Laser hair removal in a patient with hypertrichosis lanuginosa congenita

BACKGROUND. Hypertrichosis lanuginosa congenita (HLC) isa cutaneous disorder marked by diffuse lanugo-like hair present at birth. Although affected individuals are usually healthy, the excessive hair creates art extraordinary appearance. Permanent eradication of their superfluous hair is therefore a priority. However, a procedure that would achieve this objective is not currently available. OBJECTIVE. TO evaluate the efficacy of a new laser technique for hair reduction in a patient with HLC. METHODS. Selected sites were repeatedly treated with a neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser subsequent to application of a topical carbon-based solution. RESULTS. Forty to eighty percent hair reduction was noted in the sites treated. CONCLUSION. Topical solution-assisted Q-switched Nd:YAG laser hair removal is a safe and effective method for reducing hair density in cases of extensive hypertrichosis. It is an attractive method for children because the low fluences used minimize the associated pain. (C) 1997 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.