TLDR Scientists developed a new method to deliver alopecia treatment directly to hair follicles, which could be a promising treatment for hair loss and other hair diseases.
In 2017, researchers Maitra, Goyal, and Rath developed a new method for delivering minoxidil, a common alopecia treatment, directly to hair follicles. They created a minoxidil-loaded microemulsion, characterized by a globule size of 41.0nm, a zeta potential of +28.22mV, and a transmittance of 98.1%. The microemulsion showed an in-vitro release of 68.5% after 24 hours and 67.5% drug retention inside the hair shaft in ex-vivo studies. The formulation significantly altered the follicular response in a 5-Fluorouracil induced alopecia model. The study concluded that this novel approach could be a promising treatment for alopecia and other follicular diseases.
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June 2013 in “Journal of the Saudi Society of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery” Alopecia areata is an autoimmune hair loss condition treated with corticosteroids, and histologic confirmation is the best diagnosis method.
51 citations
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April 2013 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Hair follicle stem cells rely on nearby blood vessels for their maintenance and function.
103 citations
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December 2011 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Chemotherapy often causes temporary hair loss, which is distressing and needs better treatment and support.
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November 1990 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Minoxidil sulfate stimulates hair growth.
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July 1988 in “Clinics in dermatology” Thioglycolate lotions are the most popular method for permanent waving and hair straightening.
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October 1986 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Tretinoin may help hair growth and works better when combined with minoxidil.
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April 2012 in “European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics” The gel with special fat-loaded particles from rice bran could be an effective skin treatment for hair loss.
72 citations
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December 2012 in “Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery” Niosomes are promising for skin drug delivery, offering benefits like improved drug penetration and stability.
October 2025 in “Bioactive Materials” Combining traditional Chinese medicine with microneedles shows promise for effectively treating skin diseases with fewer side effects.
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January 2024 in “Journal of Lipids” Cubosomes improve drug delivery for skin and eye diseases by enhancing adhesion, retention, and release.
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December 2022 in “Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences” Invasomes with natural terpenes can improve drug delivery through the skin.
13 citations
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October 2012 in “InTech eBooks” Nanocarriers could improve how drugs are delivered through the skin but require more research to overcome challenges and ensure safety.
