Health insurance plans do not generally cover hair removal as a cosmetic procedure without life-threatening effects, though studies conducted using laser therapies such as Nd:YAG laser have revealed it can significantly alleviate HS symptoms and even aid healing of scars associated with this disorder.
This article explores the cost and benefits associated with laser treatment for those living with hypersomnia (HS).
What Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (hy-dra-de-en-ITIS supp-ur-av-tiv-uh) is an autoinflammatory disease that leads to painful boil-like lumps forming beneath the skin, most frequently in areas where skin rubs against itself like armpits and groins. These lumps are caused by blocked hair follicles containing bacteria becoming clogged up with pus which then rupture into abscesses which drain pus and may leave scarring behind. Its effects last over time and usually starts after puberty has begun, being more severe among women as well as overweight people or smokers.
HS is often difficult to treat and often causes pain, discomfort and embarrassment for its victims. It may lead to other health issues as well, such as depression and anxiety; and can even result in social isolation due to painful pus discharge from hidradenitis suppurativa sufferers. Support groups may help people manage this condition better as can seeking advice from therapists; who may provide insight on ways of managing symptoms as well as developing healthy coping mechanisms.
Hydradenitis Suppurativa’s exact cause remains unknown, although genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a part. Triggering hot or cold weather, stress and hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy or menstruation could all play a part.
There are various treatment options for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), but most doctors suggest taking an integrated approach to its management. This involves using medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes such as changing eating patterns to reduce symptoms. Antibiotics, corticosteroids, and antidepressants have proven especially useful medications.
People suffering from hidradenitis resistant to traditional treatments may benefit from working with a multidisciplinary team comprised of dermatologists, wound care specialists and plastic surgeons – the Hurley system – that ensures patients suffering from hidradenitis suppurativa receive optimal care.
What Causes Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
Hidradenitis Suppurativa occurs when deep roots of hair follicles become blocked and rupture, resulting in pus-filled boils, pockets of infection or abscesses to form under the skin. Sores often appear where skin rubs together such as armpits, groin, anal area and armpit creases but they may also form anywhere including neck scalp and chest areas. Sometimes sores will appear but disappear only to reappear at another date – making symptoms seem worsened despite treatment!
Doctors can diagnose hidradenitis suppurativa by reviewing your medical history and performing a physical exam, and may suggest tests to see if you have a bacterial infection that needs antibiotics treatment. Some individuals are predisposed to developing the disease, including those who have it in their family history; women tend to be affected more often than men after puberty when hormones may play a role.
No known way exists to prevent hidradenitis suppurativa, but lifestyle modifications may lower your risk or at least lessen its severity. Eating foods rich in fiber and drinking plenty of water are two effective strategies. Consulting a dermatologist is also beneficial and they may prescribe antibiotics or steroids; in addition to offering advice for dealing with flare-ups and managing stress.
Many individuals suffering from hidradenitis suppurativa find relief through medications that target their immune systems. Metformin (Glucophage), for instance, has been proven to improve lesions for some patients with HS, while ustekinumab (Stelara) has also been used as an off-label treatment option for this condition.
Electrocoagulation, which uses heat to cauterize and reduce inflammation, may be an option to help relieve their discomfort. Meanwhile, laser hair removal may minimize scarring while decreasing recurrence of boils; unfortunately these procedures do not qualify as eligible expenses for Medicare, HSAs or FSA accounts so the costs will come out of pocket.
How Can Laser Hair Removal Help Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
Bumpy spots that develop due to Hair Follicle Anomaly (HS) can be caused by blocked hair follicles; laser treatments that disrupt these follicles have proven successful at alleviating its severity for some people; however, this treatment requires multiple sessions at four- to six-week intervals before its full effects become visible.
At the outset of a laser treatment session, a practitioner begins by cleaning and applying numbing gel to the area to be treated in order to minimize discomfort from high-heat laser. Next, they focus a high-energy beam of light at their target area–small areas may take only minutes, while larger chest regions could take an hour or more for treatment.
Once laser light has been applied to hair follicles, its heat damages them so they no longer produce hair growth and secrete sebaceous fluid which keeps an area moist and healthy; this helps control inflammation related to HS.
Some doctors do not start off by suggesting laser hair removal as a treatment option for hereditary scoliosis, yet many do, and it has proven one of the most successful strategies available to address this condition. Unfortunately, however, laser hair removal can be expensive and has risks to consider as well as cost.
If you are considering laser hair removal to treat your hyperhidrosis (HS), be sure to select an experienced provider with plenty of experience in this type of cosmetic procedure. Verify whether they have been registered with a professional body to ensure they have met set standards of training and skill development, as well as whether or not the practitioner you select has been trained specifically to treat HS patients as they will provide advice for managing symptoms effectively.
Laser hair removal may cause side effects including burns to the skin, discoloration, hypo- or hyperpigmentation, acne flare-ups, swelling around follicles and the formation of scabs. Most mild side effects can be managed at home; anyone experiencing severe side effects should contact their physician or visit an emergency room immediately.
Will Laser Hair Removal Help Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
Although laser hair removal may not provide a cure for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), it can provide temporary relief of symptoms and help you live more comfortably. Furthermore, it may prevent future infections. It’s a straightforward, noninvasive, painless procedure with long-term results; ask your physician about it today if you’re struggling with HS.
Laser hair removal is considered cosmetic surgery and therefore most insurance policies don’t cover it. If there is an underlying medical condition or circumstance which makes you eligible, however, you could try convincing your insurer to cover this procedure.
Laser hair removal’s primary objective is to eradicate unwanted hair. During the procedure, heat from a laser vaporizes hair follicles to decrease their likelihood of becoming infected and reduce the chance of scarring from infections that could arise as a result.
Before seeing significant results from laser treatment, it may take multiple sessions. You should use sunscreen daily and avoid darkening creams as these could interfere with its results. Likewise, during treatment it’s wise to refrain from shaving or any other hair removal methods in the area and to wear sunscreen at all times. For darker skin tones, your doctor might also suggest skin bleaching treatments prior to beginning laser treatments.
Some individuals living with hyperhidrosis (HS) find that laser hair removal helps their condition by decreasing sweat production. Sweat glands are connected to hair follicles and can become infected if clogged up with hair or dead skin; laser treatments are an effective way of clearing this build-up and preventing future bouts of folliculitis from happening.
However, you should keep in mind that laser therapy should only be considered in cases of severe hyperhidrosis (HS). If a flare up has resulted in painful abscesses on your skin, laser treatments must wait until after it has healed completely before proceeding with laser treatments. You should speak to your physician first about whether laser treatments would be an option for you as a candidate for treatment.
