ABSTRACT
Pseudofolliculitis barbae [PFB] is a foreign body inflammatory condition that is caused in-grown hairs of the face and the body. An effective treatment to alleviate this condition without risk of side effects has yet to be found. To study the effect of the long pulse Nd-YAG laser 1064 nm in the treatment of PFB. Twenty five male subjects were given two treatments at 4 weeks intervals on one side of their neck and/ or mandibular region. Nd-YAG laser treatments were applied onto 3x3 cm regions. Contralateral controls on the left side were used to assess overall effectiveness. Objective papules/ pustules counts at 3 months after second laser treatment were done. Assessment of any side effects after laser treatment was also evaluated. Subjective evaluation as regards the percentage of hair reduction and degree of improvement were also obtained from both patients and the investigator. Marked reduction in papules/ pustules at 3 months after final laser treatment when compared with baseline data and were statistically significant. subjective evaluations recorded full satisfaction. No prevalence of any side effect was recorded. The long pulse Nd-YAG laser [1064 nm] is considered a safe and effective modality of treatment of PFB with no side effects