Laser Hair Removal and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Living with rheumatoid arthritis means thinking carefully about how treatments and procedures affect your body. So where does laser hair removal fit in? Here's what you need to know about safety, timing, and whether it's the right hair removal option for you.

What Rheumatoid Arthritis Is and How It Affects the Body

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that causes chronic inflammation. Your immune system mistakenly attacks your own tissues, which leads to pain, swelling, and joint damage over time.

RA can affect more than just your joints. It may also increase skin sensitivity, slow healing, and make your body more reactive to physical stress or external treatments or procedures.

Symptoms may flare and subside over time. During flares, inflammation worsens and your body becomes more vulnerable. During remission, symptoms calm, and your overall health is more stable.

Why Rheumatoid Arthritis Matters for Laser Hair Removal

Inflammation from RA can increase skin sensitivity. When your immune system is already overreacting, adding external stimulation like laser light may trigger stronger reactions or discomfort than it would in someone without RA.

In general, healing may be slower during flares. Active inflammation affects how quickly your skin recovers after treatment, which can extend the time between sessions or increase the risk of prolonged redness and irritation.

Fatigue or pain tolerance may vary depending on your RA activity. On difficult days, even minor discomfort from laser treatment can feel harder to manage, which is why timing sessions around your symptom patterns matters.

Medications Commonly Used for RA

Immunosuppressants and biologics are frequently prescribed to control RA symptoms. These medications work by suppressing your immune system, which reduces inflammation but also affects how your body responds to injury or external treatments.

Steroids and anti-inflammatory medications help manage pain and swelling. While effective for RA, these drugs can thin your skin or make it more fragile, which can increase sensitivity.

Some medications can affect skin response or healing. Drugs that suppress your immune system or alter inflammation may slow recovery after treatment or increase your risk of side effects like prolonged redness or bruising.

What Rheumatoid Arthritis Is and How It Affects the Body

Can You Get Laser Hair Removal with Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Why Milan Laser Is the Best Option

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Get Laser Hair Removal with Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Yes. RA does not automatically disqualify you from laser hair removal. Laser treatments don't worsen your condition or interfere with your joints, but how your body responds depends on your current health and medications.

Treatments can take place as long as skin appears normal and looks healthy. When your inflammation is high and your immune system is overactive, your skin is more sensitive and healing is slower, which can make laser treatment less comfortable.

At Milan Laser, there are no contraindications for Clients to receive laser hair removal treatments who have a history of RA or taking medications for RA.

What to Expect From Treatment Planning

At Milan Laser, standard protocol is followed based on a Client’s skin tone assessment. If a Client expresses concern or hesitancy, Providers could place test spots prior to a full treatment.

Treatment sessions may be adjusted based on your symptoms. If you're experiencing a flare or dealing with increased fatigue or sensitivity, your Provider can reschedule or modify treatment to keep you comfortable and safe.

Ongoing communication about flares is essential. Your RA status can change between appointments, so keeping your Provider updated helps them adapt your plan and avoid treating you when your body isn't ready. But as long as the skin is healthy and appears normal, treatments can take place without restriction.

Potential Risks and How They’re Managed

Temporary irritation or sensitivity is common after laser treatment, but it may be more pronounced if you have RA. Your Provider monitors how your skin reacts and adjusts settings if redness or discomfort lasts longer than expected.

Monitoring healing between sessions helps catch any delayed reactions. If your skin isn't recovering as expected or if you develop prolonged irritation, your Provider can pause treatment or adjust the plan to prioritize your safety.

When to Talk to Your Medical Provider

Although it is not required at Milan Laser, you may consider consulting with your rheumatologist or primary care provider before starting laser hair removal treatment if any of the following apply:

Active or severe RA flares: If your inflammation is high or your symptoms are uncontrolled, you may choose to wait until you're in a more stable phase before adding elective treatments.
Concerns about infection risk or healing: If you're taking medications that significantly suppress your immune system or you've had slow healing in the past, your doctor can help assess risk.

Laser treatments don't worsen your condition or interfere with your joints …”

Why Milan Laser Is the Best Option

Milan Laser Hair Removal provides medically based care with treatments performed under medical oversight by trained Providers. Health history is reviewed and skin tone assessments are completed before treatment, and laser settings are customized to prioritize skin safety and comfort. Consistent protocols and modern laser technology prioritize safety at every step.

With more than 400 clinics in 38 states, Milan Laser is the country’s largest provider of laser hair removal. We also offer something nobody else in the industry does: our exclusive Unlimited Package™, one of the most comprehensive laser hair removal packages available. You pay one price for a body area and you’re covered for life. No hidden costs or touch-up fees. Choosing Milan for your hair-free needs will help you say goodbye to unwanted hair for good.

Happy woman in a blue plaid shirt grinning and learning if she can mix laser hair removal and rheumatoid arthritis

Start Your Journey Today

Discover the game-changing benefits of laser hair removal for yourself with a free consultation. This conversation is an opportunity to discuss goals, concerns, and expectations to determine a personalized treatment plan. Visit MilanLaser.com or any of our clinics across the country and join the hair-free movement today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but it does depend on if you are experiencing active flares that affect your skin. Treatments can be completed over your baseline skin.

Possibly. At Milan Laser, RA medications do not disqualify you from completing your laser hair removal treatments. However, immunosuppressants, biologics, and steroids can increase skin sensitivity, slow healing, or make your skin more fragile.

It depends on your comfortability. During active flares, your inflammation may be high and your body is more sensitive and slower to heal. Treatments can continue on areas that are normal for you. However, should you choose to delay treatment, that is an option too.

It can. Chronic inflammation from RA may slow your skin’s recovery time and make you more prone to prolonged redness, sensitivity, or irritation. If this is bothersome to you, discuss with your Provider to see if there are adjustments that can be made.

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Living with rheumatoid arthritis means thinking carefully about how treatments and procedures affect your body. So where does laser hair removal fit in? Here's what you need to know about safety, timing, and whether it's the right hair removal option for you.

What Rheumatoid Arthritis Is and How It Affects the Body