TLDR Low-level laser therapy may help with hair regrowth in alopecia areata but its effectiveness for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis needs more research.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is being investigated as a treatment for immune-mediated skin diseases like alopecia areata (AA), psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. It works by stimulating mitochondrial activity, which can lead to tissue regeneration, reduced inflammation, and pain relief. Studies have shown promising results for AA, with one study reporting hair regrowth in 32 out of 34 patches, and another indicating 46.7% of patients had earlier hair regrowth in treated areas. However, the effectiveness of LLLT for psoriasis is unclear, with mixed results from different studies. For atopic dermatitis, LLLT may be effective but there is a risk of exacerbating Th2-mediated conditions. Despite its safety and lack of side effects, further research is needed to confirm LLLT's efficacy and to potentially extend its use to other immune-mediated diseases.
33 citations,
January 2021 in “Aesthetic Surgery Journal” Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) is a safe and effective method for skin rejuvenation, acne treatment, wound healing, body contouring, and hair growth, but more well-designed trials are needed for confirmation.
28 citations,
December 2017 in “Lasers in Medical Science” Monochromatic light devices, especially the 308-nm excimer laser, are promising for treating alopecia areata but more research is needed.
9 citations,
April 2009 in “Dermatologic surgery” Infrared light might help treat stubborn alopecia areata.
63 citations,
January 2006 in “Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy” The pulsed infrared diode laser is effective for treating hair loss in alopecia areata.
May 2023 in “Journal of Clinical Medicine” New understanding and treatments for hair loss are improving, but more research is needed.
6 citations,
September 2022 in “Journal of Clinical Medicine” The treatment might help COVID-19 related hair loss, but more research is needed.
28 citations,
December 2017 in “Lasers in Medical Science” Monochromatic light devices, especially the 308-nm excimer laser, are promising for treating alopecia areata but more research is needed.
46 citations,
September 2010 in “Southern Medical Journal” Hair loss treatments include medications and new methods like low-level light therapy, which may work by boosting cell activity and blood flow.
July 2023 in “Journal of lasers in medical sciences” Red laser therapy helped regrow hair in an alopecia areata patient within 21 days.
