Effectivity of Minoxidil as a Treatment for Alopecia Areata

January 2014 in “ DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) ”

Wayan Evie Frida Yustin

minoxidil alopecia areata hair follicles potassium channels anagen phase telogen phase cell proliferation vascular effects VEGF Rogaine

TLDR Minoxidil can effectively treat patchy hair loss by stimulating hair growth.

The document discussed the effectiveness of minoxidil as a treatment for alopecia areata, a condition characterized by patchy hair loss. It highlighted that minoxidil had been known for over 30 years to stimulate hair growth by working on hair follicles, opening potassium channels, and increasing blood flow. Histological studies showed that minoxidil therapy could increase the proportion of hair follicles in the anagen phase and decrease those in the telogen phase. Additionally, minoxidil at micromolar concentrations stimulated cell proliferation, while at millimolar concentrations, it inhibited growth. The document also mentioned that minoxidil's vascular effects and stimulation of VEGF could promote hair follicle growth.

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research Alopecia Areata Treated With Topical Minoxidil

16 citations, April 1984 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Topical minoxidil can help hair regrowth in alopecia areata patients, but maintaining the growth after stopping treatment is inconsistent.

research Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

18 citations, March 1984 in “BMJ”

Minoxidil helps hair regrowth in alopecia, but more research needed.

research Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

80 citations, October 1983 in “BMJ”

Minoxidil helps hair regrowth in alopecia patients, with 16 having good results and no side effects.