A Comparative Study of Fractional CO2 Laser with Topical Triamcinolone Acetonide Versus Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

January 2024 in “ Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery ”

Harish Prasanna, Rajashekar Talari Srinivas, Suresh Kumar K, K Hanumanthayya, Priya Ravikumar

fractional CO2 laser topical triamcinolone acetonide intralesional triamcinolone acetonide alopecia areata GPA-scale LAD score VDS VAS skin atrophy CO2 laser triamcinolone ILS AA

Studysummary This study found that treating patchy alopecia areata with fractional CO2 laser and topical triamcinolone acetonide was more effective and safer than intralesional triamcinolone, despite higher initial discomfort, as it resulted in greater patient satisfaction and fewer adverse effects like skin atrophy.

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This study compared the efficacy and safety of fractional CO2 laser with topical triamcinolone acetonide versus intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (ILS) in treating alopecia areata (AA) in 60 patients. Group A (30 patients) received fractional CO2 laser with topical triamcinolone, while Group B (30 patients) received ILS. Both groups underwent five treatment sessions at 3-week intervals. Results showed that Group A had significantly better efficacy, with higher GPA-scale and LAD score improvements (P < 0.001). Despite higher discomfort (VDS) in Group A, patient satisfaction (VAS) was also higher (P < 0.001). Notably, 30% of Group B experienced skin atrophy. The study concluded that fractional CO2 laser with topical triamcinolone acetonide is more effective and safer than ILS for AA treatment.

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