Does Sertraline affect laser hair removal? (+5 facts)

In this article, we will discuss the effects of using Sertraline while getting your laser hair removal treatment. We will dig into some common side effects related to laser hair removal. We will look into the precautions and common drug interactions with the laser hair removal method.

Does Sertraline affect laser hair removal?

No, Sertraline does not affect laser hair removal. Using Sertraline while getting your laser hair removal will not have potentially harmful effects, but can vary from person to person and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

People are different and can have different factors affecting their health. So, it is important to discuss such things with your doctor for appropriate advice and necessary precautions.

What medications can interact with laser hair removal?

Certain medications interact with laser hair removal outcomes. If you are getting your laser hair removal treatment, it is essential to contact your doctor regarding the medications that you are taking (3).

Some medications i.e. photosensitive drugs can make your skin more sensitive to light. Due to this sensitivity, you may experience skin rash, irritation, or burning. The following are some drugs that may affect your laser hair treatment (3,4):

• Antibiotics (Tetracyclines)
• Diuretics (Furesamide)
• Acne medication (Isotretinoin)
• Herbal supplements (St. John’s wort)
• Accutane
• Cardiac drugs (Amiodarone, Nifidipine)
• Antivirals (Acyclovir)
• Antidepressants (TCAs)
• Chemotherapy agents (Vinblastine)
• NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Celecoxib)

If you are taking these medications while getting your laser hair removal procedure, you should consult with your doctor regarding the potential adverse effects that may appear.

These medications may or may not directly interfere with the laser hair removal procedure, but may suppress treatment efficacy or may cause adverse effects.

You can also consult your healthcare provider and opt for alternate medications that do not cause hazardous effects while getting laser hair removal treatment.

What are the potential side effects of laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is generally a safe procedure. But swelling around follicles or skin redness may appear which needs to be reported to the doctor. Special care is required for people with darker skin because the laser light is quickly absorbed into the skin making laser hair removal treatment less effective (1).

The doctor should select the right laser hair removal procedure and wavelength for the patients based on their skin conditions and requirements. Proper treatment protocols and parameters should be followed otherwise adverse reactions may occur (2).

Some adverse events associated with laser hair removal include (2):

• Pain
• Crusting
• Purpura
• Hypopigmentation
• Hyperpigmentation
• Thrombophlebitis
• Leukotrichia
• Atrophy
• Scarring

For laser hair removal procedures to be effective, some short-term effects such as perifollicular erythema and oedema may occur. These are not included in the category of side effects but are a necessary part of laser photothermolysis (2).

What to do if Sertraline affects laser hair procedure?

As mentioned earlier Sertraline and laser hair removal process are generally safe to take together. The mechanism of action of Sertraline does not interfere with the laser hair removal process. However, it may vary significantly causing harmful effects in a small population.

If you experience a skin rash, burning, scarring, blistering, or hyperpigmentation after getting your laser hair removed along with taking Sertraline, immediately report it to your doctor.

You may experience these side effects due to hormonal changes which need to be tackled and discovered before continuing the treatment further. Your doctor needs to look into possible interactions that are associated with its use.

Personalized guidance and supervision by a certified dermatologist might be required in such situations as the side effects appear to vary from person to person based on their specific situation.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the potential precautions that need to be taken before starting your laser hair treatment. We have discovered the drugs that interact with the laser hair removal process and the ways to overcome these effects.

References