Laser Hair Removal For Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
Sometimes laser hair removal is much more than cosmetic.
Sometimes, it can be used to impact lives in the most positive manner.
In some instances, laser hair removal can be life’s missing piece.
One condition that impacts the lives of many is Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), which is thought to occur due to obstruction of hair follicles, leading to inflammation and abscesses. It’s not only painful but is also often accompanied by malodor, drainage, and disfigurement. Sometimes a secondary infection develops and requires antibiotics.
Continue reading to learn more about HS and to educate yourself on yet another way laser hair removal can be life-altering.
Are there varying degrees of HS?
There are. And if a person has Hidradenitis Suppurativa, it’s important that he or she knows how much the condition has progressed before pursuing laser hair removal treatments. There are three stages of HS, and to be certain which stage a person is at, he or she should consult with a physician.
Stage 1 consists of initial symptoms like itching and discomfort. Stage 2 is a more progressed condition in which abscesses form with tract and scar formation. Stage 3 is the most severe stage of HS in which diffuse, or near-diffuse involvement or multiple interconnected tracts and abscesses are observed across the entire affected area.
Understanding which stage a person is at is important to know the right steps for treatment.
Studies have shown that laser hair removal improves Hidradenitis Suppurativa by 32 to 72 percent …
Is laser hair removal for HS a viable treatment option?
It definitely can be. For those in Stage 1 and Stage 2, laser hair removal can significantly improve the effects of HS. Studies have shown that laser hair removal improves Hidradenitis Suppurativa by 32 to 72 percent after two to four months of treatment for people with Stage 1 or Stage 2 HS.
At Stage 3, when the condition is more advanced, it is more difficult to penetrate into areas of skin with heavy scar tissue, and there may be more discomfort with treatment. But laser hair removal treatment with a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser has proven to successfully reduce the condition’s severity.
Specifically, how does laser hair removal treat HS?
With Hidradenitis Suppurativa, bacteria in the skin feast on dead skin cells and oil. And with that, swelling, pus, and an unpleasant odor can come to the surface of the person’s skin.
Laser hair removal addresses the condition where it starts, at the root of the hair. Because laser hair removal prevents hair growth by eliminating the follicle, it alleviates the symptoms of those who have HS!
How would I know if laser hair removal is a proper treatment?
Before any decision is made, the patient should consult with their doctor. This step is imperative for a few reasons. A doctor can determine how far advanced and at what stage the condition is. They can also determine if the affected area is healthy enough for laser hair removal treatment. Treatment should be avoided in areas that are actively inflamed but can be performed in areas where there is no inflammation.
Laser hair removal and HS seem like a good fit.
Truth is that under the right circumstances, laser hair removal can be a great option to address Hidradenitis Suppurativa. But education about the status of the condition is essential to find the right method of treatment. Talk to a doctor, then set up a consultation with a laser hair removal expert. It could be the right step to take control of your HS symptoms moving forward!