I have been dealing with a recurring folliculitis problem on the back of the scalp/neck that i am wondering how to treat. it has been ongoing for years (before i started shaving my head) and i believe was brought on my long term use of tetracyclines. it cleared up while on accutane, so my derm wants to do this again. the rest of my skin is clear. if laser treats it, i would much rather go that route. any insight would be appreciated, as im very desperate for a remedy.
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December 14, 2010
Answer: Laser hair removal works on pseudofolliculitis
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Ron Shelton, MDDermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
Laser Hair Removal with the Palomar 500 is dangerous for darker skin. In any case, it should first be determined if you are a good candidate for laser hair removal before you start treatment. The industry best practice for determining if you are a good candidate, and what energy level to use is...
After 5 treatments, and after using Vaseline and Neosporin each time for red, dry, and cracked lips, I also recommend stopping the irritants. This sounds like an allergic or hypersensitivity response to Neomycin, and I have (rarely) seen it to Vaseline also. 10% of patients can develop Neomycin...
If you have pseudofolliculitis (due to ingrown hairs), yes laser hair removal can help. If not due to hairs, then topical and oral antibiotics help as well as intense pulsed light lasers to control the acne.
Ramtin Kassir, MD, FACS facial plastic surgeon NY, NJ