Combination of Photodynamic Therapy with 5-Aminolaevulinic Acid and Microneedling in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata Resistant to Conventional Therapies: Our Experience with 41 Patients

August 2019 in “ Clinical and Experimental Dermatology ”

Caterina M. Giorgio, Graziella Babino, Stefano Caccavale, Teresa Russo, A. De Rosa, Robert R. Alfano, Elisabetta Fulgione, Giuseppe Argenziano

photodynamic therapy 5-aminolaevulinic acid microneedling alopecia areata hair regrowth PDT ALA MN AA

From the encyclopedia

Microneedling →

technique to create small wounds in skin to activate collagen production and hair growth

Alopecia Areata →

autoimmune disorder causing patchy hair loss

Studysummary This study suggests that combining microneedling with ALA-photodynamic therapy may be a promising treatment option for moderate to severe alopecia areata, achieving significant hair regrowth in some patients.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The study evaluated the effectiveness of combining photodynamic therapy (PDT) with 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) and microneedling (MN) in treating alopecia areata (AA) that is resistant to conventional therapies. The combination therapy provided better results in terms of hair regrowth in the treatment of moderate to severe AA. The study involved 41 patients and suggests that this combination therapy may be a promising treatment option for AA.

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Research cited in this study

4 / 4 results

research Alopecia Areata: Treatment Options and Efficacy

182 citations , December 2017 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This article reviews current and emerging treatments for alopecia areata, including Janus kinase inhibitors, highlighting variability in clinical outcomes and the lack of sustained remission.

research Three-Microneedle Device as an Effective Option for Intralesional Corticosteroid Administration for the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

7 citations , June 2017 in “The Journal of Dermatology”

This abstract notes a disclaimer about supporting information and does not report new research findings.

research Scalp Roller Therapy in Resistant Alopecia Areata

14 citations , January 2014 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

Scalp Roller therapy helped improve hair growth in patients with hard-to-treat alopecia areata.

Photodynamic Therapy with Methyl 5-Aminolevulinate Acid Might Be Ineffective in Recalcitrant Alopecia Totalis Regardless of Using a Microneedle Roller to Increase Skin Penetration

research Photodynamic Therapy with Methyl 5-Aminolevulinate Acid Might Be Ineffective in Recalcitrant Alopecia Totalis Regardless of Using a Microneedle Roller to Increase Skin Penetration

27 citations , May 2010 in “Dermatologic surgery”

This study found that photodynamic therapy with methyl 5-aminolevulinic acid was ineffective for treating alopecia totalis, even with microneedle rolling to enhance drug delivery.