Evaluation of Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Alone Versus Its Combination With Betamethasone Valerate in Treatment of Alopecia Areata: A Clinical and Dermoscopic Study
September 2022
in “
Archives of dermatological research
”
Studysummary In this study, fractional CO2 laser treatment for alopecia areata was found to significantly increase terminal hair and patient satisfaction compared to betamethasone valerate cream alone, highlighting its efficacy and safety both as a standalone and combined treatment. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
The study evaluated the efficacy and safety of fractional carbon dioxide (FRCO2) laser treatment for alopecia areata (AA), both alone and in combination with betamethasone valerate cream, compared to the cream alone. It involved 30 patients divided into three groups, with treatments over a 4-month period consisting of eight laser sessions at 2-week intervals. Results showed a significant decrease in Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score and dystrophic hair, and an increase in terminal hair across all groups. Patient satisfaction and SALT score reduction were significantly higher in the groups treated with FRCO2 laser, with or without the cream. However, there was no significant difference between the FRCO2 laser alone and the combination treatment. The study concluded that FRCO2 laser is a safe and effective treatment for AA and is superior to betamethasone valerate cream monotherapy.