Laser hair removal for folliculitis?

Unfortunately from constant shaving and what I guess is sensitive skin, I am now having a problem with folliculitis on my legs, and I was thinking of having laser hair removal. I have scars from the folliculitis that have been there for 3 years, and they just don’t heal away. Therefore, I am not really sure if laser hair removal will leave me with good results. I'm afraid it would leave more marks on my body. Is laser hair removal safe for folliculitis treatment?  Is more scarring likely?

4 answers to “Laser hair removal for folliculitis?”

A: Laser for folliculitis

Steven H. Williams, MD

As the other physicians have mentioned, laser hair removal can be very effective for treating folliculitis.  Remember that you may need more than one treatment.  Also, care should be taken for areas that have actively healing folliculitis to avoid scarring. Find a board certified plastic surgeon or... more

A: Folliculitis and Laser Hair Removal: Options for treating folliculitis.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Folliculitis is an inflammatory condition caused by chronic injury, allergy, or infection.  It is most commonly associated with shaving in the legs. Laser hair removal will remove the irritating process of shaving by minimizing the troublesome hair follicles and shafts. However, that is not the whole... more

A: Laser hair removal can be very effectve for folliculitis

Richard P. Rand, MD

Chronic folliculitis problems can be very much improved by laser hair removal.  You should go to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon whose office offers this and be evaluated properly as to the areas involved, the color of your skin and the color of your hair.  

A: Laser hair removal will help

Ronald Shelton, MD

Laser hair removal is an excellent treatment for pseudofolliculitis barbae. This condition usually affects the neck, especially in patients with skin of color. The condition can occur, however, anywhere on the body where persistent traumatic shaving or plucking brings the surface of the hair shaft below the... more

Comments

aliyas
6 posts
7 Jan 2009

Thank You for the great answers. i saw a doctor couple of months ago and she told me that laser will not work for my skin color. my skin color is in between white and tan.so i do not know how it might not work.

dverebelyi
81 posts
6 Jan 2009

The laser is an excellent choice for treatment of chronic folliculitis due to shaving. A good provider with proper equipment can get rid of your hair safely without causing any additional trauma. Once the hair starts to go away and you shave less the rest of the folliculitis will start to permanently resolve. We started using this treatment almost two decades ago with soldiers that would get ingrown hairs from their chin straps and it works beautifully. Keep in mind that even with the best equipment and provider, laser hair removal can still take about 5-8 treatments depending on the hair. Your folliculitis and any post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots on the skin after trauma) may take several months to heal. Any true scarring that you already have may be permanent so make sure to ask your provider what they can and cannot treat.

Steven A. Schlosser M.D.
92 posts
7 Jan 2009

Laser hair removal for folliculitis is very helpful to many. Think - no more shaving, waxing, or tweezing, which aggravates this skin irritation. It is particularly good in African-American males, who often suffer with this issue extensively, and can be a life altering procedure for many. Find an experienced office with appropriate technology for your skin type. Remember your hair needs to be brown or black. Reds, Gray, and Blond are not effectively treated by laser and may be approached wih electrolysis. Good luck.

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