Study finds potential treatment for “no known cure” cicatricial alopecia scarring hair loss

03 Jun 2022 --- US researchers from Wake Forest University have found that using Revian’s “low-level light therapy” has the potential to treat central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) – a scarring hair loss that affects African American women in particular. The treatment involves the use of the Revian Red System.

“Revian Red is the first and only FDA-cleared at-home system that not only stops hair loss, but also promotes hair growth with dual wavelength LED light,” John Oakley, executive chairman at Revian, tells PersonalCareInsights.

“The Revian Red system shows promising results for a complex disease for which we have no treatment options,” says Dr. Amy McMichael, chair and professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University.

The study found a decreased loss of follicular openings and breakage of 75%.

“To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the use of low-level light therapy for CCCA management, and we are partnering with the Revian team to evaluate a treatment for this devastating condition.” 

Another study in March found that using the arthritis drug baricitinib impacted the hair growth levels after alopecia affected hair loss. 

Patented wavelengths
The patented wavelengths of LED light come in 620 nanometers and 660 nanometers emitted from a head cap. The study found a decreased loss of follicular openings and breakage of 75%.

“Revian Red has been shown to combat all three factors in hair loss – including a drug-free option to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to DHT,” adds Oakley.

“The dual band technology triggers the body’s natural release and production of nitric oxide and targets the three main pathogenic factors known to be associated with hair loss: reduced blood flow, inflammation, elevated levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT).” 

The hair loss condition is believed to be caused by environmental, genetic and inflammatory components.

“No side effects”
The treatment used in the study consisted of using the Revian Red cap for ten minutes per day. 

“The lightweight cap can be worn daily which comes with an intuitive app downloaded to a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone or tablet. The app controls the cap and tracks treatment progress,” comments Oakly.

Participants in the clinical trial consisted of African American women with a proven diagnosis of stage II-IV CCCA. They were given treatment regimens at least three months before the study enrollment. The treatment was continued during the study period as well. 

The progress was noted with follow-up visits at two, four and six months using digital photography. This included self-assessments and clinician evaluation. 

The images showed short and vellus hair (baby hair) regrowing, including minimal inter and perifollicular scales (white scales around the hair follicle). 

Additionally, 75% of patients had an improved Dermatology Life Quality Index with no side effects reported.

Patients had an average median age of 53.4 years old (38-69). The average duration of the disease was 12 years, and the severity of the disease ranged from stages IIB-IVA. 

By Venya Patel