Serendipity in Trichology

The document discusses the concept of serendipity in the field of trichology, highlighting several accidental discoveries that have significantly impacted the treatment of hair-related conditions. The active principle in a nut from the 'coco-de-mono' tree was found to cause hair loss due to its selenium content, leading to the discovery of the compound Cysta Selinonine (CS) which inhibits mitosis in hair keratin. Minoxidil, originally a hypertension medication, was found to cause hypertrichosis, leading to its use as a topical treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Similarly, finasteride was approved for AGA treatment after it promoted hair growth in men treated for enlarged prostate. Cyclosporin A (Cy.A), used in transplant patients, was observed to increase hair growth, although it did not prove effective as a topical treatment for AGA or alopecia areata. An ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor, alpha difluoromethyl ornithine (DFMO), was found to reduce hair growth in animals, leading to the development of a topical treatment for unwanted hair in hirsute women. Lastly, thiazolidinediones (TZD), used for type II diabetes, were found to improve hirsutism in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and play a role in treating lichen plano pilaris (LPP). The document emphasizes the importance of observation and preparedness in making serendipitous discoveries in dermatology.