Pilot Study of Laser Hair Removal to Prevent Pilonidal Disease Return in Young People With Darker Skin

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of laser hair depilation in reducing the recurrence of pilonidal disease among patients with darker skin types. Pilonidal disease is a painful infection near the tailbone that often recurs despite treatments like hair removal, hygiene, antibiotics, and drainage. This pilot randomized trial aims to compare laser hair depilation combined with standard care to standard care alone, focusing on patients aged 10 to 21 with darker skin tones to promote equitable treatment options. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The intervention group will receive laser hair depilation treatments using an NdYAG laser every 4 to 6 weeks for a total of five sessions, alongside education on hair removal techniques. The control group will receive the best recommended standard care, including education on chronic hair removal and the option for additional training and support. Both groups will be asked to perform chemical or mechanical hair removal as needed. During the year-long study, participants will be monitored for pilonidal disease recurrence, disability days, quality of life, healthcare satisfaction, complications, and treatment compliance. Researchers will assess these outcomes at one year to understand the impact of laser hair depilation on disease recurrence and related morbidity. This exploratory pilot will help design a larger study to confirm the benefits and promote inclusive care for underrepresented populations with darker skin types.

Pilot Trial Assessing the Effectiveness of Laser Hair Depilation on Pilonidal Disease Recurrence in Patients With Darker Skin Color