The Effect of Topical Finasteride 0.5% on the Outcome of Diode Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Excess Facial Hair in Women with Hirsutism

The study conducted in 2012-2013, involved 104 women with idiopathic hirsutism, divided into two groups of 52 each. One group was treated with topical finasteride 0.5% and diode laser therapy, while the other received a placebo solution and the same laser therapy. The mean hair count before treatment was similar in both groups (49.09±12.41 in the intervention group and 48.78±15.31 in the placebo group). After 6 months, the mean hair count reduced to 3.26±1.01 in the treatment group and 5.23±1.73 in the placebo group. After a one-year follow-up, the mean hair count was 3.73±1.20 in the intervention group and 7.36±2.40 in the placebo group. The study concluded that the application of finasteride 0.5% solution in conjunction with diode laser therapy resulted in a significant reduction of unwanted facial hairs.