Alterations in Scalp Microorganisms After Er:YAG Laser Treatment for Shanghai Androgenetic Alopecia Patients

May 2025 in “ Lasers in Medical Science ”

Jinfang Liu, Qingliang Wang, Rong Ma, Qian Du, Na Ni, Sijia Zhao, Caihong Sun, Qian Zhao, Yongxian Lai, Guangpeng Liu

Er: YAG laser androgenetic alopecia scalp microorganisms Cutibacterium spp. Staphylococcus spp. Firmicutes Staphylococcus capitis microtrauma scalp microbiota AGA Erbium YAG laser

TLDR Er: YAG laser treatment can help balance scalp bacteria in hair loss patients.

This study on 13 patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) examined the impact of Er: YAG laser treatment on scalp microorganisms. The treatment, which involved creating microtrauma to the scalp, was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and high-throughput DNA sequencing. Initially, the most prevalent bacteria were Cutibacterium spp. (53%) and Staphylococcus spp. (13%). Three days after treatment, there was a notable increase in Firmicutes, Staphylococcus spp., and Staphylococcus capitis. The results indicate that Er: YAG laser treatment may help modulate and restore the balance of scalp microbiota by enhancing the presence of certain bacteria, especially Staphylococcus spp.

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