Topical minoxidil for hair regrowth

Evelyn E. Vanderveen, Charles N. Ellis, Sewon Kang, Patrice Case, John T. Headington, John J. Voorhees, Neil A. Swanson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

69 Scopus citations

Abstract

Minoxidil, a potent peripheral vasodilator used orally for refractory hypertension, has produced hypertrichosis. To determine the efficacy and safety of 1% or 5% topical minoxidil for the stimulation of scalp hair regrowth, we studied fifteen normotensive patients, five with androgenic alopecia and ten with alopecia areata diagnosed clinically and by biopsy, for 12 months. Three of five patients with androgenic alopecia using 5% minoxidil for 12 months noted hair regrowth, ranging from minimally observable hair to an appreciable restoration of larger, pigmented, terminal hair in one patient. Among the patients with androgenic alopecia, regrowth response corresponded to the serum minoxidil blood levels. None of the patients with alopecia areata receiving either 1% or 5% minoxidil noted hair regrowth despite comparable minoxidil blood levels. Improved local absorption of topical minoxidil solution may promote hair regrowth in androgenic alopecia.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)416-421
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Volume11
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 1984
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Dermatology

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