Targeted Photochemotherapy in Alopecia Areata

October 2013 in “ Photodermatology Photoimmunology & Photomedicine ”

Gürol Açıkgöz, Hakan Yeşil, Ercan Çalışkan, Mustafa Tunca, Ahmet Akar

targeted photochemotherapy alopecia areata UVA phototherapy topical 8-methoxypsoralen 8-MOP patchy alopecia areata AA UVA therapy

TLDR The treatment is a safe and effective option for hair regrowth in patchy alopecia areata.

The study assessed the efficacy and safety of targeted UVA phototherapy combined with topical 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) in treating patchy alopecia areata (AA). Seven patients underwent 15 to 24 sessions of this treatment, with UVA doses ranging from 7.5 to 39.6 J/cm². The results showed an average response score of 2, indicating cosmetically acceptable hair regrowth. The study concluded that this treatment could be a viable and safe alternative for patients with patchy AA, particularly for those who are not suitable for systemic and invasive treatments.

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Research cited in this study

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research Alopecia Areata Update

244 citations, January 2010 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

The document says current treatments for alopecia areata do not cure or prevent it, and it's hard to judge their effectiveness due to spontaneous remission and lack of studies.

research Alopecia Areata: Evidence-Based Treatments

71 citations, March 2009 in “Seminars in cutaneous medicine and surgery”

Alopecia areata can cause unpredictable hair loss, and treatments like corticosteroids and minoxidil may help but have varying side effects.

research Interventions for Alopecia Areata

164 citations, April 2008 in “Cochrane library”

Current treatments for alopecia show no significant long-term benefits.

research Guidelines for the Management of Alopecia Areata

182 citations, October 2003 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

The 2003 guidelines suggest that while some treatments can regrow hair in alopecia areata, none alter the disease's progression, and wigs may be the best option for extensive hair loss.

research Efficacy of Topical Sensitizers in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

132 citations, November 1998 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Topical sensitizers have mixed success in treating alopecia areata.

research The Pathogenesis of Alopecia Areata

89 citations, October 1996 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

Alopecia areata is likely caused by a combination of genetic factors and immune system dysfunction, and may represent different diseases with various causes.