Kauvar, 2000  Title: Treatment of pseudofolliculitis with
a pulsed infrared laser.
Author: Kauvar AN
Journal: Arch Dermatol 2000 Nov;136(11):1343-6
PMID: 11074696 ABSTRACT
Affiliated institution: Laser and
Skin Surgery Center of New York, 317 E 34th St, Suite 11N, New
York, NY 10016, USA.
BACKGROUND: Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a common disorder in
individuals with thick, curly hairs, and treatment options are
limited.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a diode laser in
the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae.
DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING: Laser and Skin Surgery
Center of New York, New York, NY.
PATIENTS: Ten consecutive patients with long-standing pseudofolliculitis
barbae and skin phototypes I to IV.
INTERVENTIONS: Treatment was performed using an 810-nm diode
laser (20- to 30-millisecond pulse duration) at fluences of 30
to 40 J/cm(2). Three treatments were performed at 6- to 8-week
intervals, and subjects underwent evaluation for improvement in
the pseudofolliculitis and the degree of hair reduction.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients were assessed at 6- to 8-week
intervals for the degree of hair-count reduction, improvements
in papule and pustule formation, and adverse effects.
RESULTS: Complete hair-growth delays of 3 to 8 weeks' duration
were produced, and a decrease in hair density of greater than
50% was noted in all subjects 6 to 8 weeks after the last laser
treatment. All patients exhibited greater than 50% improvement
in the signs of pseudofolliculitis. Preexisting pigmentary changes
improved with therapy.
CONCLUSION: Diode laser treatment is a safe and effective method
for improving pseudofolliculitis barbae in patients with skin
phototypes I to IV.
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