Folliculitis Induced by Laser Hair Removal: Proposed Mechanism and Treatment.

The neodymium:aluminum garnet laser has emerged as a generally well-tolerated tool for hair removal; however, some patients develop a folliculitis after treatment, which can limit utility. To our knowledge, the literature is currently lacking an adequate description of the etiology of laser-induced folliculitis or strategies to prevent and manage it. We present the case of a 33-year-old Caucasian male patient who developed a robust laser-induced folliculitis. We discuss management strategies and the possible mechanism of onset, as well as hypothesize that the mechanism driving laser-induced folliculitis is similar to that seen with pseudofolliculitis barbae, as the nidus for the inflammatory response appeared to be the hairs undergoing extrusion through the skin. While laser-induced folliculitis is a self-limited complication, it might discourage patients from seeking laser hair removal. In patients known to develop this adverse effect or those with hair features potentially more prone to developing folliculitis (i.e. curly, coarse hair or pili multigemini), it might be reasonable to treat with prophylactic doxycycline and topical steroids along with gentle washing techniques to assist in depilation. As demonstrated in our case, this might help to decrease the severity and duration of laser-induced folliculitis.

Transient Porphyrinemia in a Neonate: A Case Report.

We describe a neonate with anemia, thrombocytopenia, and hyperbilirubinemia secondary to hemolytic disease of the newborn. After phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia, the neonate developed a photodistributed eruption with high serum and urine porphyrin levels. This transient porphyrinemia resolved at 1 month.

Erythema dyschromicum perstans in a Caucasian pediatric patient.

Erythema dyschromicum perstans (EDP), or ashy dermatosis, is characterized by oval, blue-gray macules, which are completely asymptomatic. In adults, the condition is primarily seen in patients of color, most commonly those of Hispanic descent, and typically follows a chronic course. We describe a pediatric case of EDP in a Caucasian patient. In the pediatric population, EDP is more commonly observed in Caucasian patients and often shows significant recovery or complete resolution in a matter of years. This case report outlines the differences in EDP between adult and pediatric patients.