Oral Minoxidil Media Coverage: The Impact on Patient Perceptions and Practitioner Approaches to Androgenetic Alopecia

The study "Oral Minoxidil Media Coverage: The Impact on Patient Perceptions and Practitioner Approaches to Androgenetic Alopecia" aimed to understand the influence of a New York Times article on the popularity of low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) treatment. The researchers conducted a survey of 201 dermatologists and other dermatology providers, and used Google Analytics to assess public interest trends on AGA and LDOM. The study found that the media coverage led to a surge in public curiosity and interest in LDOM as a treatment for AGA. However, the study also highlighted the potential for misinformation spread through such channels, which could encourage the use of unproven treatments without adequate disclosure or discussion of risks.