Comparative Efficacy of Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil, Topical Minoxidil, and Platelet-Rich Plasma with Topical Minoxidil in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
June 2024
in “
British Journal of Dermatology
”
TLDR Combining PRP with topical minoxidil is the most effective for increasing hair density in male pattern baldness.
This randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy of low-dose oral minoxidil, topical minoxidil, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combined with topical minoxidil in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in 66 male participants. Over 32 weeks, Group 3 (PRP with topical minoxidil) showed the most significant increase in terminal hair density, while Group 1 (oral minoxidil) was more effective in reducing vellus hair density. All treatments led to a reduction in hair diameter diversity and changes in Treg cell populations and signalling molecules, with no significant differences between the groups. The study supports low-dose oral minoxidil as a viable alternative to topical minoxidil and highlights the benefits of combining PRP with topical minoxidil.