Assessment of efficacy and tolerability of fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of axillary hyperpigmentation

Abstract

Background: Axillary hyperpigmentation is a common and troublesome complaint especially among dark-skinned women. It is believed to be a form of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and so far, there is no universally accepted treatment for the disorder. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of axillary hyperpigmentation Patients and methods: Thirty Egyptian females with axillary hyperpigmentation were recruited. The severity of the condition was estimated by both self-assessment and expert dermatologist before treatment. Four sessions of fractional CO2 laser were done. Both the efficacy and complications were assessed by the patient and the dermatologist six month after the last session. Results: There was a statistically significant difference of percentage of improvement of pigmentation before compared to one month after treatment as detected by self-assessment (p value= 0.002) and the observer’s assessment (p value= 0.001). Conclusion: Fractional CO2 laser, in properly chosen parameters, is an effective method for the treatment of axillary hyperpigmentation.