Fractionated CO2 Laser in Combination with Topical Tacrolimus for Chronic Alopecia Areata: A Case Series Study

This case series study examines the effectiveness of combining fractionated CO2 laser (FCL) with topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment for treating chronic alopecia areata (AA) in three patients unresponsive to corticosteroids for over 12 months. After 16 weeks, all patients experienced significant hair regrowth and improved trichoscopic parameters in areas treated with both FCL and tacrolimus, compared to tacrolimus alone. The study suggests that this combination may be a promising alternative for AA patients, particularly those who cannot use JAK inhibitors or corticosteroids due to side effects. However, the study's small sample size and lack of a control group highlight the need for further research to validate these findings.