Background: Several adverse effects of depilatory laser may now be commonly expected in relation to skin type and anatomic location. We report and analyse unusual events in patients undergoing laser-assisted axillary hair removal, including hyperhidrosis, bromhidrosis and leukotrichia.
Objective: The aim of this study was to examine a large patient population, assess the frequency of these adverse effects, and establish a correlation with different hair-removal laser protocols.
Patients and methods: A retrospective case-control study of patients undergoing laser-assisted axillary hair removal was conducted to determine the incidence of these adverse effects in relation to skin type and types of laser used.
Results: Hyperhidrosis, bromhidrosis and leukotrichia were seen in 11, 4, and 2% of patients respectively. Hyperhidrosis was significantly less frequent in patients with skin types III and IV than in those with skin type II or V. Combined diode and alexandrite laser sessions were associated with a significantly higher incidence of hyperhidrosis compared to diode or alexandrite sessions alone. Regarding bromhidrosis and leukotrichia, no significant correlation with age, skin type or laser settings was revealed by the statistical analysis.
Conclusion: Hyperhidrosis, bromhidrosis and leukotrichia are likely new adverse effects of laser-assisted axillary hair removal.