How does laser medication of pseudo folliculitis work?
Laser Treatment of Pseudo-Folliculitis
an effective way to reduce shaving bumps
What is Pseudo-Folliculitis?
Pseudo-folliculitis (PF), commonly known as shaving bumps, is an
inflammatory condition which is widespread among individuals with
thick curly hair. As the hair grows out of the skin, it curls and re-enters
the skin. The skin reacts to it as a foreign object and becomes
inflamed and irritated, creating bumps and discoloration. Often hairs
start curling even before growing out of the skin, creating in-grown
hairs. These bumps become large, causing discomfort to the patient.
Sometimes relief can be achieved with the use of topical steroids and
exfoliating agents. Growing hair is sometimes curative as well. More
commonly though, the ingrown hair is pulled out after each shaving
session. Although this a solution, it can be painful and time consuming.
How does laser work?
The laser beam passes through the skin and is absorbed in the hair
follicle residing underneath the skin’s surface. The laser energy destroys
the follicle with the heat that it generates. Destroyed hairs are then
either dissolved within the skin or ejected by the body. Because the
laser beam is larger in diameter than the hair follicle, a large number
of hairs can be treated simultaneously.
What should I expect during treatment?
Most patients experience a stinging or burning sensation when a laser
pulse is delivered. To reduce discomfort, the laser utilizes a special
patented cooling system that lowers the temperature of the skin at the
treatment site before, during and after laser exposure.
What should I expect after treatment?
After treatment with laser, you may return to your regular routine
immediately. Some patients may experience a slight reddening
around the hair follicles immediately following treatment. This reaction
typically disappears within a few minutes.
It may seem that the hair continues to grow for a period of one to two
weeks after laser treatment, but in fact, these hairs are actually lifeless
and are simply being cast out by your body.
How many treatments will be needed?
Laser treatment impairs the growth of hair follicles when they are in
the growth cycle at the time of treatment. All hair follicles are not
active at the same time. Depending upon the growth cycle of the
follicles when the treatment is applied, multiple treatments, spaced a
few weeks apart, may be required to obtain the overall desired effect.
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