The Quaddel "TikTok Show"

What are wheals and how do they develop?

A medical report based on a few TikTok posts without any professional substance or knowledge.

How does that work? 

They are looking for a girl who reads out a script and has absolutely no idea about hair removal and medical procedures. A little wiggle of the body, a little smile, and you have a video that is supposed to scare others off.

Of course, professional beauticians laugh about it,
but all start-ups are put off by it.

For this reason, we have drawn up medical documentation of the effectiveness.

NISV training materials : Wheals, also known as urticaria, are raised, itchy rashes that can often occur as a reaction to laser hair removal treatment. These wheals are caused by an inflammatory reaction of the skin. There are several mechanisms by which they can be caused:

Histamine release: Laser treatment can trigger the release of histamine from the mast cells in the skin. Histamine is a mediator that causes inflammation and swelling, which leads to the formation of wheals.

Thermal reaction: The laser energy is converted into heat, which destroys the hair follicles. This heat can trigger a local inflammatory reaction in the skin, which can also lead to the formation of wheals.

Mechanical irritation: The use of the laser and the associated manipulation of the skin can cause mechanical irritation, which can lead to an inflammatory reaction.

Are wheals the primary signs of successful treatment?

No, wheals are not a primary feature of a successful laser hair removal treatment. Rather, they are a temporary side effect that can occur in some patients. The success of laser hair removal is determined by other factors:

Reduction in hair density: Successful treatment is indicated by a significant reduction in hair density in the treated area.

Sustainability of the results: The long-term success is reflected in the sustained reduction in hair growth after several treatments.

Minimal side effects: Successful treatment should have minimal and temporary side effects, including skin irritation that resolves quickly.

Other causes of wheals:

Wheals can also be caused by other factors that are not directly related to the laser treatment:

Allergic reactions: Patients may have an allergic reaction to the gel used during treatment or to other topical products.

Skin sensitivity: Some patients have more sensitive skin that reacts more strongly to laser treatment.

Improper use of the laser: Incorrect adjustment of the laser or improper use can lead to an excessive thermal reaction that causes hives.

Conclusion:

Wheals are a possible side effect of laser hair removal, but they are not a sign of the success of the treatment. They usually result from the release of histamine and a local inflammatory reaction of the skin. Successful laser hair removal is characterized by the effective and lasting reduction of hair growth and minimally invasive side effects.

For a detailed scientific view and evidence-based information, you can refer to specialist articles and studies on this topic, such as:

Goldberg, D. J. (2012). Laser Hair Removal. Elsevier.

Sadick, N. S., & Boni, R. (2018). Cosmetic Dermatology for Men. Springer.

These sources provide comprehensive information on laser hair removal and the associated skin reactions.