Getting white bumps after a laser treatment? At Perfectly Bare Laser, we pride ourselves on using the Alma Soprano system. It is renowned for being incredibly gentle, and the vast majority of our clients experience zero irritation or major skin response. However, because we treat hundreds of clients every month, we occasionally see a rare reaction: the appearance of tiny white bumps a day or two after treatment.
While these can be startling, they are usually a temporary part of the skin’s healing process. Here is everything you need to know about why they happen and how to manage them.You do not want to scrub the bumps or exfoliate them
Why Do These Bumps Appear?
These small white bumps often resemble milia or tiny whiteheads. They typically occur when the skin’s glands are overstimulated by the laser energy, leading to localized irritation and inflammation.
While they might look like a breakout, they are generally a sign of “folliculitis” or simple glandular congestion. The good news? For most people, these resolve on their own within just a few days.
Getting white bumps after a laser treatment? So how to would you treat this?
If you notice this rare reaction, follow these professional care steps to ensure your skin heals smoothly and stays healthy:
- Do Not Squeeze or Pop: This is the golden rule of post-laser care. While it might be tempting to treat them like a standard breakout, picking or squeezing these bumps can damage the delicate skin barrier, leading to unnecessary permanent scarring or painful secondary infections.
- Use a Salicylic Acid Wash: Switch your usual cleanser for a mild, exfoliating acne wash containing salicylic acid. This specific ingredient works to gently “dry up” the bumps and dissolve the trapped debris within the follicles, helping to keep your pores clear without harsh scrubbing.
- Apply Antibiotic Cream: We recommend applying a standard antibiotic cream (such as Neosporin) a few times a day to the affected area.
- Pro Tip: Always choose a cream rather than an ointment. Ointments are petroleum-based and create an occlusive seal that can trap heat and oil, potentially worsening the congestion. A cream absorbs quickly, allowing the skin to breathe while it heals.
- Skip the Makeup: Your skin needs room to recover. Avoid heavy foundations, primers, or concealers while the area is irritated. Introducing cosmetic pigments and binders into an inflamed follicle will only lead to further clogging and delay the natural healing process.
- Keep the Area Cool and Clean: Avoid hot showers, saunas, or intense workouts for the first 24–48 hours after you notice the bumps. Excessive heat and sweat can exacerbate the glandular overstimulation that caused the bumps in the first place.
When to Seek Medical Attention if getting white bumps after a laser treatment?
In very rare situations, these bumps could indicate a localized infection. If the condition does not improve after several days, or if you notice increasing pain, spreading redness, or heat in the area, please seek medical treatment or call our office.
Prevention and Long-Term Skin Health
If your skin has reacted this way once, you can take proactive steps to prevent it during your next session:
- Immediate Aftercare: Apply an antibiotic cream immediately after your next treatment as a preventative measure.
- Consistent Exfoliation: Once the current irritation has fully healed, begin exfoliating daily. Daily exfoliation is essential for removing dead skin cells that shed naturally, keeping the follicles clear and healthy.
Conclusion
At Perfectly Bare Laser, your skin’s health and comfort are our top priorities. If you have questions about your recent treatment or want to learn more about the Alma Soprano difference, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Ready to achieve the smooth, clear skin you’ve always wanted with the experts at Perfectly Bare Laser? Whether you have questions about post-treatment care or are ready to start your journey with the gentle Alma Soprano system, our team is here to help. Book your appointment online today by visiting
or give us a call at 813-444-3204 to speak with one of our aesthetic specialists.
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