The Effect of Long-pulsed 1064 nm nd: Yag Laser-assisted Hair Removal on Some Skin Flora and Pathogens: an in Vivo Study

The Effect of Long-pulsed 1064 nm nd: Yag Laser-assisted Hair Removal on Some Skin Flora and Pathogens: an in Vivo Study

1. To evaluate the effect of ND-YAG laser hair removal on some skin flora and pathogens: an in vivo study.
2. To determine the immediate and long term effect of ND-YAG laser on total viable bacterial count, some skin flora and pathogens of laser-assisted hair removal in axilla.
3. To assess the relation between this effect and bromohidrosis.

This Quasi-experimental interrupted time series study will be conducted on 30 female participants who will be recruited from the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic of the Alexandria Main University Hospital.

Four sessions of laser assisted hair removal at 4 weeks intervals (S1, S2, S3 and S4) using long pulsed ND: YAG (Cynosure Elite+™, Westford, USA). The following parameters will be used according to the nature of hair (1064 nm, 15-18 mm spot size, fluence of 24-35 J/cm2, pulse duration 30-40 ms).

4. Swabs will be collected immediately and after each session

Inclusion Criteria:

No previous laser hair removal sessions involving axilla. Fitzpatrick skin type III-VI.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal or herpetic infections.
2. Systemic diseases such as diabetes or endocrinal dysfunction.
3. Patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy.
4. Pregnant or lactating females.