Laser hair removal in a patient with hypertrichosis lanuginosa congenita.
BACKGROUND
Hypertrichosis lanuginosa congenita (HLC) is a cutaneous disorder marked by diffuse lanugo-like hair present at birth. Although affected individuals are usually healthy, the excessive hair creates an extraordinary appearance. Permanent eradication of their superfluous hair is therefore a priority. However, a procedure that would achieve this objective is not currently available.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of a new laser technique for hair reduction in a patient with HLC.


METHODS
Selected sites were repeatedly treated with a neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser subsequent to application of a topical carbon-based solution.


RESULTS
Forty to eighty percent hair reduction was noted in the sites treated.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical solution-assisted Q-switched Nd:YAG laser hair removal is a safe and effective method for reducing hair density in cases of extensive hypertrichosis. It is an attractive method for children because the low fluences used minimize the associated pain.
Littler
C M
CM
Division of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002244:Carbon / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006204:Hair Removal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006983:Hypertrichosis / Q000151:congenital* / Q000601:surgery; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D009354:Neodymium; D009824:Ointments; D011318:Prilocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012996:Solutions; D015019:Yttrium
D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D004338:Drug Combinations; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D009824:Ointments; D012996:Solutions; D011318:Prilocaine; D009354:Neodymium; D015019:Yttrium; D002244:Carbon; D008012:Lidocaine