Topical Minoxidil Dose-Response Effect in Alopecia Areata
February 1986
in “
Archives of Dermatology
”
TLDR A 5% minoxidil solution led to better hair regrowth in severe alopecia areata than a 1% solution, but results were often not cosmetically acceptable.
In a study from 1986, 47 patients with severe alopecia areata were treated with a topical 5% minoxidil solution, resulting in terminal hair regrowth in 85% of the participants after 48 to 60 weeks. However, the regrowth was not cosmetically acceptable for most. Compared to a previous study using a 1% solution, the 5% concentration showed significantly better results in both the percentage of responders and the quality of hair regrowth. One patient experienced allergic contact dermatitis, but no systemic side effects were observed. The study indicated a dose-response effect for minoxidil in treating alopecia areata and highlighted the need for further research on dosing and delivery methods to improve treatment outcomes.
