Minoxidil for Patchy Alopecia Areata: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

    P.C.B. Freire, Raúl Riera, Ana Luiza Cabrera Martimbianco, V Petri, Álvaro Nagib Atallah
    Image of study
    TLDR Minoxidil effectively and safely treats patchy hair loss, but more research needed.
    A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials evaluated the effectiveness and safety of over 80 interventions for patchy alopecia areata (AA), including minoxidil. The study found that topical 5% minoxidil is effective and safe compared to placebo in children and adults with patchy AA, and that there are minimal adverse events in the short term. However, the quality of evidence was low to moderate due to the small sample sizes and high risk of bias in some studies. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    9 / 9 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community If you're sitting there wondering, "I'm losing my hair, what do I do?" then read my advice here. I've been fighting the fight for 7 years, with great success. (pictures included)

      in Question  109 upvotes 12 years ago
      Fighting hair loss with "The Big 3" treatments of Propecia, Rogaine and Nizoral shampoo, as well as specific advice on how to use these products. People have shared their long-term success stories and some have discussed the side effects of finasteride. Other suggestions included Lipogaine and Pura D'or Hair Loss Prevention Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner.

      community What else is good. Besides the big 3.

      in Chat  35 upvotes 1 year ago
      Key treatments for hair preservation include minoxidil, finasteride/dutasteride, and microneedling, with additional options like specific shampoos, oils, biotin, zinc, tretinoin, clascoterone, and low-level laser therapy. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, reducing stress, and addressing nutrient deficiencies can also support hair health.

      community DHT and 5AR respect post, it's importance within the brain

      in Research/Science  111 upvotes 2 years ago
      The conversation discusses whether to use finasteride for hair loss, considering its role in inhibiting DHT and 5AR, which can affect brain function and mood. Some users report anxiety and depression from finasteride, while others do not experience these side effects and emphasize the importance of DHT for brain and prostate health.

      community I am a dermatologist with a clinical interest in alopecia. AMA

      in Will treatment work for me? 3 years ago
      In this conversation, 4990 discussed various treatments for hair loss, including oral minoxidil, PRP, transplan, Jak inhibitors, Dutasteride, Finasteride, Olumiant, Ketoconazole, RU58841, microneedling, baricitinib, and CCCA. They recommended scalp biopsies in unclear cases of DUPA, twice weekly to twice daily shampooing for topical minoxidil users, and two sessions spaced one month apart with follow up at month three to determine the effectiveness of PRP treatment.

      community Why I deleted my YouTube channel Part I

      in Update  118 upvotes 4 years ago
      A YouTuber named Kevin, also known as Rider_Of_Roach, who deleted his YouTube channel due to personal attacks and controversy surrounding his views on hair loss treatments. He advocated for FDA-approved treatments like finasteride and minoxidil but faced backlash from those who disagreed with him. The conversation also discusses his past trolling behavior and a lawsuit he filed against a website that published false information about him. Despite some disagreements, many viewers appreciated his research-based content and hope to see him return in the future.

    Related Research

    8 / 8 results