Uncommonly reported side effects of hair removal by long pulsed‐alexandrite laser

Abstract

Although the efficacy of long-pulsed alexandrite laser seems unmistakable, the short- and long-term untoward effects of such treatment have yet to be carefully delineated and the underlying mechanisms are yet to be adequately clarified.

Dermoscopic evaluation of melanocytic nevi changes after photo‐epilation techniques: a prospective study

“…In this review, clinical changes were represented by an inflammatory reaction that varied in severity from very low grade (with only slight swelling and ⁄or redness) to relatively severe degree, with marked burning sensation, swelling, oozing and crust formation. The latter reaction was sometimes succeeded by variable degree of loss of colour or even regression (whether partial or complete) of the nevi . Our case series grossly reproduce these observation, although the majority of patients were visited after the resolution of the acute event, so we documented formation of crust in few cases.…”

“…A review on unusual side‐effects of epilation by means of long pulse alexandrite laser showed an occurrence of morphological changes in the pre‐existing nevi lying in the field of laser treatment in 20.4% of cases . The occurrence of such side‐effect was not constant and rather unpredictable, although it was more likely to occur in darker nevi, and those showing coarse hair growth.…”

Laser Hair Removal: A Review

“…The most common skin reactions include pain, transient erythema (Figure ), and perifollicular edema, although more‐severe side effects of thermal burns, blisters, hyperpigmentation, persistent hypopigmentation, and permanent scarring can also occur . Other uncommon side effects include induction or aggravation of acne, rosacea‐like rash, premature graying of hair, tunneling of hair under the skin, prolonged diffuse redness and edema of the face, and inflammatory and pigmentary changes of preexisting nevi . Severe, persistent urticaria may occur in patients who had previously tolerated a similar procedure and do not have a history of urticaria with physical stimuli.…”

“…59 Other uncommon side effects include induction or aggravation of acne, rosacea-like rash, premature graying of hair, tunneling of hair under the skin, prolonged diffuse redness and edema of the face, and inflammatory and pigmentary changes of preexisting nevi. 60 Severe, persistent urticaria may occur in patients who had previously tolerated a similar procedure and do not have a history of urticaria with physical stimuli. This pathogenesis is unclear but may be attributed to an allergic reaction to the cryogen cooling spray or sensitivity to specific wavelengths of light.…”

Changes in melanocytic nevi after laser treatment evaluated by dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy

“…Hair removal with laser is often well tolerated, but adverse effects can occur. The more frequent are erythema and follicular edema, crusting, vesiculation, and changes in skin pigmentation …”