THE COMBINATION of fractional CO2 laser with topical dutasteride significantly improves male androgenic alopecia (AGA) compared to fractional CO2 laser alone. Androgenic alopecia, the most common form of non-scarring hair loss, is characterised by marked miniaturisation of hair follicles. Despite its prevalence, effective treatments remain limited, prompting ongoing research into novel approaches. Laser therapy has shown potential in promoting hair growth, with fractional CO2 laser emerging as a promising option. A recent study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of fractional CO2 laser treatment alone versus its combination with topical dutasteride in managing male AGA, focusing on dermoscopic and photographic outcomes, patient satisfaction, and side effects.
Thirty male patients with AGA were enrolled and divided into two groups. Both groups underwent three sessions of ablative fractional CO2 laser therapy on the scalp, spaced one month apart. Group I received laser therapy alone, while Group II was additionally treated with topical dutasteride immediately following each session and again fifteen days later. Outcomes were assessed through dermoscopy, photographic analysis, and patient satisfaction surveys. The combination treatment demonstrated statistically significant improvements in dermoscopic parameters and global photographic assessments compared to the laser-only group. Both groups exhibited noticeable progress, but the addition of topical dutasteride yielded enhanced outcomes in hair density and thickness. Side effects were minimal and well-tolerated in both groups.
These findings highlight the enhanced efficacy of combining fractional CO2 laser with topical dutasteride for treating male AGA. This combined approach not only improved clinical outcomes but also garnered higher patient satisfaction compared to laser therapy alone. For clinicians, this underscores the potential of integrated therapies in achieving better results for patients with challenging conditions like AGA. Future studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-ups are recommended to validate these findings and refine treatment protocols. Emphasising a personalised approach that incorporates novel combination therapies could significantly improve outcomes for individuals affected by AGA.
Abigail Craig, EMJ
Reference
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