Low Level Laser versus Platelet-rich Plasma in Treatment of Alopecia Areata: A Randomized Controlled Intra-patient Comparative Study

Background: Non-scarring alopecia areata (AA) is a disease that is mediated through autoimmunity. Recently, autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and photobiomodulation (PBM), commonly known as low-level laser (or light, LLLT) have been suggested to provide a valuable role in stimulating the growth of hair follicles (HF) Aim: Compare between the significance and wellbeing of PRP and LLLT in the management of AA. Patients & methodology: Thirty patients, each having three patches of AA participated in the study. Patches were assigned randomly to have one of the two treatments: PRP or LLLT. The third patch served as a control and received placebo treatment. PRP was done once weekly whereas LLLT was done 3 sessions per week for a maximum of 6 weeks. Patients were followed up at one month and three months. The thickness and density of hair were evaluated by the folliscope. Results: A noteworthy higher improvement was detected in the thickness and the density of hair in the PRP treated patches as evaluated by the folliscope and patients satisfaction. The obtained outcomes were sustained during the 12 week follow-up period in most of patients. Conclusion: PRP and LLLT could be considered as efficacious alternatives for the treatments of  AA with the least morbidity in addition to a little cost profit ratio. KEYWORDS: Alopecia areata, platelet-rich plasma, folliscope, photobiomodulation, low level laser therapy.