The Effect of Long-Pulsed 1064 Nm Nd:yag Laser-Assisted Hair Removal on Some Skin Flora and Pathogens: An in Vivo Study

Abstract

Laser caused an immediate and delayed reduction in axillary aerobes, anaerobes, lipophilic bacteria and staphylococci. This form of dysbiosis might lead to sweat odor changes. Thirty females scheduled for axillary ND-YAG laser hair removal were included. Skin swabs were collected from the vault of the dominant axilla before and after each of the four sessions (S1-S4). Bacteriological cultures were performed to record the counts of total aerobes, total anaerobes, lipophilic bacteria, total staphylococci, Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis), S. saprophyticus, S. hominis and S. aureus. Changes in sweat odour and folliculitis (if present) were recorded.