Complementary Therapies for Idiopathic Hirsutism: Topical Licorice as a Promising Option

The study conducted a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial on 90 female subjects to compare the effectiveness of 755 nm alexandrite laser hair removal alone versus the combination of alexandrite laser with 15% topical licorice gel in treating idiopathic hirsutism. Subjects were divided into two groups: one received the laser treatment plus licorice gel (group A), and the other received laser treatment plus a placebo (group B). Treatments were applied to two separate zones on the face, twice daily for 24 weeks, with five laser sessions at 6-week intervals. The results showed a statistically significant reduction in the mean number of terminal hairs in group A compared to group B (p < 0.001), with no serious adverse reactions reported. The study concluded that the combination of alexandrite laser and topical licorice is more effective than laser treatment alone for idiopathic hirsutism.