Treatment of pseudofolliculitis with a pulsed infrared laser.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a common disorder in individuals with thick, curly hairs, and treatment options are limited.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the effectiveness of a diode laser in the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae.

DESIGN:

Observational study.

SETTING:

Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York, New York, NY.

PATIENTS:

Ten consecutive patients with long-standing pseudofolliculitis barbae and skin phototypes I to IV.

INTERVENTIONS:

Treatment was performed using an 810-nm diode laser (20- to 30-millisecond pulse duration) at fluences of 30 to 40 J/cm(2). Three treatments were performed at 6- to 8-week intervals, and subjects underwent evaluation for improvement in the pseudofolliculitis and the degree of hair reduction.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Patients were assessed at 6- to 8-week intervals for the degree of hair-count reduction, improvements in papule and pustule formation, and adverse effects.

RESULTS:

Complete hair-growth delays of 3 to 8 weeks' duration were produced, and a decrease in hair density of greater than 50% was noted in all subjects 6 to 8 weeks after the last laser treatment. All patients exhibited greater than 50% improvement in the signs of pseudofolliculitis. Preexisting pigmentary changes improved with therapy.

CONCLUSION:

Diode laser treatment is a safe and effective method for improving pseudofolliculitis barbae in patients with skin phototypes I to IV.

• Authors: A N Kauvar
• Journal: Archives of dermatology (Arch Dermatol) Vol. 136 Issue 11 Pg. 1343-6 (Nov 2000) ISSN: 0003-987X [Print] United States
• PMID: 11074696 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Child
• Female
• Folliculitis (therapy)
• Hair Removal (methods)
• Humans
• Infrared Rays
• Laser Therapy
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Phototherapy
• Treatment Outcome