Sameer Zimmo

Alexandrite laser hair removal is safe for Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI

Background. Various lasers have been developed for epilation of unwanted hair. Most studies, however, have been done in white patients with minimal reference to dark‐skinned individuals. Objective. To determine the safety profile of a long‐pulsed alexandrite laser for hair removal in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI exclusively. Methods. Prospective clinical evaluation conducted from June 1998 to April 1999 at a referral private clinic. Prelaser skin testing was performed starting at 16 J/cm2 and energy fluence selected according to response. Complications were recorded at each visit. Results. One hundred and fifty patients are reported (18 men and 132 women) ranging in age from 15 to 50 years, for a total of 550 treatment sites. Complications occurred in only 2% of cases. Conclusion. The long‐pulsed alexandrite laser is safe for hair removal in darker skin tones. Prelaser skin testing was not helpful in this study, as there was no relationship between skin reaction and the incidence of complications.

The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus among drug-dependent patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of HIV among drug-dependent patients in Jeddah. Between January 1 1995 and May 31 1996, all the patients admitted into the Al Amal Hospital for drug dependence were screened for HIV by Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) and confirmed by Western blot. Those positive by the two tests were questioned about exposure to the risk factors for HIV infection and examined for clinical evidence of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Of 2628 admitted, 5 tested positive by EIA but only 4 were confirmed by Western blot, giving an overall prevalence of 0.15%. Three of the four HIV carriers used the intravenous route for drug use and the calculated prevalence for 2102 intravenous drug users was 0.14%. None of the patients showed any clinical evidence of AIDS. In view of the known preference by drug-dependent patients in Jeddah for the parenteral route and their sharing of needles and syringes, recommendations are made to prevent the spread of HIV through this group and into the community.