Alopecia Areata Treated With Topical Minoxidil

A study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a 1% minoxidil topical solution in treating alopecia areata. The study included 48 patients with either patchy disease or alopecia totalis/universalis. Out of the 25 patients who experienced hair regrowth, 11 of them found it cosmetically acceptable. The timing of hair regrowth varied, typically starting around two months after treatment initiation. However, the maintenance of hair growth was not consistent after treatment cessation. Only one patient had an allergic reaction to the minoxidil solution, and no systemic side effects were observed. The study suggests that minoxidil therapy may stimulate hair growth through effects on cutaneous blood flow, the immune system, or direct effects on hair follicles.