Childhood Alopecia Areata Study Using the 308-nm Excimer Laser

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Children 6-17 years old, diagnosed with patch type alopecia areata for a minimum of 6 months prior to enrollment involving the scalp. 2. A Parent/guardian consent and child assent (in those 8 years old or greater) must be obtained. 3. Parent/guardian and patient agree to MED dose test with a 24 hour follow up visit and a 12 week period of twice weekly treatment in either group, as well as baseline, interim and end of study visits. 4. Parent/guardian and child must be able to understand English or Spanish to participate. 5. Parent/guardian must agree to have the patient undergo a washout period of 6 weeks prior to the enrollment of the study if the patient is currently on treatment of any kind (oral and/or topical) for AA. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Children who have been diagnosed with an autoimmune skin disease or photosensitivity disorder. 2. Children who have been using topical steroids to the scalp, have other scalp disease or are using injected or oral steroids, biologic agents or chemotherapy for other medical conditions. 3. Children under current treatment for other skin conditions with oral medications (such as an oral corticosteroid) and/or topical treatments such as topical corticosteroids that may affect hair regrowth. Specifically, for topical medications, any child that requires the use of class 1-2 topical corticosteroids will be excluded. 3\. Any subject who is currently experiencing significant spontaneous regrowth of terminal hair. 4\. Patients with alopecia universalis, totalis, ophiasis pattern or diffuse AA may not participate in this feasibility study. 4\. Parent/guardian who do not consent or children who do not assent to participate. 5\. Any subject who has had AA for less than 6 months and is not willing to undergo a 6 week wash-out period prior to start of the study.