C J Rogers1, D A Glaser. 1. Departments of Dermatology and Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, MO 63104, USA. glaserda@slucare1.sluh.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is a condition caused by ingrown hairs of the face. No treatment to date has shown long-term effectiveness without risk of side effects or ease of treatment. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this pilot study was to evaluate the use of the topical suspension-assisted Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of PFB. METHODS: Nine patients were given two treatments 1 month apart and assessed by objective papule/pustule counts at 1 and 2 months after final treatment. Treatment sites were 9 cm2 regions on the mandible and neck, with contralateral controls. Patients also performed subjective evaluations. RESULTS: Reduction in the quantity of papules and pustules when compared with baseline was statistically significant for treatment of the mandibular region and combined sites at 1- and 2-month evaluations, as well as the neck region at the 2-month evaluation. CONCLUSION: Use of the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with topical carbon suspension is an effective means of treating PFB, with results persisting at least 2 months after treatment.
BACKGROUND:Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is a condition caused by ingrown hairs of the face. No treatment to date has shown long-term effectiveness without risk of side effects or ease of treatment. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this pilot study was to evaluate the use of the topical suspension-assisted Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of PFB. METHODS: Nine patients were given two treatments 1 month apart and assessed by objective papule/pustule counts at 1 and 2 months after final treatment. Treatment sites were 9 cm2 regions on the mandible and neck, with contralateral controls. Patients also performed subjective evaluations. RESULTS: Reduction in the quantity of papules and pustules when compared with baseline was statistically significant for treatment of the mandibular region and combined sites at 1- and 2-month evaluations, as well as the neck region at the 2-month evaluation. CONCLUSION: Use of the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with topical carbon suspension is an effective means of treating PFB, with results persisting at least 2 months after treatment.
Authors: E Victor Ross; Linda M Cooke; Kristen A Overstreet; Greg D Buttolph; Mark A Blair Journal: J Natl Med Assoc Date: 2002-10 Impact factor: 1.798