Platelet-rich plasma injections can be regarded as an alternative for the treatment of female pattern hair loss with minimal morbidity and a low cost-to-benefit ratio.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) vs combined fractional CO2 (Fr: CO2) laser with PRP in the treatment of stable nonsegmental vitiligo (NSV) lesions.Patients and methodsThis prospective, randomized, intrapatient, comparative controlled study was conducted between June 2014 and June 2016 at National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences (NILES), Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. Thirty NSV patients were treated with PRP, Fr: CO2 laser, and combined Fr: CO2 laser with PRP. Intrapatient lesions were divide randomly into four groups. Each group was treated by one modality. The fourth group served as a control.Patients received six treatment sessions with 2-week interval for 3 months and were followed up after 3 months.ResultsA highly significant reduction was demonstrated through vitiligo analysis by computer-assisted grid (VACAG) in the combined Fr: CO2 laser with PRP and in the PRP only groups than other groups. These results were confirmed by mean improvement score by physician (MISP) and by VAS with no statistical difference between them. The combined Fr: CO2 laser with PRP group showed minimal side effects. Regardless of the modalities, better improvement was seen in the trunk than the face, extremities, and acral lesions with significant reduction in all regions. Face showed maximum response with combined Fr: CO2 laser with PRP. Trunk showed higher response with PRP. Upper limbs showed highest response with combined Fr: CO2 laser with PRP. Lower limbs showed the highest improvement with Fr: CO2 laser.ConclusionAccording to our study, combined Fr: CO2 laser with PRP achieved superior repigmentation than intradermal (ID) PRP. However, Fr: CO2 alone showed poor improvement. Combined ablative Fr: CO2 laser and PRP therapy followed by sun exposure could be used effectively and safely to treat refractory NSV.

Summary Background Fractional CO2 laser and platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) treatments have been used in the treatment of acne scars. However, an objective method of assessment has been lacking. Objective To evaluate the efficacy of CO2 laser versus the combination of PRP and fractional CO2 laser in treatment of acne scar. Patients and methods Thirty patients with atrophic acne scar lesions were included in this study. Patients were randomized to receive fractional CO2 laser therapy to one side of the face while the other side of the face was treated with fractional CO2 laser followed by intradermal PRP injection. Follow‐up using the skin analysis camera system and photography was done for three months. Results A dramatic improvement was observed in the scar depth on both sides of the face. However, the combined fractional CO2 laser and PRP showed more significant improvement. Improvements in the scar appearance and skin texture were reported by the patients. Although 70% of our patients were of a dark skin type, no hyperpigmentation was reported. Conclusion The combined use of fractional CO2 laser and PRP achieved better results. It reduced the downtime of the fractional CO2 laser. The use of the skin analysis camera provided an objective assessment of the results.

The combination of MB as a photosensitizer activated with 630 nm IPL as a light source is a successful PDT for HS. Delivery of MB in niosomes was more effective for drug penetration to the dermis compared with delivery by FMB gel. The 630 nm filter was not only a source of activation of MB but also a means of hair-follicle destruction.

Lasers, 595-nm pulsed dye and 1,064-nm neodymiumdoped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG), have been used successfully for the treatment of infantile hemangiomas (IHs). Recently the use of a topical b-blocker, specifically timolol maleate, has been promising in the treatment of IHs. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of topical timolol 5 mg/mL solution with that of combined sequential dual-wavelength laser in the treatment of IHs. Sixty children with IHs were divided randomly into two equal groups. Group 1 was treated with applications of timolol drops (5 mg/mL) twice daily. Group 2 was treated with sequential pulsed dye and Nd:Yag laser. Treatments were performed every month for a maximum of six sessions. Efficacy was evaluated clinically and by measuring the average hemoglobin level. A significant decrease in the average hemoglobin level was determined in both groups and a dramatic response was observed in superficial hemangiomas in the timolol group. The timolol group received treatment for an average of 4.0 AE 1.1 months and the laser group for 5.5 AE 0.9 months. The degree of improvement of mixed hemangiomas to laser treatment was greater than that of the timolol group. During 3 months of follow-up, no further improvement or relapse was reported in either group. Timolol solution is a safe and effective alternative to laser treatment in superficial hemangiomas. In mixed hemangiomas, the combined sequential 595-nm and 1,064-nm dual-wavelength laser provided better results than timolol solution because it penetrated deeply so that deep dermal blood vessels were reached.