Childhood Alopecia Areata Study Using the 308-nm Excimer Laser

The goal of this study is to assess the feasibility, safety and response to treatment of the use of the 308-nm excimer laser in children (age 6-17 years) diagnosed with patch type alopecia areata involving the scalp, present for more than 6 months duration. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria will be randomly enrolled in a treatment group or placebo group. Response to treatment during and after the 12-week laser treatment course will be measured in terms of hair regrowth utilizing the SALT score and 2 blinded evaluations of subject photographs. Specific Aims Evaluate the feasibility and safety of twice-weekly excimer laser treatments over a period of 12 weeks. Measures will include side effects, response to treatment (hair growth), tolerability of therapy, attrition, attendance, and overall satisfaction with this treatment modality.