Low-Fluence 1,064-nm Laser Hair Reduction for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae in Skin Types IV, V, and VI

• Published in: Dermatologic surgery Vol. 35; no. 1; pp. 98 - 107
• Main Authors: SCHULZE, RAFAEL, MEEHAN, KEN J, LOPEZ, ANTONIA, SWEENEY, KASINA, WINSTANLEY, DOUG, APRUZZESE, WILLIAM, VICTOR ROSS, E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Malden, MA by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc 01-01-2009; Wiley
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Dermatology; Female; Folliculitis - radiotherapy; Hair and nails disorders; Hair Removal - methods; Humans; Lasers, Solid-State - therapeutic use; Low-Level Light Therapy - adverse effects; Low-Level Light Therapy - methods; Male; Medical sciences; Pain - etiology; Pilot Projects; Prospective Studies; Skin Pigmentation; Skin plastic surgery; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Hair (head); Beard; Skin disease; Reduction; Treatment; Dermatology; Low; Fluence; Surgery; Laser; Skin; Ingrowing hair
• ISSN: 1076-0512; 1524-4725
• DOI: 10.1097/00042728-200901000-00014

PURPOSETo 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) for treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB).
METHODSTwenty-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. 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.
RESULTSEleven 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.
CONCLUSIONLow-fluence 1,064-nm laser treatment achieved significant temporary reduction in PFB. Subjects noted minimal pain without topical anesthesia.