Sorting out solutions to laser problems.

You do all of us a service by writing. Below are some ways to generally approach this type of problem.

Is this a laser problem or something else?

We are human and we have a tendency (natural) to try to link things that happen to us close together in time. An example of this might be someone who has a minor fall, and then 3-4 weeks later develops back pain. The back pain may be caused by a tumor growing there and not the fall, but it’s natural to wonder if the fall caused it. Sometimes, once we get things in our minds, it’s difficult to keep an open mind about causes.

In this first example, I agree with the spa that it’s very unlikely that 3 weeks later the very uncomfortable flushing and heat sensation is due to that. Consider consulting an endocrinologist because certain endocrine growths, a benign or malignant tumor for example, can cause flushing. Or seeing a rheumatologist regarding a possible autoimmune or medication related cause. If there is a rash or hives, a biopsy by a dermatologist may be helpful to find the cause.

Is this a known complication of a laser treatment?

Some complications are known risks of a medical intervention (laser in this case). And some complications are idiosyncratic (specific to your individual situation or healing). In the second case, if he’s healthy and has healthy skin, he should heal quite quickly after that laser. Since he isn’t healing, could this be a known complication like a low-grade Staph infection, for example? Please see your dermatologist or doctor asap to get a bacterial culture done to see if a “bad” bacteria might be growing there. Infections like that will prevent healing. I’m assuming he’s not picking at the crust (scab) in any way. I just saw a patient yesterday who’s culture was negative who’s problem is that she’s constantly picking at the area!

Hope this helps,

Dr. Brandith Irwin