Attitudes and Motivations of Patients Seeking Electrolysis Hair Removal
Journal of Pan-Arab League of Dermatologists
Vol. 19, No. 3, October 2008 Page 9- 12
Attitudes and Motivations of Patients Seeking Electrolysis Hair Removal
Sahar H Al-Natour
King Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Abstract
Background: Excess hair (hirsutism) is a frustratingproblem causing emotional stress, lowself-image, and other forms of psychologicalproblems.
Objective: To look into the attitudes and motivationsof patients seeking electrolysis for hairremoval of excess hair.
Material and Methods: A total of 119 patientswith hirsutism were studied. All but one werefemales with ages ranging from 10-65 years.Local anesthesia wasapplied 1 hour prior tothe treatments. A questionnaire was filled out byevery patient and each was interviewed prior tothe treatment regarding the attitudes andmotivationsfor undergoing this procedure.
Results: The concern over the problem of havingexcess hair was consistent with what is seenin other cosmetic image problems. All patientssuffered some form ofpsychological disturbanceor anxiety of various degrees. The attitudesand motivations towards the electrosurgicalepilation treatment of excess hair correlatedwiththat seen in other cosmetic procedures.70.58% of the patients were satisfied withtreatment results and would do it again.
Conclusion: Electrolysis can facilitate the restorationof the innate confidence and selfesteemof a person suffering from excess hair.The underlying motives for thechoice to pursuesuch treatment are influenced by social and culturalnorms.
Journal of Pan-Arab League of Dermatologists
Vol. 19, No. 3, October 2008 Page 9- 12
Attitudes and Motivations of Patients Seeking Electrolysis Hair Removal
Sahar H Al-Natour
King Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Abstract
Background: Excess hair (hirsutism) is a frustratingproblem causing emotional stress, lowself-image, and other forms of psychologicalproblems.
Objective: To look into the attitudes and motivationsof patients seeking electrolysis for hairremoval of excess hair.
Material and Methods: A total of 119 patientswith hirsutism were studied. All but one werefemales with ages ranging from 10-65 years.Local anesthesia wasapplied 1 hour prior tothe treatments. A questionnaire was filled out byevery patient and each was interviewed prior tothe treatment regarding the attitudes andmotivationsfor undergoing this procedure.
Results: The concern over the problem of havingexcess hair was consistent with what is seenin other cosmetic image problems. All patientssuffered some form ofpsychological disturbanceor anxiety of various degrees. The attitudesand motivations towards the electrosurgicalepilation treatment of excess hair correlatedwiththat seen in other cosmetic procedures.70.58% of the patients were satisfied withtreatment results and would do it again.
Conclusion: Electrolysis can facilitate the restorationof the innate confidence and selfesteemof a person suffering from excess hair.The underlying motives for thechoice to pursuesuch treatment are influenced by social and culturalnorms.