Alopecia Areata: Good Response to Treatment with Fractional Laser in 5 Cases

In a 2016 study, five patients with alopecia areata were treated with a 1550 nm erbium glass fractional laser. The group, consisting of three women and two men aged between 44 and 59, had varying durations of alopecia areata from 1 month to 19 years and different treatment histories. They received 2 to 3 laser sessions with 3-6 week intervals, using fluences of 30-45 mJ/cm². Results showed early hair regrowth at 2 weeks, with full or nearly full regrowth at 3 months. During a follow-up of 2 to 4 years, no recurrence was observed in the treated areas, except for one patient who developed new plaques. The only side effect was pain during treatment. The study suggested that fractional laser treatment is a quick, even, and safe method to stimulate hair regrowth in alopecia areata patients, but called for further research to confirm these findings and refine treatment parameters.