Avoiding 5 Common Mistakes in Laser Skin Therapy

A career in laser therapy has surged in popularity because it offers flexibility and variety in the workplace with new innovations occurring all the time. For new laser therapists, it’s essential to be aware of common mistakes and implement proper risk management to ensure safe and effective treatments. Here are five common issues in laser therapy and tips on how to avoid them.

1. Miscalculating the Fitzpatrick Skin Phototype

The Fitzpatrick Skin Phototype (FSP) determines the skin’s reaction to sunlight and the principles can be applied to understand how laser will affect skin. Darker, melanin-rich skin is more susceptible to burns. Misjudging the FSP can result in burns and pigmentation issues.

• Use a trusted tool to assess the FSP like that developed by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA). Find it here.
• Thoroughly assess the FSP each and every laser session, it may have changed since last time you saw the client.
• Considering factors that may have changed it like seasonal skin tone changes (lighter in winter or darker in summer), occupation and lifestyle factors (do they work outdoors) and various body areas (areas that are protected from the sun will be lighter).
• Patch testing on a small area will help verify the correct settings before a full treatment​. Do a quick patch test before every treatment to make sure that the settings are still correct.

2. Missing Pre-Treatment Contraindications

Failing to recognise contraindications such as certain medications (usually those that make you sensitive to light), recent sun exposure, or skin conditions like HSV (herpes simplex virus) can lead to adverse reactions.

• Conduct a fresh consultation before every treatment
• Review the client’s medical and medication history, lifestyle factors, and any recent skin conditions or treatments.
• Establish a waiting period after contraindicated treatments or medications.

3. Improper Skin Preparation

Inadequate skin preparation can interfere with the laser’s effectiveness, especially on uneven skin tones or areas with hair, leading to suboptimal results and potential skin damage.

• Ensure your client has not had sun exposure or is sporting a fake tan.
• Assess the skin for colour consistency and adjust the settings based on the skin’s current condition​ and any colour variation
• Ensure hair is shaved to avoid a poor result or burn
• Cover moles and/or tattoos to avoid inadvertently treating them
• Do not leave puddles of skin preparation fluids on the skin as they may ignite

4. Failing to Manage Client Pain Properly

High pain levels during treatment can indicate incorrect settings or a higher risk of skin damage. Ignoring client discomfort may result in burns or other injuries.

• Use cooling devices such as a Zimmer cooler or cryogen spray to help cool the skin and moderate pain
• At the first complaint of discomfort, STOP and assess.
• Continuously monitor and communicate with clients about their comfort levels.
• Pain exceeding a moderate threshold, that is over 4 on a 1-10 Visual Analogue Score (VAS) requires immediate reassessment.

5. Inadequate Post-Treatment Aftercare

Clients may experience irritation or complications if post-treatment care instructions are not followed or clearly communicated, leading to potential long-term skin damage.

• Provide detailed aftercare instructions, emphasising the importance of cooling the area, avoiding sun exposure, and refraining from activities that may aggravate the skin (e.g., hot baths or vigorous exercise).
• Give clients a number they can call at any time to discuss their concerns.
• Follow up within 24 hours to address any concerns and ensure clients know to reach out for professional guidance if they notice adverse symptoms

By staying vigilant about these common issues and implementing these strategies, laser therapists can significantly reduce the risk of complications and deliver safer, more effective treatments. Proper risk management not only protects clients but also enhances your reputation and ensures compliance with industry standards.

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