Treatment of pseudofolliculitis with a pulsed infrared laser.
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.


METHODS
Observational study.


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


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


METHODS
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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Diode laser treatment is a safe and effective method for improving pseudofolliculitis barbae in patients with skin phototypes I to IV.
Kauvar
A N
AN
Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York, 317 E 34th St, Suite 11N, New York, NY 10016, USA.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005499:Folliculitis / Q000628:therapy*; D006204:Hair Removal / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007259:Infrared Rays; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010789:Phototherapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome