I am 14 years old and have very thick, bushy, curly hair growth in my underarm and pubic area. I once tried shaving but cut myself badly. People in school make fun of me and I get very upset. I’d like to get rid of this, but don’t know how. Help!
Body hair growth is a normal change in puberty. That said, the changes can be quite exaggerated in a few individuals. However, the situation is not bleak, as there are several options to manage this. While shaving may have been very tough for a young person to handle, especially over difficult-to-reach areas, an eyebrow trimmer (comes battery-powered, and with a guard to prevent cuts) can be very useful if you want to consider periodic hair removal. A more effective means of hair removal, which would give you much more significant and long-lasting relief, would be laser hair removal. It is safe to undergo, and needs to be repeated for around 6 to 8 sessions in the first year, with 2 or 3 maintenance sessions in the following years, based on need, and on the body area treated. For someone who is undergoing significant distress because of excessive hair growth, laser hair removal is something, I would definitely recommend. Do make sure to consult an expert, considering the delicate areas to be treated. When you meet your dermatologist for this, she or he would also evaluate you for any hormonal issues, so that would also help with managing this.
Dr Renita Rajan is the Chief Consultant Dermatologist at RENDER Skin & Hair, a cosmetic dermatology clinic in Chennai
Nothing in this column is intended to be, and is not, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek independent advice from a licensed practitioner if you have any questions regarding a medical condition. Email us with your questions at mp_health@thehindu.co.in
