Gentle Wounding for Hair Growth
Trial Summary
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop your current medications, but it mentions a possible month-long washout period (time without taking certain medications) if deemed necessary.
What data supports the effectiveness of the Gentle Wounding for Hair Growth treatment?
The research on laser hair removal shows that lasers can effectively target hair follicles, leading to reduced hair growth and finer hair regrowth. This suggests that laser treatment, as part of the Gentle Wounding for Hair Growth approach, may help stimulate hair growth by affecting hair follicles.12345
Is gentle wounding for hair growth safe?
How does the gentle wounding laser treatment for hair growth differ from other treatments?
The gentle wounding laser treatment for hair growth is unique because it uses a laser to create controlled, minor injuries to the skin, which can stimulate hair growth by enhancing the environment around hair follicles. This approach differs from other treatments that may focus on removing hair or using topical solutions, as it leverages the body's natural healing processes to promote hair regrowth.111121314
What is the purpose of this trial?
The investigators have extensive evidence in mouse that wounding leads to the generation of new hair follicles in the skin. This can be an important new therapy for patients with scarring, but especially those with alopecia.The question is whether gentle wounding in human subjects can cause the generation of a new hair follicle.The plan is to first carefully map a small area of the scalp without hair follicles. Investigators will then try various modalities of gentle wounding (including fractionated Carbon Dioxide (CO2) laser, mild curetting) of the surface epithelium in the presence and absence of FDA approved topical medications (including retinoids). Investigators will then prospectively monitor the area for hair growth both by noninvasive visual monitoring (including photographs and dermoscopy) and biopsies.The outcomes of this study hopefully will allow new therapies for especially scarring alopecia conditions where hair follicles are completely lost and there are no current therapies.
Research Team
Luis Garza, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
Johns Hopkins University
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults over 18 with a clinical diagnosis of Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) grades 2-4. Participants must be healthy, able to follow the study's protocol and visit schedule, and not have any skin conditions or tattoos in the treatment area. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those with allergies to local anesthetics or antiseptics used in procedures, and anyone at risk due to medical conditions are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Various modalities of gentle wounding, including fractionated CO2 laser and mild curetting, are applied to the scalp in the presence and absence of FDA approved topical medications
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for hair growth through noninvasive visual monitoring and biopsies
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Laser
- Retinoic acid
- Sham treatment
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Johns Hopkins University
Lead Sponsor
National Institute Of Arthritis & Musculoskeletal & Skin Diseases
Collaborator