Clinical efficacy of low-level laser therapy for androgenetic alopecia

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-level laser therapy (LLLT)for androgenetic alopecia, and to compare the therapeutic effect of LLLT alone versus in combination with finasteride tablets. Methods Thirty-nine male patients were randomly divided into the LLLT group (n = 21)and combination group (n = 18)to be treated with LLLT alone or in combination with oral finasteride tablets (1 mg/d)for 6 months. LLLT was given twice a week, and each session lasted 30 minutes. All the patients were photographed and asked to fill a questionnaire about subjective symptoms, and hair density (the number of hairs per unit area on the scalp)was determined by using a dermatoscope to evaluate the grade of alopecia, before the treatment, and 3 and 6 months after the treatment. Results The hair density in the LLLT group was significantly higher after 6 months than after 3 months of treatment and before the treatment (184.59±21.17 vs. 169.24±29.21 and 166.67±32.94 hairs/cm2, both P 0.05). The hair density in the combination group significantly increased after 6 and 3 months of treatment compared with that before the treatment (201.80±16.55 and 186.39±17.97 vs. 157.85±27.97 hairs/cm2, both P 0.05), but the combination group showed increased hair density compared with the LLLT group after 3 and 6 months of treatment (both P 0.05). During the treatment, 24 (62%)patients felt less greasy, and 22 (56%)reported less hair loss, with no discomforts reported by the patients except local warm feeling. Conclusion LLLT is indeed effective for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia with no adverse reactions. Key words: Alopecia; Laser therapy, low-level; Finasteride; Treatment outcome; Randomized controlled trial