Impacts of laser hair removal on adolescents with hidradenitis suppurativa: a mixed retrospective and prospective observational cohort study
The Hospital for Sick Children
The Hospital for Sick Children
Overview:
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a lifelong inflammatory skin condition characterized by recurrent painful bumps, drainage and scarring in the skin folds. The disease can present during adolescence. It can be a difficult condition to live with, often associated with a negative emotional impact; adolescents experience more anxiety and depression than those without this condition. HS is difficult to treat and combined therapies are often needed to control the disease and its symptoms. Laser hair removal (LHR) has been proposed as a treatment option. There is evidence that LHR can help adults with HS, however there is limited information in children.
We want to conduct a two-year study to explore the impacts of LHR in adolescents with HS. We will include adolescents undergoing LHR in our laser clinic at SickKids Hospital. We believe that LHR can improve outcomes of this disease in this age group. Having different management strategies might help improve patient’s quality of life.
Status:
This was funded through a 2026 PeDRA Research Fellowship Grant.