Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Dermatology and Venerology

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a non-scarring tissue-specific autoimmune disorder. Many therapeutic modalities are available for the treatment of AA, but none has yet proven to be uniformly effective. Fractional Carbon Dioxide (FRCO₂) laser has been introduced as a treatment modality for AA. Aim of work: To evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of FR CO₂ laser in treatment of AA, either used alone or in combination with Betamethasone valerate cream. Methodology: A total of 30 patients with AA were enrolled in the study. They were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups, Group A (FR CO₂ alone) Group B (FRCO2 plus Betamethasone valerate cream) or group C (Betamethasone valerate cream). Patients received 8 laser treatment sessions two weeks apart. Comparative assessment was carried out using SALT score , trichoscopic scaled scores of dystrophic and terminal hairs percentage, and physician global assessment. Adverse effects were monitored clinically, trichoscopically, and via direct questioning. Results: A statistically significant reduction in dystrophic hair percentage was observed in groups A, B and C (p=0.004, p=0.005p=0.009) respectively, A statistically significant increase in terminal hair percentage (p=0.003, p=0.004, p=0.009)was noted.The percentage of reduction in SALT score for groups A, B and C was (67%, 63.81%, 46%) respectively, The reduction in SALT score was statistically significant higher among FR CO₂ group compared to Betamethasone valerate group (p=0.002) and in FR CO₂ plus betamethasone valerate group compared to Betamethasone valerate group (p=0.003)

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