The Benefits of Laser Hair Removal for Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition that causes painful, recurring lumps and abscesses in areas where skin rubs together. Most commonly, the armpits, groin, buttocks, and under the breasts.
If you’ve been struggling with HS, you know how much it can affect not just your physical comfort, but your confidence and daily activities as well.
Our veteran team of licensed medical providers has over 14 years of experience in advanced laser treatments and understands the complex nature of hidradenitis suppurativa. Led by Medical Director and Founder Nina Harry, FNP-BC, MSN, we’ve performed more than 500,000 procedures at our Columbia, MD practice using state-of-the-art, FDA-approved laser technology.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how laser hair removal can reduce HS flare-ups, the science behind why it works, what to expect during treatment, and how this approach compares to other management strategies.
What Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects approximately 1-4% of the population, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. The condition typically begins after puberty and is characterized by painful nodules, abscesses, and scarring in areas rich in apocrine glands and hair follicles.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Help Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
Laser hair removal works by targeting the hair follicle itself, which is precisely where HS lesions begin. By permanently reducing hair follicles in affected areas, laser treatment addresses one of the root causes of the inflammatory process.
The therapeutic mechanism includes:
- Follicle destruction: The laser targets melanin in hair follicles, heating and destroying them to prevent future blockages.
- Reduced bacterial load: Fewer hair follicles mean less opportunity for bacterial colonization, which can trigger inflammation
- Decreased friction: Removing hair reduces skin-on-skin friction that can exacerbate HS lesions.
- Anti-inflammatory effect: Some laser wavelengths provide additional anti-inflammatory benefits beyond simple hair removal.
- Prevention of new lesions: By eliminating hair follicles, laser treatment prevents the follicular occlusion that initiates the HS disease process.
Our advanced laser systems, including the Candela GentleMax Pro and the Aerolase Neo, allow us to safely and effectively treat all skin types. This is particularly important for HS patients, as the condition disproportionately affects individuals with darker skin tones.
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal for Hidradenitis Suppurativa Management
Key benefits for HS patients:
- Reduced flare-up frequency: Laser hair removal can decrease the number of inflammatory lesions by 40-70%.
- Decreased pain levels: Fewer active lesions mean less chronic pain and discomfort in affected areas.
- Improved wound healing: Eliminating hair follicles creates a better environment for existing lesions to heal.
- Lower infection risk: Reduced bacterial burden and improved hygiene in treated areas.
- Less need for antibiotics: Many patients can reduce or eliminate long-term antibiotic use after successful laser treatment.
- Minimized scarring: Early intervention with laser therapy can prevent the severe scarring that develops with chronic HS.
- Enhanced quality of life: Relief from painful symptoms improves mobility, comfort, and emotional well-being.
Laser Hair Removal vs. Other Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatments
Hidradenitis suppurativa often requires a multi-modal treatment approach, and understanding how laser hair removal fits into the broader treatment landscape can help you make informed decisions.
Comparison with other HS treatments:
- Topical treatments: Antibacterial washes and topical antibiotics can help manage mild symptoms, but don’t address the underlying follicular component that laser treatment targets.
- Systemic antibiotics: While effective for acute flares, long-term antibiotic use carries risks of resistance and side effects; laser hair removal may reduce dependence on antibiotics.
- Biologic medications: Drugs such as adalimumab are highly effective for moderate-to-severe HS but are expensive and require ongoing injections; laser treatment can complement biologics or reduce disease severity, potentially avoiding them.
- Surgical intervention: Excision of affected tissue is sometimes necessary for severe cases, but laser hair removal in adjacent areas can prevent disease spread to new locations.
- Lifestyle modifications: Weight management and smoking cessation are important, but laser hair removal provides an additional tool that directly addresses the disease mechanism.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal for HS?
Ideal candidates include those who:
- Have Hurley Stage I or II hidradenitis suppurativa (early to moderate disease)
- Are experiencing recurrent lesions in hair-bearing areas such as the axillae, groin, or buttocks
- Have achieved relative disease control and are not experiencing active, draining abscesses at the time of treatment
- Are committed to completing the full series of treatments for optimal results
- Have realistic expectations about treatment as part of a comprehensive HS management plan
- Can follow pre- and post-treatment care instructions to maximize safety and efficacy
Find Relief From Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Living with hidradenitis suppurativa can feel isolating and overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Laser hair removal offers a scientifically-backed approach to reducing flare-ups, decreasing pain, and improving your quality of life.
Schedule your consultation today by calling our Columbia, MD office at 410-855-5821. During your consultation, one of our Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology providers will assess your specific situation, discuss how laser hair removal can fit into your overall HS management plan, and answer any questions you may have.
