A review of monochromatic light devices for the treatment of alopecia areata
December 2017
in “Lasers in Medical Science”
TLDR Monochromatic light devices, especially the 308-nm excimer laser, are promising for treating alopecia areata but more research is needed.
The document reviewed the effectiveness of monochromatic light devices, such as lasers, in treating alopecia areata (AA). It analyzed ten clinical trials and seven case reports, with a majority showing positive results for hair regrowth, particularly with the 308-nm excimer laser/light. The review highlighted that this treatment appears safe and effective for AA in the scalp and beard across different age groups, including children. However, it also noted the need for larger, more rigorous trials to compare this therapy to standard treatments and to better assess the efficacy of other light therapies like low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and fractional laser therapy. The review included studies with a total of 94 subjects, with hair regrowth rates ranging from 36.9% to 100%, and discussed the potential limitations due to small sample sizes and the natural variability of AA. The cost of excimer laser treatment was mentioned as a possible barrier. The document concluded that while the 308-nm excimer laser and light show promise for treating AA, particularly in refractory cases, further research is necessary to confirm these findings and to understand the treatment's mechanisms.
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