Serendipity in Trichology

    January 2011 in “ International Journal of Trichology ”
    Patrick Yesudian
    Image of study
    TLDR Accidental findings have led to new hair treatment discoveries, like using blood pressure and diabetes medications for hair loss and unwanted hair.
    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.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 35 results

      community Hair Growth Progress Reversed. Help.

      in Treatments  128 upvotes 4 days ago
      The user experienced hair regrowth with oral Minoxidil, dandruff shampoo, topical Nanoxidil, and Revita Shampoo but lost progress after stopping Nanoxidil temporarily. They are now using topical Nanoxidil and oral dutasteride but are experiencing increased shedding and are unsure whether to continue or revert to their original regimen.

      community C’est terrible - at my wits end

      in Female  447 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 29-year-old woman is experiencing gradual hair thinning since age 15, suspects Androgenic Alopecia, and has tried 5% minoxidil with little success. She has purchased various hair loss treatments including minoxidil, dutasteride, finasteride, and spironolactone, but is cautious about starting them due to potential interactions with her ADHD medication.

      community 4 months on minox 5% and 1mm dermarolling

      in Progress Pictures  44 upvotes 1 year ago
      A user has been using Minoxidil and dermarolling for 4 months to treat hair loss, with some success. However, others suggest that without adding finasteride to the regimen, the hair regrowth may not last.

      community Nizoral doesn't seem to be working. Rogaine not suggested by doctor due to cost and poor track record on females. Ideas?

      in Ketoconazole  22 upvotes 6 years ago
      A woman experiencing hair loss and facial hair growth suspects PCOS or androgenic alopecia and is considering treatments like Rogaine, but is concerned about the cost. She has tried various hair care methods and is awaiting a hormone doctor appointment, while others suggest she may have a hormonal imbalance and recommend seeing a gynecologist or trying cheaper versions of Rogaine.

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results