Is this hyperpigmentation?

Hair Removal Methods Professional Electrolysis
#1

Hello! I have been having weekly electrolysis treatments (thermolysis) on my chin since March 5, 2014. I have fair skin and very, very coarse dark hair, which is densely packed on my chin. My electrolysist is a licensed professional and she seems very trustworthy. However, I’m concerned about continuing my treatments with her for two reasons:

1) Even a week after treatment, my skin is still very red (almost purple) and irritated. I’ve included pictures below, though these were taken just 7 hours after treatment. The redness does not seem to heal quickly or completely, even after two weeks. Is this normal? Is this hyperpigmentation, and does it look like it may lead to permanent discoloration?

2) During treatment, I feel a plucking sensation when the hairs are removed. I brought this to my electrolysist’s attention, and she says that, because I have such extremely coarse hair, I’m going to feel a plucking-like sensation when the hair leaves the follicle. (My electrolysist tells me that these incredibly strong “Franken-hairs” are the result of years and years of tweezing)sometimes twice per day.) Still, she assures me that treatments are working

More context and some background on me: My electrolysist says she’s never seen someone with roots as thick/hairs as coarse as mine! I’m a female of Mediterranean descent. I get regular OBGYN appointments, and my gyno has not mentioned anything about PCOS. I recently had some bloodwork done, and my doctor tells me that I have double the testosterone levels of a normal woman, which doesn’t point to any underlying health condition, but it may present some cosmetic problems. Enter: Chin hair!

Anyway, I’m debating switching electrolysists. The cons I’ve mentioned above. The pros are that I get along very well with her, she’s very reasonably priced, and the treatments do seem to be having some effect. While I still have a LONG way to go till I’m hair-free, the hair has somewhat lessened, and now it takes longer for the hair to grow back after shaving. Any insights on what I should do is greatly appreciated! Thanks for reading.

#2

Jolene -
I just recently started laser hair removal on my face and wanted to share a complication and resolution. After my first ever treatment I had rapid onset of what I thought were follicle infections. Symptoms were inflammation and fluid draining (clear and whitish) from hair follicles. I tried topical antibiotics, antiseptics, and anti-fungals with no effect. After a few days I returned to the laser clinic and asked to see the dermatologist (in Texas all lasers are Dr controlled) for help. The treating dermatologist took one look and said “histamine reaction”. She prescribed RX for anti-histamines and anti-inflammatories. These RX worked immediately! So, I am wondering if you too are having a histamine reaction to the electrolysis and dying hair roots? I urge you to go see a dermatologist at once before it worsens.

For my follow on treatments I take anti-histamines and anti-inflammatories starting two days before and five days after. This prophylactic use of RX has prevented reccurance of complications.
Good luck,
Sylvia

#3

Hi Sylvia,

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I hadn’t even considered that a histamine reaction could be the culprit! Glad to hear that you were able to find a solution and continue on with your laser treatments. No matter what, you’re right – I’ve gotta see a dermatologist ASAP. Thanks again.

Best,
Jolene

#4

Jolene,

Is this the first and only electrologist that you have tried?

You would be surprised how skin reaction varies from practitioner to practitioner. We all have different strategies, experience, skills and equipment choices. All this plays into skin reaction and the need for weekly or monthly treatments.

This is inflammation at this point. You may end up with hyperpigmentation after your chin heals. I know this looks scary to you, but it will heal.

My PERSONAL opinion is, this kind of reaction shouldn’t happen in the first place. It looks too harsh. It scares people and causes way too much distress. There are ways to get these hairs out, no matter how big and tough they are, without prolonged redness and crustiness. Proper aftercare can help, too

That’s my summation and I stand by it.

#5

I am just curious whether or not you had any redness after tweezing on a daily or more basis? I have noticed frequent-tweezing clients come in the first time with the redness you are showing.

It does sound like you are getting results, but it never hurts to consult with several in your area. I agree with Dee’s comments.

Hyperpigmentation is usually more of a darkening of normal pigment than redness. My oliveish-complected clients sometimes (not always) show a little more redness for longer and even some actual darker-than-normal pigmentation, but it has always faded.

Histamine response is usually more like a mosquito bite, I’m thinking… It includes swelling along with the redness.

#6

Hyperpigmentation is not “red.” Search through these threads, because the topic of PIH is discussed in excruciating detail. It’s all there “for the reading.”

Histamine? Well, if you had NO “histamine reaction,” your skin would never heal. I’m assuming that the physician (since it’s prescription) gave you a steroid medication and, yes that will greatly reduce the inflammation. The physician probably noted an “abnormal” histamine reaction?

I’m not second-guessing the physician.

I’ve worked with two surgeons with differing opinions. Dr. “P” gives all surgery patients steroids (the 5-day pack). In this way, there is almost no swelling and “ the stuff patients complain about.” Dr. “C” never prescribes steroids, because the normal post-surgery reaction is beneficial in the long-run.

In my opinion, I think Dr. P prescribes medication so he does not have to put up with complaining patients. He also gives patients anti-biotics to eliminate any possible infection, and a “TON” of pain medication. Dr. C does not; he prescribes none of these “goodies.”

Dr. P gives patients 30 extra-strength Vicodin (and a 30 refill, i.e., 60 pills total). Dr. C gives the patient only six low-dose Vicodin. (Usually Dr. C’s patients only require 2 or 3 pills, and that’s it. SIXTY Vicodin is enough to “get you hooked?”)

My opinion: Dr. P’s patients are so screwed-up from the medication they can’t focus on the post-treatment reaction! Stoned from Vicodin, “hyper” from steroids, and sick from the anti-biotics. But no complains about the surgery!

Steroids can make you “excited” and (actually), I like the effect … all “pumped up” and no place to go.

WOOF!