Lumbosacral hypertrichosis treated with the normal-mode ruby laser.

Sir, Lumbosacral hypertrichosis is an uncommon occurrence that constitutes a significant cosmetic problem. Treatment with electrolysis is difficult and surgical excision seems to be the only permanent option. Surgery carries the risk of significant scarring and electrolysis is often impractical where a large area is affected. Recently, long-term hair removal using normal-mode ruby laser has been convincingly demonstrated at facial sites (1), and has been recommended for other body sites (2). Laser treatment removes unwanted hair through the selective photothermolysis of melanin-rich structures and results in light energy absorption in hair follicles, causing destruction (3). There is minimal absorption by surrounding tissues and thus skin damage is avoided. The technique seems to be more effective for darker hair and fairer skin types. Lasers most frequently used in hair removal include ruby, diode, Nd:YAG and Alexandrite. We performed a prospective study of patients specifically with lumbosacral hypertrichosis referred to our Laser Department for laser hair removal.