Targeted photochemotherapy in alopecia areata
Gürol Açıkgöz1, Hakan Yeşil, Ercan Çalışkan
1Department of Dermatology, Gülhane School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine
|October 10, 2013
Summary
Topical 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) with targeted UVA phototherapy shows promise for treating alopecia areata (AA). This combination therapy resulted in cosmetically acceptable hair regrowth for patients with patchy AA.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Phototherapy
- Hair Restoration
Background:
- Alopecia areata (AA) is a prevalent condition causing localized, non-scarring hair loss.
- Topical 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) combined with targeted ultraviolet A (UVA) phototherapy is an emerging treatment for AA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical 8-MOP plus targeted UVA phototherapy for patchy AA.
- To determine the treatment outcomes in patients with alopecia areata receiving this combined therapy.
Main Methods:
- Seven patients with patchy AA received topical 8-MOP application followed by UVA irradiation.
- Treatment consisted of 3 sessions per week, totaling 15 to 24 sessions.
- Patient response was assessed using a four-point scale for hair regrowth.
Main Results:
- Patients received a mean cumulative UVA dose ranging from 7.5 to 39.6 J/cm².
- The average response score across all 7 patients was 2, indicating cosmetically acceptable hair regrowth.
- The treatment demonstrated positive outcomes in promoting hair regrowth in the targeted lesions.
Conclusions:
- Targeted UVA phototherapy with topical 8-MOP presents a potentially effective and safe treatment option for patchy AA.
- This therapeutic approach may be particularly suitable for patients who cannot tolerate systemic or invasive treatments.
- The findings suggest this protocol as a viable alternative for managing alopecia areata.
