We describe the diversity of indications for
laser hair removal (LHR)
therapy and compare our experience with the literature. Patients' case notes referred to the Birmingham Regional Skin
Laser Centre between 2003 and 2011 for
laser hair removal, with indications other than
hirsutism, were reviewed retrospectively. Thirty-one treated patients with the following indications were identified: hair-bearing skin grafts/flaps, intra-oral hair-bearing flap, Becker's naevus, localised nevoid
hypertrichosis, peristomal hair-bearing skin, scrotal skin prior to vaginoplasty in male-to-female (MTF) gender reassignment,
pilonidal sinus disease (PSD),
pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) and
hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Seven patients with the following indications have been reported before: intra-oral hair-bearing graft, naevoid
hypertrichosis and peristomal hair-bearing skin. A clinical review of the evidence available for each indication is provided. Our experience and that in the published literature suggest that LHR is a safe, well-tolerated and effective treatment modality for the indications we report, leading to significant symptom and functional improvement with high patient satisfaction. LHR appears effective in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions such as PSD, PFB and HS, particularly at an early disease stage. We aim to increase awareness of the diversity of
laser hair removal indications and add evidence to the medical literature of the wide range of indications for this useful treatment modality.