Efficacy of 800 nm diode laser to treat trichostasis spinulosa in Asian patients

Context: Trichostasis spinulosa (TS) is a common but underdiagnosed follicular disorder involving retention of successive telogen hair in the hair follicle. Laser hair removal is a newer treatment modality for TS with promising results. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of 800 nm diode laser to treat TS in Asian patients. Subjects and Methods: We treated 50 Indian subjects (Fitzpatrick skin phototype IV–V) with untreated trichostasis spinulosa on the nose with 800 nm diode laser at fluence ranging from 22 to 30 J/cm 2 and pulse width of 30 ms. The patients were given two sittings at 8 week intervals. The evaluation was done by blinded assessment of photographs by independent dermatologists. Results: Totally 45 (90%) patients had complete clearance of the lesions at the end of treatment. Five (10%) subjects needed one-third sitting for complete clearance. 45 patients had complete resolution and no recurrence even at 2 years follow-up visit. 5 patients had partial recurrence after 8–9 months and needed an extra laser session. Conclusions: Laser hair reduction in patients with TS targets and removes the hair follicles which are responsible for the plugged appearance. Due to permanent ablation of the hair bulb and bulge, the recurrence which is often seen with other modalities of treatment for TS is not observed here.