Expanding Access to Care

Laser hair removal (LHR) is an effective adjunctive therapy for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), but access is often limited by inconsistent insurance coverage. A retrospective review was conducted of 21 pediatric and young adult patients enrolled in an LHR program for HS at a tertiary children's hospital. Among patients receiving two or more sessions (n = 20), 86% demonstrated visible hair thinning or reduced hair regrowth on examination, and 81% self-reported decreased flare severity or frequency, with no adverse events observed. All treatments were ultimately covered by insurance through a standardized prior authorization process, supporting the feasibility of expanding access to LHR for pediatric and young adult patients with HS.

Abstract from PubMed