the results.

Also Check: Can Herpes Be One Blister

What Must I Do After Getting Laser Hair Removal

To avoid possible side effects, all patients need to protect their skin from the sun. After laser hair removal, you should:

• Avoid direct sunlight from hitting your treated skin.
• Not use a tanning bed, sun lamp, or any other indoor tanning equipment.
• Follow your dermatologists after-care instructions.

You will see some redness and swelling after treatment. This often looks like a mild sunburn. Applying a cool compress can help reduce your discomfort.

Follow Your Dermatologists Instructions

If you have laser hair removal, it is important to start following your dermatologists instructions immediately. This helps reduce potential side effects. Your dermatologists instructions will include:

• Do not use sunless tanners.
• Protect your skin by using sunscreen. You should apply sunscreen every day before going outdoors. Apply sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, SPF 30+, and water-resistant.

Recommended Reading: How To Protect My Partner From Herpes

Can I Do Laser Hair Removal At Home

The Food and Drug Administration approves some laser hair removal devices for home use. Without supervision by an experienced healthcare provider, the risk of misuse or injury increases. Use extreme caution and protective eyewear if you do at-home laser hair removal.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Laser hair removal is a safe, effective way to remove unwanted body hair. Heat from a laser removes hair and destroys hair follicles. Its not permanent, but the results last longer than plucking, tweezing or waxing. Most people need multiple treatments. Only an experienced healthcare provider should perform this procedure. Potential side effects include burning, scarring and permanent skin discoloration.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/01/2021.

References

Can Shaving Cause An Hsv Outbreak

Assuming you dont want to use laser hair removal, another way you could explore is shaving.

Although the risk is quite low, I have seen a lot of people that got an HSV outbreak after shaving. Of course, it could be argued that other factors might be responsible for the issue.

However, we all know that shaving can lead to cuts, burns, irritation, etc. which could also cause broken skin.

Also, if you already have wounds and lesions on your skin, you may experience an HSV outbreak after laser hair removal.

Generally, when your skin is broken, it will become open thus, increasing the risk of infections such as HSV.

So, it is not strange that shaving can cause an HSV outbreak. But if you can be careful with the process of shaving your body, you will have no issue with an HSV outbreak after it.

Read Also: Do I Have Genital Warts Or Herpes

Benefits Of Laser Hair Removal

Because men tend to have thicker, coarser hair, laser hair removal can be a saving grace because of its ability to nix hair growth without causing the razor burn, ingrown hairs, or chronic irritation associated with more common methods of hair removal such as shaving, waxing and sugaring. It’s also pretty much permanent, which cuts down on maintenance and feels overall more naturala definite plus for certain areas. “Anyone whos tried to shave a hard-to-reach area like the back or a sensitive area like the ears, genitals, or backside can definitely understand the appeal of not needing to battle tricky areas for the rest of their lives,” Dhingra says.

The most common mens areas for laser hair removal include:

When it comes to laser hair removal for men, different lasers have different benefits. Orena explains that Intense Pulsed Light or IPL, for example, works better on lighter to medium skin tones, while a diode laser tends to work on a more diverse range of skin types and an Alexandrite laser is best suited for light to olive complexions as well as larger areas of hair removal. At his practice, Dhingra uses both Alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers, praising the latter for being generally accepted as the safest for dark skin tones. And Hartman uses the Syneron-Candela GentleMax Pro, which provides both Alexandrite and Nd:YAG wavelengths to safely remove unwanted hair from most skin types, from very light to deeply pigmented.

Are There Any Other Potential Risks Getting Laser Hair Removal With Herpes

While the incidence of triggering an outbreak may not be high, it should be part of the discussion with your laser hair removal professional. If you feel that your laser hair removal treatment may have triggered a herpes outbreak, it would be best to discuss this with your physician to determine if an antiviral medication is recommended.

With laser hair removal, there are no risks for spreading herpes to other parts of the body as areas with active outbreaks cannot and should not be treated.

You also dont need to worry about transmitting herpes to your laser hair removal professional since they wear gloves during all treatments.

Recommended Reading: Can Genital Herpes Be Transmitted Through Kissing

Things You Should Absolutely Avoid Before Getting Laser Hair Removal

Before you permanently do anything to your body, make sure you know what you’re getting into. That includes laser hair removal. It may seem like a no-brainer: zap unwanted hair with a wand, and poof! It’s gone. But it’s not that simple.

First, choose a place to get laser where the pros will be honest with you. I was hesitant about trying it myself, but after reading reviews about different spots, I decided to laser my armpits at Romeo and Juliette in NYC. I liked that technicians there would not just do the treatment on any part of my body. For example, they did not want to do it on my upper arms, where the hair growth is hormonal. This made me feel confident that the areas they did take on were actually treatable. While I am still treating my pits, the hair has gone from coarse and dark to soft and blonde.

Along the way I learned more tips from the spa’s owner Christian Karavolas. For instance, you can’t do laser when you have a spray tan! I had no idea. Keep reading to discover why that is a problem plus eight other things to never do when getting laser hair removal.

Tip: Avoid self-tanner

Tip: Avoid actual tanning

Tip: Avoid antibiotics

Tip: Avoid certain vitamins

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Kathryna Hancock

Tip: Avoid Makeup

Tip: Avoid deodorant

Tip: Skip laser if you have a cold sore or breakout

Tip: Also pass on laser if you have an acne breakout

Tip: Avoid laser around the time of the month

The Best 10 Laser Hair Removal Near Ontario Or 97914

I have been going to Precision Laser for the past 2.5 years and I love it so much I fly back

Also Check: How To Get Tested For Herpes 1 And 2

How Do Dermatologists Treat Herpes Simplex

There is no cure for herpes simplex. The good news is that sores often clear without treatment. Many people choose to treat herpes simplex because treatment can relieve symptoms and shorten an outbreak.

Most people are treated with an antiviral medicine. An antiviral cream or ointment can relieve the burning, itching, or tingling. An antiviral medicine that is oral or intravenous can shorten an outbreak of herpes.

Prescription antiviral medicines approved for the treatment of both types of herpes simplex include:

Taken daily, these medicines can lessen the severity and frequency of outbreaks. They also can help prevent infected people from spreading the virus.