A case of generalized bromhidrosis following whole-body depilatory laser.

BACKGROUND

Laser treatment is a widespread method for hair removal. Despite its very common use, side effects remain relatively rare and transient.

OBJECTIVE

Axillary hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis have already been reported in the literature after depilatory lasers. We report here a novel side effect of total body bromhidrosis following hair removal laser.

RESULTS

A 27-year-old man, phototype 3 underwent four sessions of total body depilatory laser, combining pulsed alexandrite and pulsed diode lasers. A few days afterwards, a generalized foul odor was noted and was resistant to regular deodorants and Aluminum chloride based antiperspirants. Possible mechanisms include the activation of dormant bacteria in the skin flora, sweat gland dysfunction, altered skin flora, sweat gland hormone receptor disturbances, and genetic factors.

CONCLUSION

Total body bromhidrosis and hyperhidrosis are potential complications of total body laser hair removal.