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

BACKGROUND. Recalcitrant scarring follicular disorders have been treated pr eviously by removing hair follicles both surgically by scalp resection with skin grafting and with X-ray epilation. Laser-assisted hair removal may pr ovide 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 foll icles. METHODS. Three patients with various scarring follicular disorders (dissect ing cellulitis of the scab, keratosis pilaris spinulosa decalvans, and pseu dofolliculitis barbae) were treated with the long-pulse non-Q-switched ruby laser and followed clinically. RESULTS. The patients tolerated the treatments well without significant sid e effects and noted improvement of their condition along with decreased hai r growth in the treated area. CONCLUSION. Laser-assisted hair removal may provide a safe, effective means of treating recalcitrant follicular disorders.