Advances in Laser Hair Removal in Skin of Color
Transcription
Advances in Laser Hair Removal in Skin of Color
November 2011 1235 Volume 10 • Issue 1i Copyright © 2011 ORIGINAL ARTICLES SPECIAL TOPIC Journal of Drugs in Dermatology Advances in Laser Hair Removal in Skin of Color Eliot F. Battle Jr. MD Cultura Cosmetic Dermatology and Laser Center, Washington, DC ABSTRACT Laser hair removal, previously contraindicated in patients with ethnically dark (phototypes IV–VI) or sun-tanned skin, is now recognized as a safe and effective method of permanent hair reduction in all patients. Longer wavelengths, conservative fluences, longer pulse durations and appropriate cooling methods are necessary to minimize untoward side effects and maximize efficacy. The longerwavelength Nd:YAG laser is considered safest in treating darker skin of color. An added benefit of laser epilation is that side effects of conventional hair removal such as pseudo-folliculitis barbae and post inflammatory dyspigmentation, more commonly seen in skin of color, may also respond favorably to the laser, thus increasing the potential for patient satisfaction. J Drugs Dermatol. 2011;10(11):1235-1239. INTRODUCTION T he removal of unwanted hair, an accepted practice in many cultures, has been performed since ancient times. It has evolved from temporary modes of depilation (removing hair visible above the skin) and epilation (removal of the entire hair) such as abrasion, chemical depilatories, shaving, waxing, tweezing, “sugaring,” and threading, to procedures which provide more permanent hair reduction. Although permanent epilation became possible with the advent of electrolysis, this procedure proved to be, like some of the traditional methods noted above, tedious and time consuming; additionally, in those with curlier hair and darker skin phototypes (IV–VI), electrolysis was a difficult procedure, prone to result in exacerbation of inflammation, pseudo-folliculitis barbae, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and scarring. Laser hair removal (LHR) revolutionized the field of epilation, providing a more cosmetically scrupulous, time-saving alternative to the hair-by-hair approach of electrolysis and the traditional methods of hair removal. Initially contraindicated in patients with ethnically dark or sun-tanned skin, LHR was recommended only for non-tanned, phototype I–III skin because of the risk of untoward side effects and worsening of pre-existing conditions more often seen in phototype IV–VI skin. permanently inhibit hair growth. In order to achieve effective results with LHR and to assure confinement of thermal damage to the hair follicle, the pulse duration should be less than or equal to the thermal relaxation time of the hair shaft, estimated to be in the range of 10–100 milliseconds.2 A “unifying” hypothesis has identified two stem cell reservoirs in the human anagen hair follicle: a distal outer root sheath reservoir and a proximal outer root sheath reservoir containing amelanotic stem cells, which may act as a melanocytic reservoir.3 In the mouse model, these stem cells are identified within the bulge,4 in the human hair follicle, the bulge is thought to reside in the lower third of the follicle of the outer root sheath. Do Not Copy Penalties Apply Therefore, a modified theory of selective photothermolysis is used to describe the mechanism of LHR because the melanocytic chromophore target as well as the amelanotic (hair follicle and stem cell) target must both be destroyed to accomplish permanent hair reduction. To achieve this goal, longer pulse durations are used, allowing heat propagation to the entire hair follicle. Mechanisms of Epilation in LHR in Skin of Color Choice of Laser System and Optimizing Wavelength, Pulse Duration, and Cooling The theory of selective photothermolysis forms the foundation of cosmetic, light-based laser therapy. This theory states that thermal injury can be limited to the absorbing chromophore by using the appropriate wavelength, pulse duration, and fluence (energy density expressed as J/cm2), thereby protecting the surrounding tissue.1 In LHR, the target chromophore is the melanin-rich hair shaft and bulb, but to ensure effective results, thermal injury must also include the surrounding hair follicle. Finally, destruction of progenitor stem cells is required to To effectively treat unwanted hair in any patient, laser light must safely pass through the epidermis to treat the dermal hair target. The challenge in performing LHR on skin of color is that the epidermal melanin competes as a chromophore for the laser light by absorbing the light; this light energy is converted to heat. Sufficient accumulation of heat causes thermal damage, leading to epidermal blistering, dyspigmentation, and scarring. In competing for laser light, epidermal melanin also decreases the amount of light that is available to reach the intended dermal chromo- © 2011-Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. All Rights Reserved. This document contains proprietary information, images and marks of Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (JDD). No reproduction or use of any portion of the contents of these materials may be made without the express written consent of JDD. If you feel you have obtained this copy illegally, please contact JDD immediately. JO1111 1236 Journal of Drugs in Dermatology November 2011 • Volume 10 • Issue 11 phore target. Thus, epidermal melanin, acting as an unintended chromophore, decreases therapeutic efficacy and increases the possibility of untoward side effects. Fortunately, newer generation LHR devices utilize longer wavelengths of light, allowing the laser surgeon to effectively bypass the epidermal melanin to penetrate more deeply. Light absorption by epidermal melanin is decreased, permitting greater light absorption by the target chromophore, as well as providing the safety and efficacy necessary to treat darker skin (phototypes IV–VI). Longer pulse durations allow for more efficient cooling of the epidermis by slowing the deposition of light energy into the skin; the slower the pigmented epidermis absorbs light, the slower the conversion to heat, making skin cooling more efficient. The main cause of laser-induced side effects is epidermal thermal damage, seen when the epidermal temperature equals or surpasses 45 oC. If heat can be efficiently removed from the epidermis, maintaining a temperature below 45 oC, then the risk of thermal-damage is dramatically reduced. An additional measure of safety with longer pulse durations is based on the theory of thermokinetic selectivity, which states that smaller structures (e.g., epidermal melanin) will lose heat more quickly than larger structures (e.g., dermal hair follicles). The quicker dissipation of heat from epidermal melanocytes in comparison to the larger hair follicle serves as a protective mechanism for the epidermis.5 Inherent cooling devices are an integral part of the laser surgeon’s armamentarium in minimizing thermal damage to all patients, but particularly those with a richly pigmented epidermis. Cooling devices lower skin temperature by direct contact of a cooling plate, or via emission of cooled spray, air, or gas. There is a safety range for epidermal cooling, as seen when cryogen-induced and cold-air cooling parameters are too aggressive, leading to coolinginduced blisters and dyspigmentation. Cryogen spray can reach temperatures as low as minus 26.2 oC, leading to cooling-induced hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation. In a study evaluating the incidence of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) after Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment (with continuous cold air cooling) of bilateral nevus of Ota, 62 percent of patients developed PIH on the cooled side, while only 24 percent developed PIH on the uncooled side.6 The authors hypothesized that laser irradiated melanocytes or keratinocytes may be more reactive to stimuli such as cold temperature, although the exact mechanism of coolinginduced dyspigmentation is unknown. E. F. Battle Jr. to provide the greatest efficacy and safety in treating skin phototypes IV–VI. Of these options, the longer-wavelength Nd:YAG laser is considered the safest type to treat darker skin of color.9 To improve safety when treating darker skin types, pulse durations of 100 milliseconds or longer can be used with the long-pulsed diode laser system. In treating very dark skin (phototype VI) with the long pulsed diode laser, Battle and Hobbs reported that very long pulse durations (>100 ms) and appropriate adjunctive skin cooling are helpful.10 In treating darker skin types, the Nd:YAG wavelength is inherently safer than the diode wavelength because the longer wavelength minimizes epidermal melanin absorption and maximizes wavelength penetration to the dermal hair follicular unit.11 Therefore, shorter, more effective pulse durations can be used more safely with the Nd:YAG lasers versus the diode lasers. When the Nd:YAG lasers are used with aggressive skin cooling and pulse durations >30 ms, they can safely treat phototype VI skin.12 As with the diode laser, longer pulse durations reduce the chance for epidermal thermal damage. Most of the FDA-approved Nd:YAG lasers incorporate efficient epidermal cooling devices as part of the system. With regard to overall hair reduction, however, the longer wavelength of the Nd:YAG may be slightly less effective because of its reduced melanin absorption.13 A study conducted by Galadari showed a 35 percent reduction in hair at twelve months after six treatments with the Nd:YAG compared with a 40 percent reduction observed with the diode after a similar number of treatments and follow up period.14 Because of the reduced pigment absorption with the longer Nd:YAG wavelengths, they are best used for patients with coarse, dark hair. Do Not Copy Penalties Apply Available laser and light sources for photo epilation include the long-pulsed ruby (694 nm), long-pulsed alexandrite (755 nm), long pulsed diode (810 nm), long-pulsed Nd:YAG (1064 nm), and noncoherent intense pulsed light (IPL; 590-1200 nm).7 The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two systems for photoepilation in darker skin types: the long pulsed diode (810 nm) and the Nd:YAG (1064 nm).8 Both lasers utilize longer wavelengths, extended pulse durations and active epidermal cooling Maximizing Safety and Efficacy: Pre-Treatment Testing, Patient Selection, and Managing Patient Expectations Initiating treatment with appropriate conservative laser parameters (longer wavelengths, lower fluences, and longer pulse durations) is crucial when treating patients with darker skin types. Pre-treatment test spots are often necessary in determining appropriate laser parameters, particularly fluences and pulse duration. Test spot locations should be selected deliberately, closely matching the skin color, sun exposure, and hair density level of the area to be treated. Test spot parameters should begin with lower fluences and longer pulse durations, and slowly progress to higher fluences and shorter pulse durations. There is an increased risk of thermal injury-induced side effects when treating high hair density areas, such as those found in the upper back and beard area. The increased risk, caused by the pooling of heat from closely situated adjacent hairs, can be reduced by using lower fluences. When performing test spots, it is recommended to wait a minimum of 48 hours before final evaluation to determine the appropriate safe parameters. Patients with darker skin can have a one-day to two-day delay in manifesting cuta- © 2011-Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. All Rights Reserved. This document contains proprietary information, images and marks of Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (JDD). No reproduction or use of any portion of the contents of these materials may be made without the express written consent of JDD. If you feel you have obtained this copy illegally, please contact JDD immediately. JO1111 1237 Journal of Drugs in Dermatology November 2011 • Volume 10 • Issue 11 neous side effects. A minimum of four overlapping test spots should be performed to simulate the overlapping nature of the actual laser treatment. There are very few true contraindications for LHR. Gold-therapy and St. John’s Wort are contraindications for LHR, and patients should discontinue these for at least three months prior to initiating laser epilation. Photosensitizing drugs activated by UVA wavelengths have often been considered contraindications; however, hair-removal lasers are in the visible and near-infrared wavelength spectrum, and are, therefore, generally thought to be safe to use on patients taking these medications. While it has long been held that taking Accutane® (isotretinoin) is a contraindication for LHR, there have been no studies showing an increased incidence of LHR side effects in patients recently on Accutane. Khatri reports acceptable results in a small group of phototype III–V patients with much shorter Accutane-free intervals.15 Until more definitive evidence is available, practitioners should exercise caution and delay LHR for a minimum of three months after stopping Accutane. Patients with a history of keloids or hypertrophic scarring should be treated cautiously, using conservative laser parameters, although new research shows promising results in treating keloids with lasers. Prophylactic antiviral medications are indicated for patients with chronic herpetic infections, especially if they occur in the desired treatment area. Prophylaxis typically starts two to three days before laser treatment commences and continues for a total of five to seven days. E. F. Battle Jr. are usually performed every four to eight weeks. To maximize the amount of pigmented hair chromophore in the skin, the patient should not wax or pluck before or in between treatments, although waxing and plucking are not contraindications. If needed, shaving, bleaching, and using depilatory creams are preferable between treatment methods. It should be explained to patients that they will experience some level of discomfort during the procedure. This discomfort is quite subjective and has been described as feeling like the popping of small rubber bands, pinpricks, or pinpoint heating. In general, it should be tolerable. Severe pain is an indicator that the laser parameters may be too aggressive. This is particularly helpful when patients state that pain is worse than in previous treatments. A topical anesthetic preparation (e.g., EMLA) and/or adjunct cooling (e.g., air cooling) will help to decrease the pain during the procedure. After treatment, there may be immediate perifollicular edema and mild erythema lasting from minutes to hours, but this may not be observed because of the more conservative parameters used on darker skin. Permanent hair reduction can still be achieved if this result is not seen. If these reactions persist for hours, more conservative parameters should be used in the next treatment to avoid the epidermal damage threshold. At no point during post-treatment should there be prolonged erythema, edema, crusting, blistering, or scab formation, irrespective of the patient’s ethnicity or skin phototype. If a previous treatment has produced prolonged erythema, crusting, or any other form of epidermal side effect, a thorough history should be retaken, inquiring about recent sun exposure, new medications, new skin products, and the post-treatment regimen. More conservative parameters should be used to ensure treatment safety. Do Not Copy Penalties Apply Although there has been no evidence that pregnancy is a contraindication, it is widely practiced and recommended that patients not undergo LHR during pregnancy. In managing patient expectations prior to initiating LHR, patients should understand that multiple treatments are necessary to achieve permanent hair reduction. In patients of color, a minimum of eight laser treatments are usually required to reach the patient’s desired hair reduction. With each treatment, patients may expect a decrease of 10 percent to 20 percent in the hair count, color, and diameter of the hair. Patients with darker skin usually require more treatments than those with lighter skin because of the need to use longer wavelengths, lower fluences, and longer pulse durations to ensure safety. Treatment frequency is still controversial and is based on many factors, particularly the hair growth rate and the body region of the treatment area. Because subsequent treatments should be repeated before the damaged hair has a chance to fully revitalize and strengthen, it is generally agreed that more frequent treatments are better than less frequent ones. Although there are no studies proving ideal treatment intervals, treatments Pre-Treatment Preparation The treatment area must be closely shaved or clipped prior to performing laser treatments to prevent the superficial hair from heating and causing epidermal side effects. A gentle alcohol cleanse should be performed to make sure there is no residual makeup or anesthetic on the skin, followed by a final cleanse with water to remove any residual alcohol. Appropriate goggles must be worn by the patient, practitioner, and all observers. Treatment can begin once the appropriate parameters are determined. Laser pulses should overlap by 10–20 percent, depending on the type of laser system used. Fluences should be increased cautiously, since even small increases can exceed the patient’s epidermal damage threshold, creating thermal damage. The practitioner should always exercise caution and perform test spots prior to treating the full area. In treating the upper lip and chin, the enamel of the teeth should be protected by overlaying the teeth with gauze. Facial hair is usually finer and lighter than the hair on the rest of the body, © 2011-Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. All Rights Reserved. This document contains proprietary information, images and marks of Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (JDD). No reproduction or use of any portion of the contents of these materials may be made without the express written consent of JDD. If you feel you have obtained this copy illegally, please contact JDD immediately. JO1111 1238 Journal of Drugs in Dermatology November 2011 • Volume 10 • Issue 11 making it one of the most recalcitrant areas to treat. In these cases, more than the usual number of treatments may be required. Immediate cooling with ice packs or cool air can be used to reduce post-treatment discomfort, erythema, edema, and the risk of epidermal side effects. A mild topical corticosteroid can also be applied to the treatment area to reduce prolonged erythema, edema, or irritation. Recognizing, Minimizing, and Treating Unwanted Side Effects When treating patients of color with the long pulsed diode and Nd:YAG laser system, conservative parameters will minimize the risk of any adverse events.16,17 Epidermal thermal damage can cause crusting, scabbing, blistering, dyspigmentation, and scarring, but immediate, meticulous wound care will help to minimize the risk of long-term or permanent side effects. Based on the severity of the side effects, wound care may include topical/oral antibiotics or corticosteroids. A folliculitis-type reaction can also be treated with antibiotics and/or corticosteroids. There is also a small risk of herpetic outbreak in patients with a history of recurrent herpes. Paradoxical hypertrichosis has been reported as a rare complication of LHR, within and outside of the treatment site, and after alexandrite lasers (755 nm) and IPL (590-1200) treatments.18-20 In the authors’ experience, this complication can occur with any wavelength or light source, including the diode laser (810 nm) and Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm). Studies suggest that patients with skin phototypes IV–VI may be at increased risk, particularly patients of Mediterranean or Pacific Asian descent, but patients from most ethnic origins have been reported.21,22 E. F. Battle Jr. post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, but it can dramatically improve the dyspigmentation resulting from conventional methods of epilation. Continued improvement usually occurs with each consecutive laser treatment. Patients are often as pleased with the improvement in skin texture and dyspigmentation as they are with their hair reduction. LHR not only improves PFB and its associated post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, but it can dramatically improve the dyspigmentation resulting from conventional methods of epilation. In treating the beard area of men, cosmetic outcome should be considered. Permanent hair removal of the entire beard is usually not the desired outcome. The beard stubble look is often a more natural look, and taking away the ability to grow a beard is not always an appropriate endpoint. Treatment goals should be to improve the cosmetic appearance of the patient and to reduce the papular and pigmentary disorder, thus providing the patient with a cosmetically pleasing appearance. Male patients who have beard PFB are most often affected in the upper cheek or lower neck area. Here, the practitioner’s goal should be to achieve permanent hair reduction in those select areas while keeping the majority of the beard intact with a distinct, symmetrical and appropriately neat beard line. An alternative to pursuing permanent hair reduction, lower fluences and/or longer pulse durations can be used to manage the condition by delaying hair growth. Do Not Copy Penalties Apply Laser Efficacy in Hair-Related Dermatologic Conditions in Skin of Color Excessive hair growth may constitute a major cosmetic and medical problem, whether from hirsutism or hypertrichosis. In patients with darker skin types and tightly curled hair, there is a high incidence of epidermal side effects with conventional hair removal methods. LHR can provide these patients with a safe and successful therapeutic option. Men and women with curly, tightly coiled, coarse hair are often plagued with ingrown hairs, producing papules and pustules that easily lead to pigmentary disorders and scarring called pseudo-folliculitis barbae (PFB). This condition is most frequently seen in the beard area of men or in the axillae or bikini area of women but can also be seen on the abdomen, back, arms, and legs. As with hirsutism, conventional approaches (e.g., waxing or shaving) often lead to unsightly side effects. LHR temporarily or permanently reduces the hair from the PFB lesions, dramatically improving the condition by resolving papules and pustules and improving skin texture and associated post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.23,24 LHR not only improves PFB and its associated Acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN) is most frequently seen in the occipital area of the scalp in African-Americans. It is characterized by persistent follicular and perifollicular papules and plaques, which often lead to hyperpigmented scarring and keloidal thickening. AKN lesions are especially recalcitrant to treatment, and conventional methods can yield marginal, often unpredictable results. In early lesions, where there is usually evidence of an entrapped hair, laser-assisted hair removal is a helpful adjunctive therapy. Lower fluences and longer pulse durations should be used initially to provide more of a hair growth delay approach, rather than opting for permanent hair reduction. For more chronic changes associated with long-standing AKN, such as scarring, foreign body reaction, and decreased hair growth, more aggressive LHR parameters may be required. For best results, this method should be combined with conventional treatment (topical antibiotics and corticosteroids, oral antibiotics, and intralesional corticosteroid injections). The goal is to destroy the tufted hairs that act as a foreign body, in hopes of decreasing further scarring. In these cases, the clinical outcome is not as satisfactory. © 2011-Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. All Rights Reserved. This document contains proprietary information, images and marks of Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (JDD). No reproduction or use of any portion of the contents of these materials may be made without the express written consent of JDD. If you feel you have obtained this copy illegally, please contact JDD immediately. JO1111 1239 Journal of Drugs in Dermatology November 2011 • Volume 10 • Issue 11 CONCLUSION Everyone, regardless of skin color or ethnicity, can now be safely and effectively treated for unwanted hair with LHR. The safest and most effective hair-removal lasers for darker skin types are the long pulsed diode and the long pulsed Nd:YAG laser systems. Because of the longer wavelength, the long pulsed Nd:YAG system is considered the safest. Conservative fluences and longer pulse durations are also necessary in order to provide safe and effective treatments to patients with darker skin types. An added benefit of laser epilation is that some of the side effects of conventional hair removal more commonly seen in skin of color may also respond favorably to the laser, thus increasing the potential for patient satisfaction. DISCLOSURES The author has no relevant conflicts of interest to disclose. REFERENCES 1. Anderson RR, Parish JA. Selective thermolysis: Precise microsurgery by selective absorption of pulsed radiation. Science. 1983;220(4596):524-527. 2. Van Gemert MJC, Welch AJ. Time constants in thermal laser medicine. Lasers Surg Med. 1989;9(4):405-421. 3. Commo S, Gaillardo O, Bernard BA. The human hair follicle contains two distinct K19 positive compartments in the outer root sheath: A unifying hypothesis for stem cell reservoir? Differentiation. 2000:66(4-5):157-164. 4. Cotsarelis G, Sun TT, Lavker RM. Label-retaining cells reside in the bulge area of pilosebaceous unit: Implications for follicular stem cells, hair cycle, and skin carcinogenesis. Cell. 1990;61(7):1329-1337. 5. Fuchs M. Thermokinetic selectivity—a new highly effective method for permanent hair removal: Experience with LPIR Alexandrite laser. Derm Prakt Dermatologie. 1997;5:1. 6. Manuskiatti W, Elmpunth S, Wanitphakdeedecha R. Effect of cold air cooling on the incidence of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation after Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment of acquired bilateral nevus of Ota like macules. Arch Dermatol. 2007;143(9):1139-1143. 7. Breadon JY, Barnes CA. Comparison of adverse events of laser and light-assisted hair removal systems in skin types IV-VI. J Drugs Dermatol. 2007;6(1):40-46. 8. Battle E, Suthamjariya K, Alora M, et al. Very long pulses (20–200 ms) diode laser for hair removal on all skin types (abstr). Lasers Surg Med. 2000;12(suppl):21-24. 9. Alster T, Bryan H, Williams CM. Long pulsed Nd:YAG laser assisted hair removal in pigmented skin. Arch Dermatol. 2001;137(7):885-889. 10. Battle EF Jr, Hobbs LM. Laser-assisted hair removal for darker skin types. Dermatol Ther. 2004;17(2):177-183. 11. Alster TS, Bryan H, Williams CM. Long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser-assisted hair removal in pigmented skin: A clinical and histological evaluation. Arch Dermatol 2001;137(7):885-889. 12. Galadari I. Comparative evaluation of different hair removal lasers in skin types IV, V, and VI. Int J Dermatol. 2003;42(1):68-70. E. F. Battle Jr. 13. Bouzari N, Tabatabai H, Abbasi Z, et al. LHR: Comparison of longpulsed Nd:YAG, long-pulsed alexandrite, and long-pulsed diode lasers. Dermatol Surg. 2004;30(4 Pt 1):498-502. 14. Greppi I. Diode LHR of the black patient. Lasers Surg Med. 2002;28(2):150-155. 15. Khatri KA. The safety of long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser hair removal in skin types III–V patients during concomitant isotretinoin therapy [Letter]. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2009;11(1):56-60. 16. Greppi I. Diode LHR of the black patient. Lasers Surg Med. 2002;28(2):150-155. 17. Adrian RM, Shay KP. 800 nm diode LHR in African American patients: A clinical and histologic study. J Cutan Laser Ther. 2000;2(4):183-190. 18. Alajlan A, Shapiro J, Rivers JK, et al. Paradoxical hypertrichosis after laser epilation. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005;53(1):95-88. 19. Radmanesh M. Paradoxical hypertrichosis and terminal hair change after intense pulsed light hair removal therapy. J Dermatol Treat. 2009;20(1):53-54. 20. Moreno-Arlas GA, Castelo-Branco C, Ferrando J. Side-effects after IPL photodepilation. Dermatol Surg. 2002;28(12):1131-1134. 21. Moreno-Arlas GA, Castelo-Branco C, Ferrando J. Side-effects after IPL photodepilation. Dermatol Surg. 2002;28(12):1131-1134. 22. Alajlan A, Shapiro J, Rivers JK, et al. Paradoxical hypertrichosis after laser epilation. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005;53(1):85-88. 23. Ross EV, Cooke LM, Timko AL, Overstreet K, Graham B, Barnette DJ. Treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae in skin types IV, V, VI with a long pulsed Nd:YAG. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2002;47(2):263-270. 24. Ross EV, Cooke LM, Overstreet KA, Buttolph GD, Blair MA. Treatment of folliculitis barbae in very dark skin with Nd:YAG laser. J Natl Med Assoc. 2002;94(10):888-893. Do Not Copy Penalties Apply ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE Eliot F. Battle Jr. MD Cultura Cosmetic Dermatology and Laser Center 5301 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20015 Phone:…………………...…......................................(202) 237-9292 E-mail:.…....……………[email protected] © 2011-Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. All Rights Reserved. This document contains proprietary information, images and marks of Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (JDD). No reproduction or use of any portion of the contents of these materials may be made without the express written consent of JDD. If you feel you have obtained this copy illegally, please contact JDD immediately. JO1111