Evaluation of the Efficacy of Excimer Light 308 nm Wavelength Versus Low Level Laser in Treatment of Alopecia Areata

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a non-scaring alopecia which can affect any body hairy area. Excimer light 308 nm is a UVB irradiation with immunosuppressive effects. Low level light therapy (LLLT) emits low energy visible and infrared irradiation to modulate biological processes in cell. This study aimed to evaluate efficacy and safety  of excimer light 308 nm versus LLLT in treatment of AA. Methods: Thirty patients with multilocular AA of the scalp were collected after excluding those with alopecia totalis, universalis, AA in other body sites than scalp, those with other systemic or dermatological diseases, those received topical therapy in the last 2 weeks or systemic therapy for AA in the last three months, pregnant and lactating females. Patients were distributed into two equal groups; group A was treated by excimer lamp and group B was treated by LLLT. Sessions were repeated twice weekly for 3 months and patients were followed for 3 months. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by severity of alopecia tool score (SALT score) and Dermoscopy; at baseline, at end of sessions and at follow up. Results: A statistically significant improvement was detected in treated patches of both groups than control patches at end of sessions and only in group A at follow up. There was no statistically significant difference between both groups according to short vellus hair and regrowing hair at end of sessions and at follow up in dermoscopy. Side effects reported were minimal and transient in both groups. Conclusion: Both excimer light and LLLT are safe and effective in treatment of AA. Apart from its relatively higher cost, Excimer light induced better and more sustained improvement than LLLT.