Beliefs & Perceptions about Laser Hair Removal Amongst Students of a Private Medical College in Islamabad

Abstract

Background: It was hypothesized that misconceptions prevail amongst undergraduate medical students about laser hair removal.

Objectives: To determine the extent of misconceptions about laser hair removal amongst undergraduate medical students.

Methods: The students of Foundation University Medical College of the first four year classes were included in the study. These students completed a specially designed questionnaire.

Results: A total of three hundred and forty five students participated in the study. The age range was from 17-21 years. The male to female ratio was 1:1.75. With respect to the side effects of laser hair removal, 72% believed that laser treatment is harmful to skin, 68% believed that laser treatment causes skin cancers, 64% believed that laser treatment causes eye damage and 10% believed that laser treatment is extremely painful. On the issue of laser hair removal, 19% believed that laser treatment involves the use of a fine needle, 84% believed that laser hair removal is more effective than waxing of hair, 48% suggested that white hair can also be treated by laser, 11% suggested that laser hair removal involves a single treatment session and 9% suggested that laser hair removal alone is sufficient in a female with irregular menstrual cycle.

Conclusions: Misconceptions about laser hair removal prevail amongst our undergraduate medical students. An education program on laser hair removal is needed to improve their knowledge about this therapeutic option.

Key Words: laser, misconceptions, laser hair removal.