Unwanted Hair
Lasers cannot effectively treat light blond, grey or white hair; occasionally red hair may also be a problem, as it contains pheomelanin, which is less of a target for lasers as eumelanin, the common brown-black pigment.
If you have red hair, a consultation is still worthwhile, as the russet or brow-red shades may contain sufficient eumelanin to respond to laser treatment
Dark skinned individuals should not be treated with IPL hair removal systems, although Diode lasers, such as the Alma Soprano laser are FDA approved for Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI. The Yag laser is another option for this skin type, although less efficient. A consultation prior to treatment is mandatory, and the doctor may suggest a patch test to see haow your skin will respond to the laser. Dark skin is more at risk of pigment changes, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or even hypopigmentation, with lasers, as well as the rare phenomenon of paradoxical hair growth
Hirsuitism
This refers to the growth of coarse dark (terminal) hairs in hormonally sensitive areas such as the face, neck, chest, or anterior abdominal strip.(women).
This is usually associated with an excess of male(androgenic ) hormones, and can be a feature of hormonal disorders such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, hypothyroidism, adrenal tumours, or inborn errors of metabolism.
Around menopause, it is common for ladies to develop a few dark hairs around the nipple, chin or upper lip- this reflects a hormonal imbalance between declining estrogen levels and n(normal) or slightly elevated testosterone.
Note that the growth of long dark hairs in other parts of the body eg arms, legs- is referred to as hypertrichosis- and may represent a genetic trait.
In cases where hirsuitism with an underlying hormonal disorder is suspected, Dr Hyland will order the appropriate lab tests.
Common treatments for hirsuitism include certain types of birth control pills, androgen blockers such as spironolactone (Aldactone - a diuretic), or creams (Vaniqua) containing a blocker for the enzyme ornithine decarboxylase, important in follicle development.