RESPONSE TO READER - What to do about razor bumps (pt 2)

Good day, Dr Campbell-Chambers,

I read your column in The Gleaner and I found some information quite interesting. I am a young lady affected by bumps and spots because of ingrown hairs. I have to tweeze on a regular basis. Therefore, I was looking at permanently removing them. The hairs are quite embarrassing.

I thought laser was a possible option until I read your column, as I thought that laser treatment could remove them permanently. Also, I was not aware of the possible side effects. I would love to get some information on laser treatment or other possible treatment you believe would be suitable for my condition. Looking for to hearing from you.

Dear Reader,

The choice of hair-removal method depends on the individual. Temporary hair-removal methods include shaving, plucking/tweezing, waxing, sugaring, threading and chemical products (depilatories). The problem with these methods is that they can cause razor bumps/ingrown hairs, dark spots, irritation, infection and scarring. Some individuals with few hairs clip them with a curved-tip pair of 'cuticle' scissors. Some tweezers use an electric current to remove hair, but have not been proven to cause permanent hair removal.

Electrolysis is considered to cause permanent hair removal and lasers permanent hair reduction. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers hair reduction lasting for longer than six months to be permanent. I prefer to use the term 'long-term' instead of 'permanent'.

Electric current

Electrolysis delivers an electric current or radiofrequency by the insertion of a needle/probe into the hair follicle (pore). Once a particular follicle has been treated, it is considered to be permanently destroyed. However, because we have many follicles, many treatments are required. The treatments are operator-dependent, painful and may cause bumps, dark spots, infection and scarring.

The laser revolution

Laser hair removal has revolutionised the management of ingrown hairs. It delivers specific light that selectively targets the pigment in the hairs, thereby destroying the actively growing hair follicles, while sparing the skin. The Nd:YAG type of laser has been shown to be the safest on all skin types. A test is done before laser treatment to establish the best settings for your skin. Discomfort can be minimised with skin-cooling and numbing creams if necessary.

Temporary side effects

Side effects are not common with proper use and are usually temporary. These include redness, dark spots, light spots, scarring, blistering and temporary bumps. With each treatment, hairs become thinner and sparser. After five to six treatments, each four to six weeks apart, more than 80 per cent hair reduction can be achieved, lasting many months to years, depending on genetics and hormones. Although an individual laser treatment may be more costly than other methods, in the long run many find it more cost effective and worth it.

Some lasers are available for at-home use, but these are safest on fairer skin types and are not as effective as in-office lasers. Your dermatologist can help treat your bumps, spots, and possibly prescribe medication to control hormones that cause unwanted hair growth.

Dr Arusha Campbell-Chambers is a dermatologist and founder of Dermatology Solutions Skin Clinics & Medi-Spas; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.