Treatment of pseudofolliculitis with a pulsed infrared laser

Background: Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a common disorder in individuals with thick, curly hairs, and treatment options are limited. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a diode laser in the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae. Design: Observational study. Setting: Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York, New York, NY. Patients: Ten consecutive patients with longstanding pseudofolliculitis barbae and skin phototypes I to IV. Interventions: Treatment was performed using an 810-nm diode laser (20- to 30-millisecond pulse duration) at fluences of 30 to 40 J/cm(2). Three treatments were performed at 6- to 8-week intervals, and subjects underwent evaluation for improvement in the pseudofolliculitis and the degree of hair reduction. Main Outcome Measures: Patients were assessed at 6- to 8-week intervals for the degree of hair-count reduction, improvements in papule and pustule formation, and adverse effects. Results: Complete hair-growth delays of 3 to 8 weeks' duration were produced, and a decrease in hair density of greater than 50% was noted in all subjects 6 to 8 weeks after the last laser treatment. All patients exhibited greater than 50% improvement in the signs of pseudofolliculitis. Preexisting pigmentary changes improved with therapy. Conclusion: Diode laser treatment is a safe and effective method for improving pseudofolliculitis barbae in patients with skin phototypes I to IV.