# Unrecognized Cause of Native Valve Infective Endocarditis Due to Staphylococcus aureus: Laser Hair Removal

## TL;DR

A case of Staphylococcus aureus infective endocarditis is linked to laser hair removal, suggesting a possible but previously unrecognized risk.

## Contribution

This paper reports a novel potential cause of infective endocarditis associated with laser hair removal.

## Key findings

- A patient developed Staphylococcus aureus infective endocarditis after repeated laser hair removal sessions.
- Laser hair removal may compromise the skin barrier, allowing bacterial entry and subsequent infection.
- The case highlights the need for increased awareness of this rare but serious complication.

## Abstract

Laser hair removal for esthetic purposes has commonly been performed worldwide. This procedure is considered to be safe and effective, and severe complications such as systemic bacterial infections have seldom been reported. We present a case of native valve infective endocarditis (IE) potentially associated with laser hair removal. A 32-year-old female with a history of childhood atopic dermatitis presented with fever and arthralgia. She had been receiving monthly total body laser hair removal treatments for nine months. Physical examination revealed numerous painful purpuras on her fingers and soles. Laboratory examinations revealed a positive troponin level, and a 12-lead electrocardiogram revealed ST-segment elevation in inferolateral leads. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed mild wall motion abnormalities from the mid-posterior wall to the apex and thickening of the anterior mitral valve leaflet. Blood cultures grew methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Based on these findings, we made a diagnosis of native valve Staphylococcal IE and acute myocardial infarction due to septic embolism. Due to the progression of mitral valve destruction, she underwent mitral valve replacement surgery and received an eight-week course of antibiotics, leading to a successful recovery. This case highlights a potential association between laser hair removal and Staphylococcal IE. Laser hair removal may compromise the skin barrier, potentially allowing the entry of bacteria such as S. aureus. Increased awareness of this potential complication is necessary, especially in populations at high risk for IE. Further research is needed to investigate the link between laser hair removal and bacteremia, particularly in high-risk populations, to guide prevention strategies.