Background: Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is a condition caused by ingrown hairs of the face. No treatment to date has shown long-term effectiveness without risk of side effects or ease of treatment.
Objective: The goal of this pilot study was to evaluate the use of the topical suspension-assisted Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of PFB.
Methods: Nine patients were given two treatments 1 month apart and assessed by objective papule/pustule counts at 1 and 2 months after final treatment. Treatment sites were 9 cm2 regions on the mandible and neck, with contralateral controls. Patients also performed subjective evaluations.
Results: Reduction in the quantity of papules and pustules when compared with baseline was statistically significant for treatment of the mandibular region and combined sites at 1- and 2-month evaluations, as well as the neck region at the 2-month evaluation.
Conclusion: Use of the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with topical carbon suspension is an effective means of treating PFB, with results persisting at least 2 months after treatment.