Laser hair removal/ boils - folliculitis (Photos)

Question

Hi I just moved from the southwest to the southeast. I have had recurrent folliculitis and boils. It has gotten much worse since the move . I have taken antibiotics. The only thing that seems to help is antibacterial soap and bleach baths. I do have significant mold allergies that seem to contribute as I do have atopic dermatitis and eczema at times. Would laser hair removal help this condition for my back and abdomen? The ones my abdomen are much more virulent.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Recurrent folliculitis, boils, and PIH may be related to a lack of exfoliation or hidradenitis. I would use Melapads daily on the problem areas to tackle both problems. Consider laser hair removal with Yag laser. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianRealself100 Surgeon

Brian S. Biesman, MD · Answer

Welcome to Nashville and thank you for your question.  Laser-assisted hair removal can be helpful in reducing the incidence of folliculitis.  It is also important to ensure that you do not have bacterial infections which might require antibiotic therapy.  Once your skin is not inflamed, assessment for laser hair removal would be appropriate.  It does appear that your hair is of the right size and color to be ideal for hair removal treatment.  Best of luck.

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and welcome to Nashville. The photos are helpful.  Laser hair removal can be helpful here but we do need the skin to be not as inflamed as some of the photos you shared.  We would recommend a consultation with a board certified dermatologist who can work with you to clear the folliculitis that you are having (inflammation of the hair follicles) and then recommend an appropriate laser or light source to remove or lessen the hairs in the affected areas.  Our office has been involved in laser hair removal for over 25 years now and we have numerous devices that we use to achieve the best results possible.

Suzanne Yee, MD · Answer

If the folliculitis and boils are caused by ingrown hairs, laser hair removal typically improves this situation.  We have dark skin patients with pseudofolliculitis barbae (usually a condition where the hair grows back into the skin) and this helps considerably.   If you have a considerable amount of hair on your back and abdomen, it may help.   I would see a physician that specializes in hair removal and has a laser hair removal laser since you have a medical condition that needs to be monitored also.  Keep in mind that insurance usually does not pay for laser hair removal.

Thank you for your question and I hope this helps.

Laser hair removal/ boils - folliculitis (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Folliculitis causing boils - will laser hair removal help?

Answer: Folliculitis causing boils - will laser hair removal help?

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Laser hair removal/ boils - folliculitis (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Folliculitis causing boils - will laser hair removal help?

Answer: Folliculitis causing boils - will laser hair removal help?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.