Use of Lasers in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

Abstract

Alopecia areata (AA) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by round or oval patches of non-scarring hair loss that is mediated by lymphocytes affecting the hair follicles. To treat localized AA, intralesional corticosteroid injections and topical corticosteroids are most commonly used, while for widespread AA, systemic steroids, immunosuppresants, and contact immunotherapy are commonly considered. However, therapeutic options for refractory AA that is unresponsive to these conventional treatments are limited. Various lasers have been suggested in recent studies to treat AA. The effect of 308-nm excimer laser was the most studied, while others, including neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet, erbium:glass laser, fractional CO2 laser, and low-level laser therapy, have also been assessed. Despite the nascent state of research on lasers as a treatment option for AA, there have been a great deal of promising results. It is possible for lasers to become the mainstay treatment option of AA.