title: Adverse effects reported in epilatory ruby laser treatment.
abstract: A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the incidence of reported adverse responses after epilatory laser treatment to control the growth of facial hair in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Forty-eight patients received a median of 6 (range 2-11) treatments with an Aesculap ruby laser during a 704 day monitoring period at Salisbury District Hospital. Nine adverse skin responses such as blistering, scabbing, sustained localised erythematous reactions or hyperpigmentation were reported. The energy output of the laser was also recorded at the start of every clinical session during this period using an external energy meter. The measured energy output of the laser was plotted alongside incidents of adverse responses, although no statistically significant correlation was found. The question of whether or not some adverse effects in ruby laser treatment can be attributed to laser performance remains open.
authors: Wessex Specialist Laser Centre, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Salisbury District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 8BJ, UK. Sue.Royston@salisbury.nhs.uk
authors: Sue L
authors: SL
authors: Royston
authors: Philip A
authors: PA
authors: Wright
authors: Daniel C
authors: DC
authors: Widdowson
authors: Wendy J
authors: WJ
authors: Wareham
authors: Paul W
authors: PW
authors: Strike
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D006204:Hair Removal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012189:Retrospective Studies