The Use of a 1,540 nm Fractional Erbium-Glass Laser in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata
July 2019
in “
Lasers in surgery and medicine
”
Studysummary This study found that 1,540 nm fractional erbium-glass laser treatment combined with topical minoxidil significantly increased hair regrowth in alopecia areata patches compared to minoxidil alone, with response rates of 60% versus 16%, though the long-term effects remain unknown. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
The study assessed the effectiveness of a 1,540 nm fractional erbium-glass laser in treating alopecia areata (AA) by comparing two groups: one receiving laser therapy and topical minoxidil, and a control group receiving only minoxidil. After six weeks of treatment and a six-week follow-up, the study group showed a 30% hair increment and a 60% response rate, while the control group showed a 6.45% hair increment and a 16% response rate. The erbium-glass laser appeared effective in promoting hair regrowth in AA, potentially through thermal effects on the dermis or enhanced minoxidil delivery, though the durability of the response remained unknown.
