308-nm excimer laser for the treatment of alopecia areata in children

Pediatr Dermatol. 2009 Sep-Oct;26(5):547-50. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1470.2009.00980.x.

Abstract

Alopecia areata (AA) is a common skin disease which is characterized by nonscarring localized or diffused hair loss. In this study we assessed the efficacy of 308-nm Excimer laser in the treatment of alopecia areata in children. A total of 9 children with 30 recalcitrant patches alopecia areata and two children with alopecia areata totalis were enrolled in this study which included seven male and four female patients, aged between 4 and 14 years and the durations of their disease were between 7 and 25 months. All of these patients had more than one lesion of alopecia areata and at least one of them was left as a control for comparison. The lesions were treated with the 308-nm Excimer laser twice a week for a period of 12 weeks. Regrowth of hair was observed in 18 (60%) alopecia patches in the scalp, while there was no response in the control patches and over the extremities. Only four patients with scalp lesions showed a recurrence of alopecia after 6 months post laser therapy. So, 308-nm Excimer laser is considered an effective safe therapeutic option for patchy alopecia areata in children.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Alopecia Areata / radiotherapy*
  • Arm
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Hair / growth & development
  • Hair / radiation effects
  • Humans
  • Lasers, Excimer*
  • Leg
  • Low-Level Light Therapy / instrumentation
  • Low-Level Light Therapy / methods*
  • Male
  • Scalp
  • Secondary Prevention
  • Treatment Outcome