Effectiveness and safety of triple-diode laser with or without adjunctive topical eflornithine in female hirsutism

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of triple diode laser with and without topical eflornithine in hair growth reduction.

Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient clinic of the Department of Dermatology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, from March to August 2024, and comprised females with hirsutism aged 18-50 years. The patients were divided into two groups. Group A subjects were given monthly laser sessions alone, while group B patients received a combination of monthly laser sessions with topical eflornithine applied twice daily on affected sites. Laser sessions were given monthly for 6 months in both the groups. Hair growth reduction was calculated using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale by two independent dermatologists at the 3^rd and 6^th sessions as well as six months after the 6^th session. Data was analysed using SPSS version 26.

Results: Of the 60 women, 30(50%) were in group A with mean age 35.73±9.50 years, and 30(50%) were in group B with mean age 33.96±8.72 years. At the 6-month follow-up, the difference in both groups was significant compared to baseline and 3-month follow-up (p<0.05). At the 12^-month follow-up, results were similar to that at the 6-month follow-up (p>0.05). Intergroup difference was significant at 3-month (p<0.04), but not at 6-month and 12-month follow-ups (p=0.329).

Conclusion: Addition of topical eflornithine to laser hair removal resulted in a more rapid and almost complete terminal hair reduction.

Key Words: Hirsutism, Hypertrichosis, Terminal hair, Global aesthetic improvement scale, Eflornithine hydrochloride, Triple diode laser.