Raulin, 1997  Title: Effective treatment of hypertrichosis
with pulsed light: a report of two cases.
Authors: Raulin C, Werner S, Hartschuh W, Schonermark
MP
Journal: Ann Plast Surg 1997 Aug;39(2):169-73
PMID: 9262770, UI: 97408250
Affiliated institution: Center for
Dermatologic Laser Therapy, Karlsruhe, Germany.
Cited in :
Dr. Christian Raulin of the Center for Dermatologic Laser Therapy
in Karlsruhe, Germany, along with three other physicians, presented
clinical data on two transsexuals using EpiLight's predecessor,
the PhotoDerm VL. PhotoDerm VL was developed for the treatment
of vascular lesions. During a treatment with one of these devices,
they noticed a side effect of hair removal and began a clinical
experiment on two transsexuals.
Subject 1 (Age 38, dark hair): treated every
2 weeks from April 1995 to May 1996 (41 sessions total)
Subject 2 (Age 30, dark hair): treated every
2-4 weeks from June 1995 to @July 1996 (13 sessions total)
Results
The abstract states: "Two days after the nearly painless
treatment, hair could be epilated easily with forceps. Biopsies
of the treated area show an atrophy of the follicles, which can
be contributed either to direct thermal injury or to an indirect
photothermolytical effect. Six months after the last treatment,
there is no local recurrence and no side effects."
However, the full text states: "The hair growth that was observed some time after
therapy could be explained by telogenic follicles that
were insensitive to the light beam at the time of treatment."
Raulin does not say when this hair growth was observed, but after
13 to 41 treatments, I would contend that all hairs have been
treated through at least one growth cycle.
Both subjects had similar results reported, despite one having
28 more treatments. This casts doubt on the necessity of that
many treatments.
Side effects
Raulin states, "Six months after the last treatment, there
is no local recurrence and no side effects." T\However, the
accompanying photos show noticeable hypopigmentation (skin
lightening) in both patents, even half a year after last treatment.
Raulin notes: "erythema and a discrete swelling lasted for
5 days." He adds, "Deeply tanned patients and skin types
4 and 5 (Fitzpatrick) are at risk for posttherapeutic hypopigmentation
or intensive posttherapeutic sun exposure, and high fluence may
lead to hyperpigmentation." These pigmental changes "may
take months to resolve." Raulin concludes, "A careful
approach and a strict observance of the skin type and the grade
of tanning of the patient is recommended."
Full text at:
http://members.aol.com/drraul2/veroeff/12/12.htm
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