Recalcitrant scarring follicular disorders treated by laser-assisted hair removal: a preliminary report.

BACKGROUND

Recalcitrant scarring follicular disorders have been treated previously by removing hair follicles both surgically by scalp resection with skin grafting and with X-ray epilation. Laser-assisted hair removal may provide an alternate method of hair removal with less associated morbidity.

OBJECTIVE

The goal is to determine whether laser-assisted hair removal can be used to treat follicular inflammatory disorders by destroying hair follicles.

METHODS

Three patients with various scarring follicular disorders (dissecting cellulitis of the scalp, keratosis pilaris spinulosa decalvans, and pseudofolliculitis barbae) were treated with the long-pulse non-Q-switched ruby laser and followed clinically.

RESULTS

The patients tolerated the treatments well without significant side effects and noted improvement of their condition along with decreased hair growth in the treated area.

CONCLUSION

Laser-assisted hair removal may provide a safe, effective means of treating recalcitrant follicular disorders.