Medication and Cosmetics
First Aid
A sunburn like reaction is expected after laser treatment. The area treated may be red and swollen for 30 minutes to 2 days after the treatment. Typically the redness goes away within one hour. Immediately after treatment we apply a damage repair lotion or mist manufactured by V’Tae Parfum and Body Care. It is not necessary to use this lotion after treatment but many of our patients find it superior to other products and we offer it for sale.
For a mild laser burn where no blistering is present, applying cool compresses and taking cool showers will help ease the discomfort. A nonsensitizing skin moisturizer such as V’Tae Damage Soother Repair Lotion, V'Tae Damage Soother Body Mist or Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion along with aspirin or Tylenol will relieve the pain and inflammation. You can mix baking soda in the water to help relieve the pain.
Aloe Vera gel is a common household remedy for sunburns. Aloe contains active compounds that help stop pain and inflammation of the skin.
DO NOT apply petroleum jelly, benzocaine, lidocaine, or butter to the laser burn. They make the symptoms worse and can prevent healing.
DO NOT wash burned skin with harsh soap.
Blistering is rare but if it does occur use Aloe Vera gel to sooth the burn and promote healing.
DO NOT apply topical steroid preparations to blisters because wound healing may be delayed and infection potentiated.
It would be very rare if the burn would require medical attention. If severe blistering is present our office needs to be contacted to evaluate and coordinate further care.
