Modified superlong pulse 810 nm diode laser in the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae in skin types V and VI.

BACKGROUND

Laser hair removal is a well-established therapy for pseudofolliculitis barbae, but there have been few studies on the use of a very-long-pulse 810 nm diode laser for this condition.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy and tolerability of a modified 810 nm superlong-pulse diode laser (Palomar Medical, Burlington, MA, USA) in the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) in subjects with type V and VI skin.

METHODS

Thirteen patients were treated three times at 2-week intervals on one side of their neck with varying fluences. They were evaluated for (1) reduction of shaving bumps and (2) pain tolerance on the treated versus the untreated side.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant improvement in shaving bumps. The treatment side showed a baseline PFB lesion count of 22.5 (+/- 20 SD), which decreased to a mean of 5 (+/- 5 SD) (p<.05). The control baseline mean count was 27.6 (+/- 22 SD) and at the end of the study was 15 (+/- 12 SD) (p = .13). Pain was rated at 2.5 of 10 for subjects treated both with and without anesthetic. The margin of safety was greater in type V compared with type VI skin.

CONCLUSION

A modified 810 nm superlong-pulse diode laser is both effective and well tolerated in the reduction of shaving bumps, especially in patients with type V skin.