Treatment of trichostasis spinulosa with a 755-nm long-pulsed alexandrite laser.

BACKGROUND: Trichostasis spinulosa (TS) is a common disorder of hair follicle, characterized by spinous plugs. Topical treatments offer temporary relief but permanent removal of the abnormal follicles using hair removal lasers may result in a definite cure.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of 755-nm alexandrite laser for the treatment of TS lesions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two consecutive 755-nm alexandrite laser treatments were performed one month apart. The clinical response and adverse effects were assessed four weeks after the first and second treatments and 20 weeks after the second treatment.

RESULTS: Thirty one patients with skin phototypes II to IV completed the study. At the last follow up visit, a decrease in dark-plug density of greater than 50% was noted in 16 patients (51.3%), while only three patients (9.7%) had an improvement of greater than 75%. Ten of the 21 patients (47.6%) with skin type III and six of the seven patients (85.7%) with skin type IV achieved at least 50% improvement in lesions at the last follow up visit (P = 0.1).

CONCLUSION: The 755-nm alexandrite laser can safely and effectively reduce TS lesions lasting for a relatively long time in patients with skin types III-IV.