A Case Report of Vitiligo Induced by Alexandrite Hair Removal Laser

Vitiligo is one of the disorders where we usually see Koebner lesions. Lasers target a chromophore in the skin to deliver their energy. Their effect is theoretically considered as injury and may induce Koebner lesions in vitiligo patients. Few cases were reported with the different kinds of laser, including laser hair removal (LHR). No cases have ever been reported of vitiligo lesions induced by Alexandrite LHR. Here we present a case report of a young female patient who had never had vitiligo until she received a 755-nm LHR treatment. These vitiligo lesions were completely treated with NB-UVB with no recurrence until 4 years later when she received another 755-nm LHR treatment session with a different machine, which lead to new vitiligo patches only on the areas that received the laser.

Esthetic dermatology set up in a hill station in North East India

Esthetic dermatology till recently was considered a domain of only the metro cities and for those of the celluloid world. Setting up an esthetic dermatology practice is a difficult task in Northeast India. Our set up is located in Shillong, capital of Meghalaya, also known as “Scotland of the East,” just adjacent to Malki Forest in neighborhood, next to Lady Hydari Park, Barik, Shillong. Since patients had to travel long distances, we tried to provide all facilities under one roof which included an in-house cafeteria, laboratory, pharmacy, counseling, minor OT and laser rooms, recovery room, and reception totaling up to approximately 12 rooms. We are two dermatologists handling an average of fifty patients daily along with procedures. Over the years, we have found the following lasers and lights to be helpful to our patients QS pigment laser, diode hair removal laser, excimer lamp, CO2 laser, intense pulse light, iclearxl and NBUVB also procedures as microdermabrasion, microneedling, microblading, micro needling radiofrequency, monopolar radiofrequency, regenera active, platelet rich plasma, chemical peels, cryotherapy, injectables as neurotoxins, dermal fillers, skin boosters, lipolytics and thread lift in no particular order. Esthetic dermatology makes up about 35% of my practice.

Using the Hair Removal Laser in the Axillary Region and its Effect on Normal Microbial Flora

Introduction: The axillary hair removal laser is one of the most often used procedures to treat unwanted hairs in that region. Employing this technology can be helpful in decreasing the bromhidrosis. Methods: In the present research, a clinical trial study over the effect of the hair removal laser on normal microbial flora at the axillary region is presented. The intervention group consisted of 30 women referred to the dermatologic clinic for the purpose of removing axillary hair by the alexandrite 755 nm laser and the control group consisted of 30 women referred to the same clinic for any other reasons. Both groups were evaluated for the type of bacterial strains on the first visit and after three and six months. Results: The results showed that the sense of sweat smell improved by about 63% after the last laser session. The frequency of all bacterial strains decreased in the intervention group except Staphylococcus epidermidis which was significant. In the control group, there was no significant decrement in any bacterial strains and even the prevalence of more strains including Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis increased. Counting the mean bacterial colon showed a slight decrement of the bacterial count following the laser. Conclusion: The use of laser radiation, even with the aim of hair removal, can alter the microbial flora, and it can be accompanied by the improvement of the smell of sweat. The effect of the laser on different bacterial strains is quite different, which can depend on the amount of energy, the wavelength, the characteristics of the area under the laser, and also the structural properties of the membrane of the microorganism itself.

Complementary Therapies for Idiopathic Hirsutism: Topical Licorice as Promising Option

Hirsutism is one of the most prevalent health problems in women. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of 755 nm alexandrite hair removal laser with that of alexandrite laser plus topical licorice on the improvement of idiopathic hirsutism. A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study was performed on 90 female subjects. The patients were divided into two groups: alexandrite laser plus 15% licorice gel (group A) and placebo (group B). Each subject received one of both products over one side of the face, twice daily for 24 weeks on the hirsute locations. Each group underwent five sessions of alexandrite laser at 6-week intervals. To minimize the effects of confounding variables, the test was performed on two separate zones of patients’ skin. The mean ± SD numbers of terminal hairs in group A were 7.05 ± 4.55 for zone 1 and 6.06 ± 3.70 for zone 2. In group B, they were 3.18 ± 1.75 for zone 1 and 2.49 ± 1.63 for zone 2. The difference in the mean number of terminal hairs was statistically significant between the two groups (p<0.001), and there were no serious adverse reactions. The treatment of idiopathic hirsutism with 755 nm alexandrite laser plus topical licorice is more effective than alexandrite laser only.