title: Ruby laser treatment for hirsutism: clinical response and patient tolerance.
abstract: We report the results of a study of the ruby laser in normal mode for treatment of hirsutism in 43 patients with skin types I-IV. A pulse width of 950 microseconds, a 4 mm spot and a fluence sufficient to produce minimal whitening of the epidermis were used (mean 48 J/cm2). In each patient, one site was treated once only, and a second site received four treatments at monthly intervals. After a single treatment, hair counts had reduced to a mean of 46% (median 67, reduced to 26) of the pretreatment values at 1 month, but increased to 80% (median 42) at 3 months and were 66% (median 37) at 6 months. One month after three treatments, hair counts had reduced to a mean of 29% (median 60, reduced to 15) of pretreatment values, and 3 months after four treatments at the same site, counts had increased to 44% (median 21). Patient tolerance of the treatment was good and higher fluences tended to be tolerated at consecutive visits. The first treatment was followed by mild, short-lived erythema and swelling in 60% (25 of 42) patients. Fourteen per cent (six of 42) experienced mild blistering and 33% (14 of 42) crusting. More severe reactions were seen infrequently. These results indicate that normal mode ruby laser treatment is well tolerated. Sustained reduction in hair counts can be achieved for at least 6 months, and multiple treatments produce greater clinical effects.
authors.affiliation: Leeds Dermatology Laser Centre, Department of Dermatology, Leeds General Infirmary, U.K.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sommer
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Render
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Burd
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sheehan-Dare
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome