A Pilot Study of Revian Red All LED Cap as a Novel Treatment for Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia

Plain-language summary

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is form of scarring hair loss that predominately affects middle-aged women of African descent.1 . Clinically, the natural progression of CCCA starts at the crown as roughly circular scarred patches, which evolve into scarred areas increasing in size circumferentially. Characteristically, the scar is often smooth and shiny, and the hair density in the affected area is frequently decreased. The hair remaining in the scarred areas is more brittle and shorter than the hair in unaffected areas. Since CCCA is a scarring disorder, it can cause permanent hair loss, dyesthesias, and psychological distress which can affect overall quality of life. Affected individuals may complain of pruritus, pain, or tenderness.2 The management of CCCA is challenging due to limited current treatments and a lack of randomized controlled trails. Management focuses on behavioral and styling modifications, in addition to symptomatic relief. Any potentially damaging hair care practices such as chemical relaxers, heat application to the scalp, and the use of hardening gels and sprays are discouraged.3 Many commonly used therapies are anti-inflammatory in nature, including intralesional steroids, topical steroids, oral antibiotics and increased frequency of hair washing with antidandruff shampoos.4 These treatments not only lead to improvement in pruritus and tenderness, but in some cases result in increased hair density.5 Since there is limited investigation done to determine the most effective treatment approach for CCCA subjects, it would be of great benefit to determine if there is any advantage in using one particular anti-inflammatory therapy over others and whether one is more efficacious in relieving symptoms or promoting hair regrowth in follicles that have not yet become scarred. The Revian Red All LED cap is a dual-band LED light therapy wireless "smart" cap. It has been effective in androgenetic alopecia (used once daily, 10-minute treatment regimen) for both men and women. There are also reportedly minimal side effects, unlike with topical minoxidil which can cause pruritus and initial hair shedding in the first few weeks, or finasteride which can cause gynecomastia and loss of libido. In this study we hope to see if the anti-inflammatory capabilities of this cap can improve scalp symptoms, reduce hair loss, and promote maturation of vellus and intermediate hairs in non-scarred areas of the scalp in those affected by CCCA.

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