The Source for Navy News
Laser May Be Career-Saver for Some Sailors and Marines
Story Number: NNS020401-04
Release Date: 4/1/2002 12:43:00 PM
From Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Public Affairs
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (NNS) -- Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune's new medical hair-removing laser may be a career-saver for some Sailors and Marines.
The laser, recently installed at the hospital, can treat Pseudo-Folliculitis Barbae (PFB), a facial skin inflammation caused by hair in-growth. It is most often found in men with thick, curly hair.
The most common treatment for severe PFB is to let beard hair grow out to a length that it doesn't curl back into the skin. However, because of grooming uniformity requirements, and safety and health concerns for Sailors and Marines in some jobs, beards and military service are incompatible. Many Sailors and Marines with severe PFB that could only be managed by growing a beard, were administratively discharged because of it.
But thanks to the Marines at Camp Lejeune, the hospital now has a state-of-the-art Lyra hair-removal laser system, the first and only FDA-approved laser to treat PFB in both light-skin and dark-skin patients.
"This is the first time 'green dollars' (Marine Corps funding) were used to purchase medical equipment (at the hospital)," said Cmdr. James M. Polo, Medical Corps, dermatology department head. "The commanding general realized the benefit this laser would have on the morale and welfare of his Marines, and made the funds available to purchase the laser system."
The laser costs about $75,000.
The treatment usually takes about 90 minutes. A topical anesthesia is used to limit discomfort. Within 48 hours, the treated hair begins to fall out. It will eventually grow back, but slowly, giving the inflamed bumps caused by in-grown hair time to heal. The hair texture will also be finer and straighter, making in-growth less likely.
According to Polo, Sailors and Marines need not worry that they'll never be able to grow a beard again. The hair texture may be different, but the majority of the hair and follicles in the treated areas are intact. A more conservative treatment that includes creams and special razors is available for Sailors and Marines who have mild recurring cases of PFB. Laser treatment is used only for more severe cases.
"So far we have successfully treated 40 patients," said Polo.
For more information about Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune, go to http://lej-www.med.navy.mil.
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