Laser Hair Removal in Axillary Region and Effect on Normal Microbial Flora

Brian Lett
By Brian Lett
10 Min Read

Laser Hair Removal in Axillary Region and Effect on Normal Microbial Flora

Laser hair removal is one of the most permanent solutions for unwanted body hair, reducing issues related to growth such as itchy papules and hyperpigmentation as well as decreasing odor in axillary areas.

Normal flora provide protection from pathogenic microorganisms by making skin and other tissues slippery, producing mucin and antibiotic chemicals (antibiotics), and outcompeting pathogenic bacteria for nutrients.

Background

Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular treatment that uses light energy to effectively eradicate unwanted hair. While it is considered one of the safest methods of hair removal and offers long-term results, there are certain points that should be kept in mind before beginning laser treatments. First and foremost, it is crucial to remember that this treatment cannot be combined with medications known to increase photosensitivity such as retinoids or alpha hydroxyl acids that increase skin cell turnover and lead to light sensitivity. Avoid these products at least two weeks before your appointment and discontinue shaving and waxing in the area to be treated; shaving can prevent melanin from the hair follicle from being absorbed by laser, rendering treatment less effective.

Normal microbial flora refers to microorganisms that live semi-permanently within healthy tissue of their host without causing disease, typically Gram-positive bacteria. Influencers include local environmental conditions like pH, temperature and redox potential as well as supply of oxygen, water and nutrients – and such microbes may aid the host by competing for microenvironments, producing vitamins that stimulate cell maturation as well as aiding intestinal transit resistance and colonization resistance.

This study’s purpose is to assess the effects of axillary laser hair removal on normal microbial flora in the axillary region. Thirty women referred to a laser clinic for removal were selected as part of an intervention group while 30 others underwent another type of laser treatment for other reasons were designated as controls. Participants were evaluated for presence of various bacteria strains before and after laser hair removal treatments were completed in both groups before results were compared – this research demonstrated disruption of normal axillary region microflora due to laser treatments axillary hair removal treatments.

Methods

Laser Hair Removal is a non-invasive procedure to safely and permanently eliminate unwanted body hair. It uses pulses of laser light to destroy hair follicles and slow future hair growth, providing an alternative to shaving and waxing that’s less painful and more effective in the long run. Laser Hair Removal can be applied on chest, face, legs, arms and back areas.

This clinical trial demonstrated how laser radiation changes the normal bacterial flora in the axillary region, leading to changes in body odor caused by sweat. The researchers examined microbial bacteria present before and after laser hair removal sessions – showing a decrease in frequency after session one; but an increase after sessions two and three.

Researchers also assessed the flora in women who did not undergo alexandrite laser treatment and examined its impact on microbial populations in both groups of women, with more frequent bacterial strains found among the control group than among intervention group users, suggesting that using an alexandrite laser to remove axillary hair may have an adverse impact on microbiota flora.

Laser hair removal may cause inflammation, itching, and scabbing; usually this clears up within a few hours with cold compresses or ice packs being applied to the underarm area; for severe cases however a dermatologist or steroid cream may need to be sought out for management. In addition, hyperpigmentation – temporary darkening of skin tone caused by laser treatment – may occur; hyperpigmentation often affects those with lighter complexions more severely.

To prevent complications during laser hair removal appointments, it’s essential to adhere to the clinic’s preparation rules and use sunscreen during this process. No tanning for at least a month prior, no plucking or waxing the area being treated, no plucking or waxing should take place at any point prior to having this procedure done. For optimal results and safety, consultation with a certified laser professional before undertaking this treatment should also be sought out before commencing this treatment plan.

Results

Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular cosmetic treatment, helping reduce unwanted hair on different parts of the body. When compared with shaving, waxing, or plucking methods it is safer and more accurate in terms of speed and accuracy. Unfortunately like any procedure laser hair removal also comes with its share of complications that must be managed successfully; in this article we’ll outline these problems along with ways you can avoid or treat them effectively.

Corynebacterium spp are Gram-positive bacteria which thrive in the intertriginous skin of the axilla and contribute to malodour, leading to irritation. Zinc oxide, as a mild antiseptic, proved successful against these Gram-positive organisms when applied topically as an oil-in-water emulsion to healthy volunteers; they saw it reduce skin pH and malodour scores by around 50% when applied topically, with these researchers concluding that zinc oxide should be applied topically; they noted it reduced skin pH while self-rated malodour scores by self-evaluators by healthy volunteers when applied topically as an oil-in-water emulsion application by 37%; these findings indicate further research must be conducted into developing deodorants targeting specific parts of microflora axillary microflora for successful deodorants targeting microflora populations within.

Laser hair removal works best on those with light skin and dark hair because the contrast helps the laser heat target hair follicles more precisely. Individuals who tan naturally or use artificial tanning products may not achieve similar results, while those taking certain acne medicines and antibiotics which make their skin photosensitive should wait several weeks before scheduling an appointment for laser treatment.

Prior to your laser hair removal appointment, be sure to shave the area where you will receive laser treatment. This step is crucial as laser light cannot reach the roots of too-long hairs if they’re too long, while it is recommended that plucking or waxing of this area should also be delayed until after your appointment date. Moisturize and wear sunscreen on the day of your session! Be mindful that multiple sessions may be required in order for laser treatments to fully eliminate all hairs in the treatment area; laser hair removal treatments needing active growth stages (anagen phase), in order for effective laser treatments to work effectively.

Conclusions

Laser hair removal is an effective and safe method for eliminating unwanted body hair. Light from a laser beam converts into heat that destroys hair follicles, stopping new growth. In addition, its light can help prevent razor burn, as well as help avoid any possible rashes that might arise after shaving or waxing. Unfortunately, however, laser removal requires multiple sessions before becoming permanent – ideally performed by an experienced dermatologist.

Laser hair removal often results in an inflammation of the hair follicle known as folliculitis, marked by red pimples filled with pus. It can lead to scarring and skin discoloration and may even be linked with contact dermatitis; due to direct contact between hair follicles and laser radiation.

Laser hair removal treatments often lead to excessive sweating as one of the potential side effects. This may occur for weeks after laser treatments due to hormonal fluctuations that influence sweat production; therefore, if this problem arises for you after laser hair removal treatment it’s important to inform your healthcare provider immediately.

Laser hair removal may result in eye damage and allergic reactions due to salon hair dyes used. Eye damage risks are particularly high if operated by someone without prior experience in operating laser equipment and following all relevant safety protocols.

To minimize these risks, it is wise to avoid tanning for at least a month prior to your appointment and use an anesthetic cream as needed. Also important is not removing or waxing your hair prior to the procedure as doing so might prevent the technician from being able to detect the difference in colors between hair and skin, thereby making treatment of that area ineffective. Metallic jewelry or cosmetics worn inside the treatment room could reflect laser beams back onto you and potentially cause injury to eyes, skin or combustible materials.

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