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Real members of myHSteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Lately I've been reading a bit about laser hair removal being a possible treatment method in the earlier stages of hs before it has progressed further along, so I'm hoping that I can learn more about this method & possibly hear of others personal experiences or opinions regarding trying out some laser hair removal for reducing their hs flare ups? πŸ€·πŸΎβ€β™€οΈ

I would appreciate any feedback anyone has about this topic? πŸ˜ŒπŸ™πŸΎπŸ’• because laser hair removal treatments would probably be quite expensive for… read more

November 26, 2025
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A myHSteam Member

I have mild stage 1 and pay for laser hair removal. It gives me peace of mind knowing it thins the hair out quite dramatically, so there’s less likeliness of issues with hair follicles, and is a non-invasive form of treatment compared with medications etc.

I would definitely recommend getting someone experienced with HS to do your laser hair removal.

I pay privately at the hospital for it, but the woman who does mine does also do people with more severe HS on the NHS using a different type of laser called a YAG I think (I am uk based) as she says it can help support them with reducing inflammation.

Please be aware that it will take multiple sessions, and also upkeep (I had 6 sessions, 6 weeks in between) and now I have a top up ever three-four months. The colour of your hair and skin will also impact how effectively the laser takes to it (I have some darker hair and some lighter/redder hair which doesn’t react as well), but the person will talk about this all with you. Good luck!

November 27, 2025 (edited)
A myHSteam Member

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with me dear πŸ˜ŠπŸ™πŸΎπŸ’• & I really appreciate you explaining all that to me! πŸ‘πŸΎπŸ˜ŒπŸ’―

Hopefully I can find someone who specialises in treating people with hs, if I manage to save up enough to do it! πŸ™πŸΎ

But as far as I'm aware, the hospitals don't do it around here tho πŸ€·πŸΎβ€β™€οΈ so I'll try to google & find someone who might have experience with treating people with hs in Sydney, Australia! β˜ΊοΈπŸ‡¦πŸ‡ΊπŸ¦˜πŸ’•πŸ¨

I hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead & many blessings to you dear!!! πŸ™πŸΎπŸ˜‡βœοΈπŸ™ŒπŸΎπŸ’—πŸ•ŠοΈπŸŒ»πŸ«ΆπŸΎπŸ’―πŸŒ…πŸ’–

November 27, 2025
myHSteam

Has laser hair removal helped others with HS flare-ups, and is it worth the cost?

Many myHSteam members have found laser hair removal helpful! One member shared, "I am getting laser hair removal treatments under my arm and groin area. It has helped a lot." Another wrote, "Anyone who is able to should definitely get laser Show Full Answer

Has laser hair removal helped others with HS flare-ups, and is it worth the cost?

Many myHSteam members have found laser hair removal helpful! One member shared, "I am getting laser hair removal treatments under my arm and groin area. It has helped a lot." Another wrote, "Anyone who is able to should definitely get laser hair removal done. Best decision I ever made."

Another member noted, "I have had three sessions of laser diode treatment in my underarms. Just after two sessions, my hair nearly disappeared. Let's see how they will be working for my HS."

Laser hair removal works by targeting hair follicles, which are central to HS development. The treatment has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects that can potentially reduce flare-ups by:

β€’ Decreasing the number of hair follicles
β€’ Reducing bacteria load
β€’ Decreasing sebum production

Clinical studies show this approach is most effective for people with Hurley stage 1 and stage 2 HS (earlier stages). It can produce long-term remissions in some cases. However, there are important considerations before investing:

Best candidates: Laser works best if you have lighter skin with dark hair, though options exist for darker skin tones. It's not suitable for severe HS (Hurley stage 3) or those with blonde/gray hair.

Not permanent: Hair will regrow between several months to a few years, appearing thinner and lighter. You'll need follow-up sessions to maintain results.

Professional treatment essential: You must see a board-certified dermatologist experienced with laser treatments for HS. Avoid at-home laser devices, which can cause burns, scars, and worsen symptoms.

Side effects: One member shared, "I had laser hair removal in both of my armpits. Most of my hair follicles were removed. The healing process was quite painful." Common side effects include discomfort, redness, and swelling that typically last 1-3 days.

Given the cost, consulting with a dermatologist experienced in treating HS can help you determine if you're a good candidate and whether the investment makes sense for your specific situation.

November 26, 2025
A myHSteam Member

Thank you so much for your very helpful reply to my question β‰οΈπŸ˜ŠπŸ’• & I'm so glad to hear that laser hair removal has actually been very helpful to some people who were fortunate enough to be able to try it!!! πŸ‘πŸΎπŸ₯°πŸŒ»πŸ™πŸΎπŸ’―πŸ’–

November 26, 2025

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