Laser hair removal with psoriasis
In this space, you’ve seen a myriad of benefits from laser hair removal and a variety of reasons people choose to ditch their razor for the laser.
There’s the cosmetic choice. You want to treat yourself to a hair-free lifestyle without razors and wax.
And then there are the choices of enhancement and necessity. Men and women may experience many different skin conditions that can dramatically improve with the help of laser hair removal treatments.
Our most recent example falls under the latter category. Those with psoriasis may want to go hair-free, but they also might wonder if those dry, itchy patches of skin make them unable to undergo laser hair removal treatment.
Continue reading to find out if laser hair removal with psoriasis is a good idea.
What exactly is psoriasis and its symptoms?
Psoriasis is a condition in which skin cells form itchy, scaly patches. These patches and plaque can be triggered by stress, and the most common symptom is an itchy rash on the skin. The symptoms and itchiness caused by psoriasis can often be relieved by using various ointments.
Clients with psoriasis endure flare-ups when their skin is stressed or irritated—waxing, shaving, and tweezing will do just that.
Can individuals with psoriasis get laser hair removal?
Yes! In fact, laser hair removal is viewed as the preferred method of hair removal for individuals with psoriasis as it doesn’t damage the skin when removing the hair.
Clients with psoriasis endure flare-ups when their skin is stressed or irritated—waxing, shaving, and tweezing will do just that.
While laser hair removal can be beneficial, be sure to consult a physician to know if laser hair removal is right for you and to make sure that your psoriasis will be managed appropriately.
What precautions should I take to prepare for laser hair removal with psoriasis?
Once you’ve determined with your physician that laser hair removal is the right move for you, be sure that the area to be treated is free of any plaque, scales, redness, or other signs of irritation.
If you are in the middle of a flare-up in a certain area, postpone your appointment until it’s over and the skin is clear.
It’s important to be transparent and openly communicate with your physician and laser hair removal provider to make sure not only that laser hair removal will work for you but also that you’re able to properly manage any psoriasis breakout.
In some cases, flare-ups can be so severe that laser hair removal professionals will treat around patches of psoriasis, treating only the unaffected skin.
Can I use at-home laser hair removal devices with psoriasis?
At-home hair removal devices may offer the convenience of not having to go to a clinic and treating yourself from the comfort of your own home, but the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you get any laser hair removal from a professional—both to get the best results as well as for your safety.
Be careful if you choose to use an at-home hair removal device! Make sure the device is sterilized, and pay close attention. The last thing you want is a burn or infection that leads to a flare-up.
With the right instruction and proper caution, individuals with psoriasis can safely get laser hair removal!
Compared to other outdated methods of hair removal like shaving, tweezing, threading, and waxing, laser hair removal is the least likely to damage your skin, which goes a long way toward avoiding a flare-up.
If you have psoriasis and you’re sick of dealing with unwanted hair, talk to your doctor about the benefits of laser hair removal and see what course of action is best suited for you!