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Laser and light therapy for pediatric hair removal: a systematic review
Eran Sharon1,2, Assi Levi3,2, Moshe Lapidoth3,2
1Department of Surgery, Breast Surgery Clinic, Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Hospital, 4941492, Petach Tikva, Israel.
Insights
Laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) hair removal show promise for pediatric patients, though recurrence may be higher and pain management a challenge. Further research is needed for this population.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Medical Aesthetics
Background:
- Laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapies are common for hair removal, but data on their use in children and adolescents is limited.
- Efficacy and safety of laser and IPL hair reduction in pediatric patients require further investigation.
Approach:
- A systematic review was conducted on original studies of laser or IPL hair removal in patients under 18.
- Included were 2 retrospective cohort studies and 11 case reports/series involving 71 pediatric patients.
- Evaluated treatment modalities included alexandrite, Nd:YAG, Q-switched Nd:YAG, ruby, and diode lasers, and IPL.
Key Points:
- Limited data suggests lasers and IPL can be effective for pediatric hair reduction, with significant hair loss reported.
- No scarring or dyspigmentation occurred, but pain management was necessary for 65% of patients, with 25% requiring general anesthesia.
- Partial hair regrowth was observed post-treatment, and recurrence rates might be higher in children than adults.
Conclusions:
- Lasers and IPL appear to be potentially effective for pediatric hair reduction, based on available evidence.
- Pain control and potential for higher recurrence rates are key considerations for using these modalities in children.
- More robust studies are needed to establish definitive efficacy and safety profiles for pediatric laser and IPL hair removal.
Abstract:
Hair removal with lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) is considered safe. However, data on the efficacy and safety of these procedures specifically in the pediatric population remain sparse. To determine the efficacy and safety of lasers and IPL for hair reduction in children and adolescents, a systematic review was conducted of original studies evaluating hair removal with lasers or IPL in patients aged less than 18 years. Primary outcome measures were efficacy and safety of treatment. The literature review yielded 2 retrospective cohort studies and 11 case reports/case series including a total of 71 patients aged 9 months to 17 years. Diagnoses ranged from localized lumbosacral to generalized hypertrichosis. Six treatment modalities were evaluated: alexandrite, Nd:YAG, Q-switched Nd:YAG, ruby, and diode lasers and IPL. Only one of the cohort studies (n = 28), using the ruby laser, provided efficacy data. The results showed a 63% hair loss in 89% of patients after completion of treatment, although partial regrowth was evident during 6 to 32 weeks of follow-up. Most of the case reports and case series (10/11) reported significant hair reduction following laser and IPL treatments. None of the patients experienced scarring or dyspigmentation. Some kind of pain management was necessary in 65% of patients; 25% required general anesthesia. On the basis of the limited available data which consisted primary of case reports and case series, lasers and IPL might be effective for pediatric hair reduction. Recurrence following treatment may be higher in children than adults, and pain control may be a limiting factor.
