TLDR 5% topical minoxidil improves hair density and quality in monilethrix patients.
The study identified the heterozygous missense variant c.1204G>A (p.E402K) in the KRT86 gene as the causative mutation in a family with monilethrix, which was not present in the mother or 100 unrelated healthy controls. The proband treated with 5% topical minoxidil showed significant improvement in hair density and hair shaft quality after six months, with no adverse events. The p.E402K mutation is suggested to be a "hotspot" for autosomal dominant monilethrix in China, and 5% topical minoxidil is confirmed to be a safe and effective treatment.
5 citations,
February 2022 in “Molecular genetics & genomic medicine” New gene variants linked to a rare inherited hair loss disorder were found in three Chinese families.
37 citations,
May 2016 in “JAAD case reports” Oral minoxidil shows promise in treating monilethrix-related hair loss.
20 citations,
February 2015 in “Anais brasileiros de dermatologia/Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia” A 6-year-old girl was diagnosed with a rare hair disorder and started treatment with topical minoxidil.
23 citations,
January 2011 in “International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology” Minoxidil 2% effectively treats Monilethrix without side effects.
2 citations,
November 2022 in “Skin research and technology” 5% topical minoxidil improves hair density and quality in monilethrix patients.
26 citations,
July 2019 in “Dermatology and Therapy” The conclusion is that genetic testing is important for diagnosing and treating various genetic hair disorders.
November 2019 in “Harper's Textbook of Pediatric Dermatology” Understanding normal hair growth and loss in children is key to diagnosing and treating hair disorders.
33 citations,
June 2016 in “Pediatric Dermatology” Some congenital hair disorders improve in childhood or with treatments like minoxidil and retinoids, while others like Netherton syndrome and trichothiodystrophy have a poor prognosis.
9 citations,
February 2022 in “Nature communications” Rare changes in the KRT82 gene are linked to a higher risk of Alopecia Areata.
