Telogen Effluvium Therapy in SLE with 2% Minoxidil and Oral Antioxidants: A Case Report

The document reports a case of a 19-year-old female patient with telogen effluvium (ET), a hair disorder characterized by excessive shedding of telogen hair, triggered by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The patient, who had been experiencing hair loss for a year, presented with symptoms of SLE including fever, facial rash, and joint pain, and was diagnosed with SLE based on positive ANA, dsDNA, Scl-70, and Ro-60 tests. She was treated with methylprednisolone (48 mg/day) and cyclosporine (100 mg/day). Dermatological examination showed diffuse hair loss and a positive hair pull test. Treatment with topical 2% minoxidil twice daily and oral antioxidants containing keratin (cynatine HNS) at 250 mg twice daily was initiated. The treatment led to new hair growth and increased hair density by day 90. The document concludes that topical minoxidil, a vasodilator, and oral antioxidants containing keratin can be considered as a combined therapy for ET, as they improve blood flow and oxygen to hair follicles and enhance hair, skin, and nail health.