Treatment FAQ

what are the little white dots you get from laser treatment

by Prof. Merl O'Conner Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Those bumps are frequently due to the skin glands being over stimulated by the laser which causes localized irritation and inflammation. The bumps look like milia or white heads. the bumps usually resolve themselves in a few days.

Milia, which are small, white bumps, may appear in the laser-treated areas during healing (up to a month after treatment). These may be removed by gentle cleansing with a washcloth. Hyperpigmentation, and more rarely, hypopigmentation, may result in the laser-treated areas.Mar 22, 2021

Full Answer

Why do I have white dots on my Skin?

According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD), these white dots can be blamed on a decrease in melanin in the skin and its pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. Regular exposure to the sun and its damaging UV rays causes the skin to thin and flatten, which can lead to a change in skin tone in the affected area.

What is the best laser treatment for white sun spots?

Intense pulsed light (IPL) lasers are commonly used to treat various forms of hypo and hyperpigmentation, including white sun spots and age spots. These lasers gradually remove the top layers of sun-damaged skin, effectively allowing new healthy skin to grow in its place.

What causes skin color loss after laser treatment?

(Melanin is what gives skin its color.) But there are other causes of color loss besides lasers. Diseases (like Vitiligo, Seborrheic dermatitis, or Tinea versicolor) can cause light spots. And skin injuries (like infections, pimples, blisters, or scrapes), burns, or any kind of trauma can also cause hypopigmentation.

What is the best laser treatment for white Stretch marks?

The 308-nm excimer laser was studied in the treatment of white stretch marks and scars that had lost melanin. Patients were treated every 2 weeks for a maximum of 10 treatments. Each patient achieved a 100% correction to the eye and a 75% increase by colorimetric measurement ( The amount of light absorbed as it travels through a sample.)

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Why do I get white spots after laser hair removal?

Any kind of laser creates a controlled wound that revs up the inflammatory system to launch a response - in this case, scavenging the hair follicle. This can leave Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation (white spots that arise on sensitive or darker skin).

Can laser give you white spots?

Firstly laser treatments on skin that has recently been sun exposed can cause hypopigmentation (white spots on the skin), and in some rare but severe cases, burns.

Is it normal to have spots after laser?

After your laser hair removal session, acne and pimples may appear on treatment areas including your upper lip, legs, armpits, or bikini line. This post-treatment breakout is a side effect of your pores opening up due to the heat of the device and getting clogged with dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria.

How do you get rid of milia after laser hair removal?

Home Removal of Milia A good home remedy is to steam your face. You can do this in the bathroom as part of a hot shower, or you can purchase a facial steamer. The steam opens the pores and helps the pores expel the keratin flakes. You can also use exfoliating cleansers that contain salicylic acid or glycolic acid.

What happens if you laser too often?

What Happens If You Wait Too Long Between Laser Hair Removal Treatments? In short: nothing. And that's the problem! If you want too long between treatments, your hair follicles won't be damaged enough to stop growing hair.

What are the side effects of laser treatment on face?

RisksRedness, swelling, itching and pain. Treated skin may swell, itch or have a burning sensation. ... Acne. Applying thick creams and bandages to your face after treatment can worsen acne or cause you to temporarily develop tiny white bumps (milia) on treated skin.Infection. ... Changes in skin color. ... Scarring.

Does hypopigmentation after laser go away?

Hypopigmentation occur as small white macules matching the laser spot size and shape, within weeks of treatment. [3] These may last for few months and may rarely become permanent.

Does laser have side effects?

Rarely, laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture. Other rare side effects include graying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, particularly on darker skin.

Can laser hair removal cause milia?

Those bumps are frequently due to the skin glands being over stimulated by the laser which causes localized irritation and inflammation. The bumps look like milia or white heads. the bumps usually resolve themselves in a few days.

Why do I have stubble after laser hair removal?

Stubble, representing dead hair being shed from the hair follicle, will appear within 5-30 days from the treatment date. that is normal & they will fall out quickly. Exfoliate to speed up hair shedding. Anywhere from 5-30 days after the treatment, shedding of the hair may occur & this may appear as new hair growth.

Can you remove milia yourself?

Don't pick, poke, or try to remove them Trying to remove milia can cause the bumps to bleed, scab, and scar. Scraping the skin can also introduce germs to the area. This can cause infection. In the case of babies under 6 months old, the best thing to do for milia is to leave the bumps alone.

Does removing milia leave scars?

Does Milia Extraction Result in Any Scars? When milia is removed properly by an expert and experienced dermatologist, it is unlikely to result in any visible scars. It is therefore important to choose the correct physician to remove your milia.

Can lasers cause hypopigmentation / light spots?

When your skin loses color it's called hypopigmentation. It often happens after laser treatments that target one specific color - called a chromoph...

Are there certain skin colors more prone to light spots? Is the color loss permanent?

The people most frequently affected have dark skin and have had multiple skin treatments. Usually their color loss is temporary, but for some it is...

What is hypopigmentation?

Hypopigmentation is a light spot in skin caused by low amounts of melanin. (Melanin is pigment and gives your skin its color.)

Are there are other things that cause a skin color loss besides lasers?

Diseases (like Vitiligo, Seborrheic dermatitis, or Tinea versicolor) can cause light spots. And skin injuries (like infections, pimples, blisters,...

So what can you do about light spots and hypopigmentation?

Treating hypopigmentation is tricky. If you get light spots that don't go away, be sure to see a dermatologist. The best treatment option will depe...

Burn with white spot after laser hair removal on face. Any recommendations on treatments or other suggestions? (Photo)

This just occurred a few hours ago. Ive been putting bacitracin on the spot and scheduled an appointment with my PCP tomorrow. The oily appearance is from the ointment. Any recommendations on treatments or other suggestions?

Bump and Itchiness after Brazilian laser hair removal (Photo)

I had my first brazilian laser hair removal session last Tuesday, after a day or two, it starts to have those red bumps and itchiness on the bikini area. It hurts a bit when I pressed it, and there were some white spots as well. It is really annoying and I'm afraid it's burned or infected. Also the area is a bit dark as well.

White bumps after laser hair removal - will it get better? (Photo)

Hi, i just got my third treatment done 2 days ago, and I was horrified when I looked at my legs this morning. They have white bumps all over, but theyre not itchy. the bumps are all over the pores on my legs. Will they scar? Any way I can improve this at all?

Will these white spots from laser hair removal burning be permanent? Will they repigment?

I had my legs lasered for the first time on January 17th 2017 and experienced burning from prior sun exposure, its been over 2 months and i'm worried my legs will never be normal again! I took photos after my laser treatment and everyday after until the scabbing healed, then photos weekly until now.

I got burnt from laser on my arm after it peeled. There are white spots. How can I get rid of it? (Photo)

So I got laser hair removal and it burnt me, I put a burn ointment on it the they peeled and fell off naturally and now Im stuck with this white spots on my arm, how can I get rid of it and will it stay?

White spots after laser burn with Cynosure Elite, will Vitix and Elocome help to heal this? (photos)

I have got my leg and tummy burnt a month ago during the second session of hair removal with Cynosure Elite laser. I used Mebo cream, the burns healed and now that the crusts are gone I have white spots. I have been told to use Vitix cream during the night and Elocome during the day, to repigment the white spots.

Is hypopigmentation permanent after laser hair removal burn? (Photo)

I was burned during laser hair removal. The following day a dermatologist gave me a cortisone shot and topical cream ( mometasone) which I used for 7 days. My scabbing came off and I now have Hypopigmentation.

What is the best treatment for light spots?

Prescription medications can help to repigment light spots. Puvasol, topical psoralen, and UV light from sunlight or UVA phototherapy may help especially in people whose color loss was from a laser treatment. V-Tar is another prescription your doctor may order.

What causes light spots on skin?

Diseases (like Vitiligo, Seborrheic dermatitis, or Tinea versicolor) can cause light spots. And skin injuries (like infections, pimples, blisters, or scrapes), burns, or any kind of trauma can also cause hypopigmentation. When an injury causes inflammation and damage leading to color loss, it is called post-inflammatory hypopigmentation, or PIH.

What is the best laser for hypopigmentation?

IPL, excimer lasers, and the Fraxel Restore laser are all recommended for treating hypopigmentation by the doctors on RealSelf.com. IPL stands for intense pulsed light. You may also have heard it called a photofacial, BBL (broadband light), or photorejuvenation. It treats sun damage, dark spots and rosacea.

Why do people with vitiligo get white patches?

People with vitiligo get hypopigmentation because their white blood cells attack and kill the cells which give their skin color. When these melanocytes are destroyed, they don't come back.

What to do if you have light spots on your face?

Treating hypopigmentation is tricky. If you get light spots that don't go away, be sure to see a dermatologist. The best treatment option will depend on what's causing your hypopigmentation, the amount of light skin you have, and the result you want to achieve.

Why does my skin have a light spot?

So now you know that hypopigmentation is a light spot in skin caused by low amounts of melanin. (Melanin is what gives skin its color.) But there are other causes of color loss besides lasers.

What is low level laser?

Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) is used to treat many skin conditions . It can kick start healing, relieve pain and inflammation, and restore function. It can also stimulate your pigment producing cells (melanocytes) to produce melanin thereby re-pigmenting light spots and areas of hypopigmentation. 4.

What is the procedure to remove white spots on the skin?

Dermabrasion. This exfoliating procedure physically removes the skin’s outer layers using a specialized abrasive tool to reveal the new skin beneath. When used to treat IGH, dermabrasion causes white spots to crust over and triggers the body’s melanin production process.

What is the name of the condition where a white spot on the face fades?

With time, they may change in shape and size, but they’re usually permanent. Pityriasis alba. Pink or red scaly patches are an initial symptom of pityriasis alba, a condition mainly seen on the faces of children and young people. In later years, these round or oval-shaped areas fade to leave white spots on the skin.

What is the medical term for white spots on the skin?

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) is the medical term for white spots on the skin. The name is descriptive, referring to the cause and appearance of these spots: idiopathic means the cause is unknown, guttate refers to their teardrop shape and hypomelanosis, the lighter-colored skin. IGH spots appear gradually on the skin over time ...

What causes white patches on the face?

They may be white, pink or brown, and can be itchy or scaly. Vitiligo. A lack of melanin results in vitilig o’s characteristic white patches. Commonly seen on the face, neck and hands as well as creases in the skin, the patches can appear symmetrically on both sides of the body.

What is the best treatment for white sunspots?

Topical steroid creams. Although these creams are typically used to reduce inflammation and treat conditions such as eczema, creams that contain corticosteroids—which mimics cortisol, a naturally occurring hormone—may help to reduce white sunspots. Corticosteroid creams are available in different strengths.

What to do if you have white spots on your face?

Cover as much exposed skin as possible by wearing sunglasses, a hat and long-sleeved shirts and pants. Avoid tanning beds. Other Causes of White Spots on Skin. Aside from IGH, white spots on the skin can also be associated with other skin conditions or be symptoms of other health issues.

How to prevent white spots on skin?

Preventing White Sunspots. To prevent white sunspots, limit direct sun exposure and protect skin from the sun. There are several ways to achieve this:: Wear a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30; reapply every 2 hours when outside and immediately after swimming.

How to get rid of burn marks after laser hair removal?

If you do find yourself with a permanent burn mark or scar that won’t go away after laser hair removal, you should start by contacting your provider. If it is a medically-run clinic, they will likely be your best bet. This is because they will have information about how your scar may have happened to begin with.

Why do laser hair removal technicians work?

One basic part of training with laser hair removal technicians is to keep the skin cool during the procedure. This is so that the laser heats only the pigments in the hair shaft, and not the skin.

How to heal a blister from laser hair removal?

If you get a blister from laser hair removal, allow it to heal as you would any other blister. Use a wound healing cream to avoid infection. Do not try to pop the blister. Be sure to tell your provider that you got the blister, and ask them what measures they will take to prevent it from happening again. Back to top.

How much hair reduction can laser hair removal achieve?

Laser hair removal can only achieve about 80 – 90% hair reduction in a single treatment area. If it is overdone, it can reactivate hair follicles. The best way to handle this is with prevention. Your laser clinic provider should not be over-aggressive in attempting to remove 100% of your hairs.

How to reduce swelling from aftersun?

You can also use ice packs or cold wash cloths as compresses to reduce swelling, or sensations of burning or itching. Avoid using harsh cleansers or exfoliants on the treated area . This will only irritate the skin further.

Can laser hair removal remove unwanted hair?

Editorial note: this article was updated on June 26, 2020. Laser hair removal can provide an amazing life change for those who suffer from unwanted hair. It can be an easy way to remove a large portion of body hair permanently. However, the procedure can come with some pesky post-treatment, short-term side effects.

Can laser hair removal cause burn marks?

Some people call these scars, but they are not quite the same thing. Permanent, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can create a ‘burn mark if a laser was used inappropriately during hair removal sessions. They can be hard to reverse (though steps can be taken to try to reduce their appearance).

What is the best treatment for white spots on the face?

There are topical medications that sometimes help with white spots on the skin. Some of the medications used to treat hypopigmentation include topical steroids that come as a cream or ointment which you apply to your skin. They may restore some of your original skin color and stop the spread of the white patches.

Why does my skin turn white?

Vitiligo is a condition in which the skin turns white due to the loss of pigment from the melanocytes, cells that produce the pigment melanin that gives the skin color.

What is melanin in skin?

What is melanin? Hypopigmentation is a condition in which the skin is lighter in color than normal. Treating hypopigmentation may involve the use of topical corticosteroids or tars, light or laser treatment, or surgical skin grafting. Melanin is the substance that gives skin its color or pigment. When the skin cells that produce melanin, also ...

What causes a person to lose color?

Other causes may include: 1 Albinism is a condition characterized by colorless skin, hair, and eyes that occur because skin cells produce little or no melanin. 2 Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes your skin to lose its natural color. People who have this condition will notice patches of lighter skin appear. While some people develop a few patches, others may lose much more skin color. In other cases, vitiligo will affect other parts of your body. It can also cause your hair to turn white or discolor parts of the mouth or eyes. 3 Tinea versicolor is a condition that occurs when a natural yeast found on the skin called Pityrosporum ovale grows out of control and begins to change the pigmentation of the skin. When this occurs, patches of skin may become lighter or darker. 4 Pityriasis alba is a skin disorder commonly found in children and young adults that causes pale pink or red, scaly patches to form on the skin. When these patches clear up, the skin is left discolored, with smooth light patches taking their place.

Why is my skin lighter than normal?

It occurs due to the absence of normal amounts of melanin caused by disease, injury, burns, or other trauma to the skin. Hypopigmentation can affect a small area of the skin, or it can be widespread.

What is it called when you lose skin color?

When the skin cells that produce melanin, also called melanocytes, reduce their production, the resulting condition is known as hypopigmentation. Hypopigmentation is also known as skin depigmentation or loss of skin color. In situations where hypopigmentation is the result of skin inflammation or damage, the condition may be referred ...

What causes a scaly red spot on the face?

Pityriasis alba is a skin disorder commonly found in children and young adults that causes pale pink or red, scaly patches to form on the skin. When these patches clear up, the skin is left discolored, with smooth light patches taking their place.

What are white spots on the skin called?

How are white sun spots prevented? White sun spots, also known as Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis (IGH skin), are frustrating white spots and are totally benign. At their core, these little, discolored marks are your body’s way of telling you that it’s had too much sun exposure.

What is the best treatment for white spots on the face?

There are safe topical medications that can be used to even out white spots in the skin. Some commonly prescribed options include pimecrolimus and tacrolimus. These medications are often recommended for treating vitiligo, a skin condition that causes large, permanent white splotches.

What is the best treatment for discoloration of the skin?

In particularly extreme cases, such as with vitiligo, surgery may be an option for treating major skin discoloration. Two common forms of surgery are used in such scenarios: skin grafts and melanocyte transplant.

What is the procedure to get skin cells from another part of the body?

During skin grafting, a cosmetic surgeon will use skin from another part of your body to cover the affected area. Melanocyte transplant surgery requires a doctor to collect top-layer skin cells from a “healthy” part of your body and transplant it beneath the white spots.

Why does my skin change color?

Regular exposure to the sun and its damaging UV rays causes the skin to thin and flatten, which can lead to the change in skin tone in the affected area. Like the graying of hair or the slowing of collagen production, the body’s ability to produce significant amounts of melanin weakens as we age.

What is the best way to remove the top layer of the skin?

Microdermabrasion. This popular treatment works in a similar manner to laser treatments. Essentially, microdermabrasion removes the top layer of the skin through the use of tiny, rough particles. Home remedies can be used for extreme exfoliation, but in-office treatments are recommended for more serious cases.

What to use for tinea versicolor?

If a doctor deems your condition to be tinea versicolor, antifungal products will help reduce the appearance of these stubborn white spots. Besides using cosmetic procedures and the right skincare products, many patients also turn to cosmetic cover-ups in order to mask the affected area.

What is the name of the disease that leaves white patches on the skin?

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder that is due to the loss of melanocytes — the pigment producing cells — and leaves white patches on the skin. These patches can appear anywhere on the body and vary in size. This disorder can affect anyone — even Michael Jackson.

What is a milia en plaque?

long-term steroid usage. skin resurfacing treatments. In rare cases, people develop milia surrounded by raised skin that is red, scaly, and itchy. This is known as “milia en plaque.”. The cause of milia en plaque is unknown and can appear randomly in healthy skin.

What is the cause of a red patch on the face?

PA appears as red, scaly patches that become lighter in color over time. The cause of PA is unknown, but it’s thought to be linked to eczema in those with atopic dermatitis.

What is a sunspot?

Sunspots can also appear from extended tanning bed use. Sunspots are benign and painless, often ranging ...

What is the best treatment for tinea versicolor?

A variety of treatments are available for tinea versicolor, based on the severity of the infection. Over-the-counter (OTC) options include medication-strength cleansers or antifungal creams, soaps, lotions, and shampoos containing: clotrimazole. miconazole. selenium sulfide.

How big are sunspots?

Sunspots can also appear from extended tanning bed use. Sunspots are benign and painless, often ranging from 1–10 mm in size. While more common on those with light skin and people over 40, sunspots can appear on anyone.

Where are milia cysts found?

Milia are small, white cysts that are generally found on the face around the eye area, nose, and cheeks. They are most common in newborn babies but can appear at any age. Milia are generally white or yellow in color, often painless, and not considered harmful. For some people, however, they do cause discomfort.

How long do white spots last?

When to see a doctor. Although most white spots will clear away on their own, those that last longer than a few weeks are a cause for concern. Also, when other symptoms accompany the spots, you should see your doctor right away.

What are white spots on legs?

White spots on the legs or the rest of the body are a not-so-rare occurrence that requires identification of the cause and then seeking treatment. If you have noticed any depigmentation or white spots, here is all there is to know.

How long does it take for tinea versicolor to heal?

The time taken by tinea versicolor to heal depends on how advanced the disease is. It may take several weeks to heal and some more to restore your skin to its original appearance. Advanced cases of this disease may require stronger medication such as creams and oral medication.

What happens if you don't have melanin?

Without melanin, you will have white patches of skin. The melanin pigment is produced by the melanocytes cells. When the melanocytes fail to produce melanin, you will have white patches on your skin, eye, and even hair. The patches will appear on any part of the body. Vitiligo is set aside by the other causes of small white spots ...

What are the spots on my face that are tanned?

Tinea versicolor. These are spots on the skin, which can be of different colors, including brown, red, pink, or white. They are easy to notice when the skin is tanned. With time, they may become larger and more noticeable. Often, the patches may be itchy, scaly, and dry.

How to treat lichen sclerosis?

The available treatment methods for this disease focus on reducing the itching and the scarring while eliminating any further thinning of the skin. The same methods help improve the appearance of the skin and include creams and corticosteroids.

What is the pink color of the chin?

Pityriasis alba. This disease begins with slightly small scaly plaques that are pink in color and found on the cheeks and the chin. These plaques have different shapes, including being irregular, oval, or round. When touched, the plaques are scaly and dry.

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