Hirsutism
Presence of excessive growth of thick dark hair, in locations
on the body where hair growth is generally minimal or absent, is defined as
Hirsutism. This type of body hair growth generally occurs in
androgen-stimulated parts of the body
such as the face, hands, chest, etc. However, it is quite difficult to judge
whether a person is hirsute
as there is no consistent pattern to the growth in women and it varies across
ethnic groups. Depending on the region from where the individual originates
Hirsutism may be considered as typical in one culture in comparison to another.
For instance Mediterranean and Indian women have more facial and body hair than
women from East Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and Northern Europe. Hirsutism is not
limited to women alone as dark haired, dark complexioned individuals of either
sex are prone to be more hirsute than blond or fair skinned individuals.
In most cases, Hirsutism occurs due to certain underlying
disorders and genetic reasons. Hirsutism is only a cosmetic concern and when
accompanied by masculinizing signs or symptoms in young girls / women,
particularly when it arises well after puberty, it could be due to underlying
disorders such as ovarian or adrenal neoplasm.
Several treatments abound such as age old remedial over the
counter hair removal creams, shaving, waxing, electrolysis and lately laser
hair removal treatments.
Permanent Hair Removal Treatments
Excessive
facial hair in a woman can be embarrassing and hence most women seek a
permanent solution to Hirsutism, especially when that facial hair is on the
upper lip and chin. Now for the million dollar question as to whether there
really is a permanent solution, sadly the answer to that is that there is no
100% permanent hair removal solution, as yet. Electrolysis, which is approved by
the FDA is considered to be a permanent removal solution, but studies have
shown that this has not given everyone the permanent results, as promised.
Alternatively, permanent hair reduction (with emphasis on
reduction) machines have been approved by the FDA, which can help purge hair on
the right individual for longer periods of time, after manifold sessions.
Despite the several sittings, the possibility of hair growing back is there,
whether at a reduced rate, a finer version or a combination of both. According to The Mayo
Clinic, lasers can reduce hair counts 40% to 80%.
Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Laser Hair Removal Treatment is a cosmetic procedure carried out by professionals trained to carry out this procedure and it is commonly done in North America. The intensely concentrated light of the laser penetrates the hair follicle; the pigment in the hair follicle absorbs the light which consequently destroys the hair.
Prior to undergoing Laser Hair Removal Treatment, the
individual should restrict plucking, waxing, and electrolysis for six weeks before
treatment, as these activities will remove the hair roots, which is necessary
to be present for an effective laser hair removal treatment. The individual
should also avoid sun exposure before and after the treatment because it makes
the laser hair removal less effectual and could pave a way for complications to
arise after the treatment.
Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal
The most common side effects of removal of hair by laser are:
Irritation of the Skin surface
On the surface of the skin where the treatment was provided, temporarily there could be a measure of discomfort, redness and swelling. However this will disappear after several hours.
Temporary Changes to Pigment
The possibility of the skin layer undergoing some darkening or lightening, temporarily, can occur. Lightening of the skin color can occur in those individuals with dark skin, especially if the laser beam used was set to a wrong intensity.
Blistering,
crusting, scarring or other changes to the skin texture are cited to be rare.
Comments
Post a Comment