The efficacy and safety of the combination of photobiomodulation therapy and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on androgenetic alopecia.

BACKGROUND

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) appears to be safe and effective for hair loss. Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) also has a positive biological effect on hair re-growth.

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of both PBMT and PEMF for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, sham device-controlled trial. We recruited 80 subjects with androgenetic alopecia. The subjects got treatment every week for the 1st 12 weeks, every other week for the next 8 weeks. PBMT entails 15-min therapy, and PEMF was carried out for 10 min.

RESULTS

The baseline hair density was 114.57 (±28.75)/cm and 113.31 (±30.07)/cm in both treatment and control groups. After 24 weeks of treatment, the mean hair density increased to 139.37 (±31.4)/cm in the treatment group but only to 119.78 (±31.92)/cm in the control group. The difference between two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Based on the global assessment of independent experts, the score was 0.41 (±0.62) in the treatment group and 0.07 (±0.45) in the control group. Only very mild erythema or irritation was reported, and no serious adverse reactions were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of PBMT and PEMF is a valid and safe treatment option for AGA.