What should be checked before applying laser therapy in a clinical setting?

The use of photosensitizing medications is crucial to check before applying laser therapy because these medications can increase the sensitivity of the skin to light, leading to potential adverse reactions when combined with laser treatment. Photosensitizers make tissues more reactive to light exposure and can pose significant risks, such as burns or skin damage, if not identified and managed prior to the procedure. Assessing a patient's current medications for photosensitizing effects allows the clinician to take necessary precautions to ensure patient safety and efficacy of the laser treatment.

While the presence of minor skin irritations, a patient’s previous experiences with lasers, and the patient's age and weight can contribute to the overall treatment plan, they are not as critical to establish before administering laser therapy compared to the risk posed by photosensitizing medications. They may influence treatment choices, but identifying photosensitivity is vital to avoid possible complications directly linked to the laser treatment.