Will laser hair removal help hidradenitis suppurativa?

Question

I was wondering if YAG laser hair removal would help HS boils and scarring? It's progressively gotten worse. I have tried rifampin, doxycycline oral, spironolactone, clindamycin oral/topical, hibaclens, birth control, zinc, steroid injection, abscess removals and waxing. This is very painful and I was wondering if I had no hair there would it lessen the chance of it returning.

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Sorry you are suffering from this condition.  It is really problematic and I hope you can find something to help it be under better control.  You should ask your dermatologist about Humira, and injectable medication that is now FDA approved for HS.  You have tried everything else I can think of, so I would imagine that would be the next logical step.  Laser hair removal can help somewhat, but also might not make that much of a difference.  Hair itself is not usually the main exacerbating factor with hidradenitis, but it might be worth a try.  Laser hair removal is helpful for people with pseudofolliculitis barbae and pilonidal cysts, but those conditions are more directly related to hair curling back and irritating the skin, rather than an underlying inflammatory condition.  Please see your dermatologist about trying Humira.  Best of luck!

Laura A. Katz, MD · Answer

The key with hidradenitis is to get the bacterial component under control first before doing any laser hair removal.  I would suggest a topical regimen of topical nonsteroidals/hydrocortisone/lidocaine up to three times a day along with twice per day topical clindamycin phosphate.  after the bacteria and inflammation calm down, laser hair removal is an awesome alternative to get rid of the hair and the follicles in the first place so no additional tracts can form.

Will laser hair removal help hidradenitis suppurativa?

Answers (2)

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