Efficacy and Safety of Ablative Fractional CO2 Laser Therapy for Localized Scleroderma: A Comprehensive Bench-to-Bedside Approach

This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of ablative fractional CO2 laser (CO2-AFL) therapy for treating localized scleroderma (LS), involving 34 patients. The therapy significantly improved skin appearance, reduced collagen deposition, and restored adipose tissue structure in LS lesions. Notably, it was the first to show positive effects on hair growth in fibrotic lesions. The treatment improved skin fibrosis, increased dermal and subcutaneous adipose thickness, and activated hair follicle stem cells. Clinical assessments showed significant improvements in pigmentation, atrophic depressions, scarring, and hair loss. Despite promising results, the study's small cohort and short follow-up limit the statistical outcomes, indicating a need for further research.