Diode laser hair removal around ileo-colo ostomys is safe, effective and beneficial: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
Hair removal around an ileo-colo ostomy can cause a number of problems. We compared laser hair removal with mechanical shaving around the ostomy.


METHODS
Eleven patients were selected with hairy skin around the ostomy for therapy with an AlGaAs diode laser at 800 nm. Three to four treatments were given with an interval of 6 weeks.


RESULTS
Ten patients completed laser therapy. The average hair reduction was 60% based on visual inspection. Shaving frequency reduced from once a week to once every 6 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
Laser hair removal likely becomes the preferred method in ostomy patients.
van der Ploeg-Westerveld
Jos
J
Department of Skin Therapy, Faculty of Health, Hogeschool of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands. ojploeg@planet.nl
Wagter
Jacqueline
J
van Gemert
Martin J C
MJ
Neumann
H A M
HA
Bour
H
H
Zwart
A
A
D006204:Hair Removal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D010030:Ostomy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016896:Treatment Outcome