Hi XXXXXXX

Thanks for the query. I understand your daughters concern. It is an embarrassing to any girl to have hairs on the face. But do not worry. I shall give you some details that will help you help her with this problems.

Excessive hairs on the body with respect to site, age, sex is called hirsutism. It may be associated with few medical conditions like hormonal disorders like Polycystic ovary disease, some ovarian tumours that secret androgens, adrenal hyperplasia, etc.

I suggest you to visit a competent dermatologist or gynecologist for detailed examination; to undergo few tests like Ultrasonography of abdomen and pelvis, Serum DHEA levels, Serum FSH /LH, Serum free testosterone levels, etc. to narrow down the cause.

As far as treating this condition is concerned, the following measures will be helpful

1. Medications - Several medications which are available under prescription of a doctor can help in treating hirsutism. These medications can decrease the amount of body hair, stop the growth of new hair, and decrease the growth rate and coarseness of existing hair. They include
a) Birth control pills — Birth control pills change the levels of several hormones, including androgens. They are usually the first choice for the treatment of hirsutism. 60 and 80 percent of women with hirsutism have noted improvement after taking these pills. The birth control pills also have an added advantage to treat menstrual problems if any
b) Anti-androgens — Anti-androgens are medications that directly decrease androgen production or block the action of androgens on the hair follicle. Drugs like spironolactone, finasteride, cyproterone acetate belong to this category.

A dermatologist can prescribe these medications to your daughter. Most of these medications must be taken for at least six months before improvement is detectable, and not all medications are equally effective in all women.

2. Hair removal and lightening - Several methods can be used to physically remove or lighten excess hair so that it less noticeable.

a) Electrolysis and laser are both called “permanent hair reduction” techniques.
b) Shaving - Shaving is a safe and effective method for hair removal but may require daily sessions.
c) Chemical hair removal, waxing, and bleaching — Hair removal agents and wax can be used to remove hair, and bleaches can be used to lighten hair.
d) Electrolysis - Electrolysis damages individual hair follicles by inserting a very fine needle into the hair follicle and applying an electrical current. Electrolysis is best suited for treatment of small areas.
e) Creams - Eflornithine hydrochloride (Vaniqua®) is a skin cream which is available at some countries can be used to slow the growth of unwanted facial hair in women. It does not remove hair permanently. Noticeable results take about six to eight weeks, and once the cream is discontinued, hair returns to pretreatment levels after about eight weeks

As per my experience, of all the methods listed laser hair removal is best can be done by a dermatologist after history proper work up and investigations. Although expensive, laser hair removal is effective, faster, and less painful than electrolysis. It can often permanently reduce hair growth, particularly in those who are fair-skinned with dark hair.

If you wish to get your daughter treated by laser, she may require four to six treatments spaced approximately four to six weeks apart in order to achieve satisfactory hair removal, and maintenance treatments may be needed once every six to twelve months to remove the smaller fine hairs that grow back.

Hope I have provided you comprehensive methods to treat her. And I hope you find it helpful.

Please consult a dermatologist near your locality at an earliest and you can get the treatment started right away. Do not worry. This problem is not something that cannot be treated.

Should you have any further queries/doubts regarding the treatment options, feel free to post them. I will be available to address them. If you are satisfied with my response, do indicate it by accepting the answer.

Wish you and your daughter good health and bright future.

Regards
Dr Sudarshan

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Hi XXXXXXX

Both 1 and 2 can be started simultaneously.

You can start treatment presently.

Treatment line basically depends on cause of Hirsutism.

You can find a good laser centre in Ludhiana itself or Chandigarh.

There are no long term side effects of laser. Advanced lasers like Cutera are safe in experienced hands.

Laser will reduce growth in 6-8 sittings. 60 -80% hair will be reduced to fine baby like hairs.
It will also require maintenance laser treatments at 6 months.

If you are satisfied with my response, do indicate it by accepting the answer.

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