Laser Epilation for the Treatment of Hidradenitis suppurativa/Acne inversa and Pilonidal sinus

Hidradenitis suppurativa/Acne inversa (HS/AI) and pilonidal sinus (PS) are chronic inflammatory cutaneous disorders characterized by recurrent inflammation. Effective treatments are limited and relapse is frequent. The current data indicate the important role of the hair follicle in the pathogenesis of these conditions. Hence, a number of studies evaluated the effect of epilation using laser and intense pulsed light on the course of HS/AI and PS. Our review of the literature revealed that in patients with HS/AI laser epilation is especially effective in early stages of the disease. In patients with PS the majority of studies recommend laser epilation as an adjunctive postoperative therapy to reduce the chance of recurrence. As published treatment modalities including laser parameters, total number of laser treatments and interval between treatments are diverse a definite treatment protocol cannot be provided. However, regardless of the laser system used the results of the reviewed studies indicate the beneficial effect of laser epilation on improving HS/AI and PS. In conclusion, laser epilation offers a safe and easy to use treatment option which enlarges the armamentarium in the treatment of patients with HS/AI and PS.