Endocrine Abstracts

Cosmetic aspects of PCOS

R Chadwick

Sheffield College, Sheffield, Yorkshire, United Kingdom.

For patients diagnosed with PCOS, hirsutism is likely to be identified in over 50% of cases. This, along with other distressing symptoms, can have a profound psychological effect on the patient.

My lecture will focus on the treatment of hirsutism with particular emphasis on electrical epilation- the only treatment available which has potential to achieve permanency.

I will discuss temporary methods of hair removal and their affects on both the hair and the skin, plus the implications for the patient.

I shall include a brief history of the treatment plus a full explanation of how electrical epilation achieves its effects, the use of different types of currents, advantages and disadvantages and the possibility of scarring.

Another feature of PCOS is Acne. A wide range of prescription drugs are available to treat Acne. I will look at treatment from the Beauty Therapist’s point of view; i.e. the different treatments available and products for use on the Acne Patient, advantages and disadvantages, plus limitations for success.

Conclusion:: I aim to provide valuable information for the medic with regard to the ‘treatment’ of the patient suffering from hirsutism and/or Acne, the result of PCOS.

Endocrine Abstracts (2005) 10 S35