Treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae in skin types IV, V, and VI with a long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser - 01/09/11
Abstract |
Background: Pseudofolliculitis barbae affects a large number of individuals with coarse curly hair, and present treatment options are suboptimal. Objective: We evaluated the safety and efficacy of a long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser in the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae. Methods: This was a two-phase observational study conducted at a military tertiary medical facility. The study group included 37 patients (skin types IV, V, and VI) referred from primary care physicians with a diagnosis of pseudofolliculitis barbae refractory to conservative therapy. In phase I, one treatment with a Nd:YAG laser was performed on a tattooed area of the thigh with 3 light doses. Epidermal tolerance was evaluated, and hair counts were performed 3 months after treatment for each light dose. In phase II, the highest dose tolerated by the epidermis from phase I was applied to a small submental region of skin with an adjacent site as a control. Subsequently, papule counts were performed 90 days after treatment in the laser-irradiated and control areas. Results: Phase I: When normalized for controls, there was 33%, 43%, and 40% hair reduction on the thigh for the 50, 80, and 100 J/cm2 fluences, respectively, after 90 days. Overall, the highest doses tolerated by the epidermis were 50, 100, and 100 J/cm2 for type VI, V, and IV skin, respectively. Phase II: Mean papule counts after 90 days were 6.95 and 1.0 for the control and treatment sites, respectively. Conclusion: Nd:YAG laser treatment may represent a safe and effective option for reducing hair and subsequent papule formation in patients with pseudofolliculitis barbae. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2002;47:263-70.)
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The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Navy, Department of Defense, or the United States Government. |
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Disclosure: The authors have no financial relationship to the laser company (Laserscope) or any other laser manufacturer. The laser was loaned to the Navy as part of the protocol for the duration of the study. |
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Reprint requests: E. Victor Ross, MD, Dermatology Department, Naval Medical Center San Diego, 34800 Bob Wilson Dr, San Diego, CA 92134. E-mail: Evross@nmcsd.med.navy.mil. |
Vol 47 - N° 2
P. 263-270 - août 2002 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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