Follicular Occlusion — A Driver of HS Lesions
Occluded follicles in skin folds trigger the inflammatory cascade of HS.
- Axillae/groin: Affected sites (Intertriginous skin folds)
- Primary: Occlusion role (Early trigger event)
- High: Hair density (In apocrine-rich zones)
- Strong: Inflammation link (Follicle rupture cascade)
Why follicles matter in HS pathogenesis
Placeholder: follicular occlusion contributes to lesion initiation in HS.
Laser Targeting of Hair Follicles
Laser energy is absorbed by follicle pigment, destroying the follicle.
- Nd:YAG: Laser type (Common choice for HS)
- Follicle: Target (Melanin chromophore)
- Deep dermis: Depth reach (Reaches follicle bulb)
- High: Selectivity (Spares surrounding skin)
How laser energy destroys follicles
Placeholder: laser pulses selectively heat and destroy hair follicles.
Reduced Follicular Inflammation Trigger
Fewer intact follicles means fewer occlusion-driven flares.
- Reduced: Flare trigger (Fewer follicles remain)
- Lower: Lesion count (Over treatment course)
- Gradual: Onset of effect (Across sessions)
- Partial: Symptom relief (Adjunct, not cure)
Downstream effect on flare frequency
Placeholder: destroyed follicles no longer trigger inflammatory flares.
Multiple Session Laser Protocol
Repeated sessions are needed to progressively clear follicles.
- 6–8: Typical sessions (Per treatment course)
- 4–6 wks: Interval (Between sessions)
- Increasing: Cumulative effect (With each session)
- Periodic: Maintenance (After initial course)
Why repeated sessions are required
Placeholder: multiple sessions are needed for durable follicle clearance.
Adjunct Role Alongside Medical Therapy
Laser hair removal complements, not replaces, medical HS treatment.
- Adjunct: Role (Not standalone therapy)
- Biologics/abx: Combined with (Standard medical care)
- Higher: Synergy (When combined)
- Fewer flares: Outcome goal (Improved control)
Combining laser with standard medical therapy
Placeholder: best outcomes occur when laser is combined with medical therapy.
Placeholder: combination therapy shows greater synergy than laser alone.