“Has anyone had laser hair removal? I’m a tad wary to try it, as I also get the psoriasis that forms on damaged skin!” shared one member of MyPsoriasisTeam.

Laser hair removal can be an effective way to get rid of unwanted hair. For people with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, the procedure may seem especially appealing if it means not having to shave or use other hair removal methods that may irritate your skin. However, laser hair removal also comes with risks for anyone — and more so for people with psoriasis.

If you’re curious about laser treatment for removing unwanted hair with psoriasis, be sure to talk to your doctor. Here’s more on how it works and potential risks that you can discuss with your dermatology team.

What Is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal uses a focused beam of light to remove unwanted body hair for lasting results. The light gets absorbed by the hair’s melanin, or pigment. The body changes the light energy to heat, which damages the hair follicles, where hair grows. This process limits or prevents hair from growing in that area over a prolonged period of time.

At the start of a laser hair removal session, the practitioner will clean the area they’re going to treat. They may apply a numbing gel, which can take 30 minutes to an hour to work. During the procedure, everyone in the room needs to wear protective glasses to keep their eyes safe from the laser.

The laser comes from a handheld instrument that the practitioner holds against the skin’s surface. Some devices have a cooling device on the tip, or the practitioner may also apply cooling gel, which can reduce the risk of side effects.

You may feel discomfort during the procedure. It may feel like your skin is being pricked by warm pins or snapped by a rubber band.

Most people need between two and six laser treatments to achieve maximum results. The procedure rarely stops hair growth entirely or permanently, so more treatments may be needed later on. The time between treatments varies depending on the area being treated.

What Are the Risks of Laser Hair Removal?

Anyone who chooses laser hair removal faces some risks, regardless of whether you have psoriasis. Potential side effects include:

• Skin irritation or discoloration — The treatment area may swell, turn red or purple, and feel painful or uncomfortable. This usually lasts one to three days after treatment.
• Blisters, infections, and scars — These usually result from an unskilled or inexperienced practitioner, as the laser shouldn’t affect the skin, only the melanin in the hair follicle. Burst blisters can lead to infection and scarring.
• Changes to skin color — The treatment may lighten or darken affected skin.

Changes to skin color often reverse with time, but in some cases, they may be permanent if precautions aren’t taken. Consider going to an experienced, board-certified dermatologist to perform the procedure to reduce the risk of side effects.

In very rare cases, people have developed psoriasis after laser hair removal. But there are only a few known cases.

Are The Risks of Laser Hair Removal Different on Skin With Psoriasis?

The risks mentioned above are the same for skin with or without psoriasis. However, some people with psoriasis have an added risk due to something called the Koebner phenomenon. The Koebner phenomenon happens when skin that didn’t have psoriasis before develops it after an injury or damage to the skin.

For example, someone with psoriasis may not have psoriasis on their legs until they scrape them during a fall. If psoriasis develops on the scraped areas after they’re injured, the person is experiencing the Koebner phenomenon.

Some people with psoriasis never experience the Koebner phenomenon, while others face it regularly. “I have Koebner’s, and when I get cut or one of my joints is hurting … Bam! I get psoriasis in that spot every time.”

Another said, “I recently had a cold sore on my upper lip and somehow had a flare-up of psoriasis in that same area. I was very confused as to what was happening until I read about the Koebner response.”

If you’ve experienced the Koebner phenomenon or have questions about it, talk to your healthcare team before trying laser hair removal. Research has shown that laser hair removal may cause the Koebner phenomenon in some people with psoriasis, particularly those with darker skin.

Is Laser Hair Removal OK for Psoriasis?

Some people may consider getting laser hair removal despite the risk of a Koebner response. This is especially true for individuals who’ve found that they can’t tolerate other hair removal methods, like waxing, shaving, plucking, or using hair removal cream. These methods can sometimes make psoriasis worse or cause other problems, like ingrown hairs. It’s a good idea to talk with your doctor before deciding on laser hair removal.

Avoid laser hair removal where psoriasis is flaring. Affected areas of the skin and psoriasis flare-ups can be worsened by laser hair removal, according to one study. Research also showed that the Koebner phenomenon was more likely in older people and in those who had more laser hair removal sessions.

Tips To Make Laser Hair Removal Safe for Skin With Psoriasis

If you have psoriasis and choose laser hair removal, there are steps you can take to lower your risk of problems.

Find a Practitioner Experienced With Psoriasis

Look for a dermatologist or certified laser practitioner who has experience with psoriasis and schedule a consultation. First, they’ll determine if you’re eligible for laser hair removal. A practitioner who’s familiar with psoriasis and sensitive skin will know how to treat your skin gently and lower the risk of the Koebner phenomenon. An experienced practitioner should review your medical records, discuss any past hair removal experiences you’ve had, and make sure you understand the process and what it can do for you.

You should be given clear instructions on how to prepare for your treatment and how to care for your skin after treatment, including:

• Stay out of the sun and use sunscreen.
• Avoid methods of hair removal, such as waxing or plucking, that can affect the hair follicle.
• Skip tanning products that can darken the skin.
• Stop certain medicines (like blood thinners) for a short time.

Try a Test Spot

Before having a full laser hair removal treatment, talk to the practitioner about trying the procedure on a small area of skin first. This is known as a patch test, which will help you determine whether it is likely to be safe for you to continue treatment or whether it’s going to trigger or make psoriasis worse.

Follow the Practitioner’s Postprocedure Instructions

If you do undergo laser hair removal, make sure to follow your practitioner’s aftercare instructions. These will include avoiding direct sunlight on skin that’s been treated and avoiding tanning beds, sun lamps, and other tanning equipment.

You can apply a cool compress to help with any swelling or discoloration after the procedure.

Follow all skin care instructions your doctor or skin specialist gives you. These may be specific to your condition or to the type of laser used. Contact your doctor if you notice any symptoms that worry you after laser hair removal. Reporting symptoms right away helps your doctor treat any problems early.

Join the Conversation

On MyPsoriasisTeam, people share their experiences with psoriasis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you had laser hair removal on areas of skin affected by psoriasis? Share your story in the comments below.