retinoic acid + fractionated CO2 laser

This experimental therapeutic approach, developed by Johns Hopkins University, is designed to treat central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA). The protocol combines the application of topical retinoic acid (tretinoin) with gentle skin wounding performed via a fractionated CO2 laser. The mechanism is based on the hypothesis that laser-induced wounding triggers the release of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), which then synergizes with retinoic acid to stimulate the Wnt signaling pathway. This activation is intended to induce hair follicle neogenesis in regions of the scalp affected by scarring alopecia. The approach is currently being investigated in a pilot clinical trial (NCT03491267).

Other names

tretinoinRetin-Agentle wounding and retinoic acid