title: Low-fluence 1,064-nm laser hair reduction for pseudofolliculitis barbae in skin types IV, V, and VI.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the efficacy of a 1,064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser using lower than traditional fluences (22-40 J/cm(2)) for treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB).
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-two patients with PFB refractory to conservative therapy received five weekly treatments over the anterior neck using a 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser at 12 J/cm(2). Pulse duration was 20 ms with 10 mm spot size. Topical anesthesia was not used. Treatments were completed 15 minutes after patient arrival. Patients presented for 2- and 4-week follow-up. Ten evaluators used a Global Assessment Scale (GAS) to assess dyspigmentation, papule counts, and cobblestoning by comparing baseline to 4-week follow-up visit photographs. Hair and papule counts were performed on five patients and compared with the GAS. Investigators recorded adverse effects using a visual analog and side effects scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eleven patients demonstrated 83% improvement on the GAS (p<.01). There was a mean reduction of 59.5% in dyspigmentation (p<.03), 91.2% in papule count (p<.01), and 75.6% in cobblestoning (p<.02). Patients reported 1 out of 10 on both adverse effects scales.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Low-fluence 1,064-nm laser treatment achieved significant temporary reduction in PFB. Subjects noted minimal pain without topical anesthesia.
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Department, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California, USA. rafael.schulze@us.army.mil
authors.forename: Rafael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schulze
authors.forename: Ken J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Meehan
authors.forename: Antonia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lopez
authors.forename: Kasina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sweeney
authors.forename: Doug
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Winstanley
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Apruzzese
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Victor Ross
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005499:Folliculitis / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006204:Hair Removal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012880:Skin Pigmentation