What is an adverse effect commonly associated with laser therapy?

Erythema, or skin reddening, is a common transient effect associated with laser therapy. This is a normal physiological response indicating increased blood flow to the area due to the laser's application. The heat generated during the therapy can cause vasodilation, resulting in redness of the skin. Although erythema is typically short-lived and resolves on its own, it can serve as an indicator of the treatment’s effectiveness as it shows that the body is responding to the therapy.

In contrast, while infection at the treatment site and severe allergic reactions are possible concerns in any therapeutic context, they are not typical adverse effects directly associated with the laser therapy itself. Increased muscle soreness may occur post-treatment but is not classified as a direct adverse effect specific to laser therapy; it may be more related to the condition being treated rather than the therapy itself.