The rise of transcutaneous drug delivery for the management of alopecia: a review of existing literature and an eye towards the future
October 2018
in “Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy”
TLDR Using methods like lasers and microneedling with drugs can improve hair regrowth for alopecia, but more research is needed on safety and best practices.
The 2018 review analyzed the use of transcutaneous drug delivery methods, such as fractional lasers and microneedling, for treating alopecia, including androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and alopecia areata (AA). It covered 8 studies, including 6 prospective clinical trials and 2 case series, with a total of 17 patients. The studies showed that combining these methods with topical drugs like triamcinolone, minoxidil, and finasteride can enhance hair regrowth, with 6 out of 8 studies reporting improvements. The review concluded that while these methods are promising, more research is needed to establish the best treatment parameters, device selection, and safety profiles. Side effects were rare but could include various skin conditions. The review also suggested that controlled medical settings are recommended for these treatments due to potential systemic risks and sterility concerns.
View this study on tandfonline.com →
Cited in this study
research Randomized trial of electrodynamic microneedle combined with 5% minoxidil topical solution for the treatment of Chinese male Androgenetic alopecia
Combining electrodynamic microneedle with 5% minoxidil improves hair growth and reduces hair loss in Chinese men.
research Original article: Platelet-rich plasma with microneedling in androgenetic alopecia along with dermoscopic pre- and post-treatment evaluation
PRP with microneedling effectively treats hair loss, and dermoscopy helps evaluate results.
research Oral tofacitinib monotherapy in Korean patients with refractory moderate-to-severe alopecia areata: A case series
Tofacitinib is effective and safe for treating severe hair loss in Korean patients.
research Enhancing hair growth in male androgenetic alopecia by a combination of fractional CO2 laser therapy and hair growth factors
Laser therapy and hair growth factors significantly improve hair density in male baldness.
research A comparative study of microneedling with platelet-rich plasma plus topical minoxidil (5%) and topical minoxidil (5%) alone in androgenetic alopecia
Microneedling with platelet-rich plasma and minoxidil improves hair growth more than just minoxidil in men with hair loss.
research Using automated microneedling with platelet rich plasma for treating cicatricial alopecia, recalcitrant alopecia areata and traction alopecia, case report
Microneedling with platelet-rich plasma can improve different types of hair loss.
research Platelet-rich plasma microneedling versus 5% topical minoxidil in the treatment of patterned hair loss
Minoxidil works faster and is more cost-effective for treating hair loss, but platelet-rich plasma microneedling can be an alternative for those who can't use minoxidil.
research Current Treatments for Alopecia Areata
There is no cure for alopecia areata, but treatments like JAK inhibitors show promise.
research Response to microneedling treatment in men with androgenetic alopecia who failed to respond to conventional therapy
Microneedling can effectively promote new hair growth in men with hair loss who didn't improve with traditional treatments.
research Transepidermal drug delivery: A new treatment option for areata alopecia?
research Alopecia areata is driven by cytotoxic T lymphocytes and is reversed by JAK inhibition
Alopecia areata can be reversed by JAK inhibitors, promoting hair regrowth.
research Alopecia areata-successful outcome with microneedling and triamcinolone acetonide
Microneedling combined with triamcinolone can safely stimulate faster hair regrowth in people with Alopecia Areata.
research Clinical effects of non-ablative and ablative fractional lasers on various hair disorders: a case series of 17 patients
Non-ablative and ablative fractional lasers helped hair growth in some cases without major side effects, but didn't work for all hair disorders.
research Effects of topical application of growth factors followed by microneedle therapy in women with female pattern hair loss: A pilot study
Growth factors and microneedle therapy increase hair density in women with hair loss.
research A randomized evaluator blinded study of effect of microneedling in androgenetic alopecia: A pilot study
research Hair follicle stem cell differentiation is inhibited through cross‐talk between Wnt/β‐catenin and androgen signalling in dermal papilla cells from patients with androgenetic alopecia
Androgens block hair growth by disrupting cell signals; targeting GSK-3 may help treat hair loss.
research The Effect of a 1550 Nm Fractional Erbium-Glass Laser in Female Pattern Hair Loss
Laser treatment increases hair density and thickness safely in women with hair loss.
research Fractional Photothermolysis Laser Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss
Laser treatment can stimulate hair growth for male pattern hair loss.
research Quality of Life in Alopecia Areata: A Study of 60 Cases
Alopecia areata seriously lowers quality of life, especially affecting self-image, mental health, and social life.
research Photodynamic Therapy with Methyl 5-Aminolevulinate Acid Might Be Ineffective in Recalcitrant Alopecia Totalis Regardless of Using a Microneedle Roller to Increase Skin Penetration
research Male androgenetic alopecia: Population-based study in 1,005 subjects
58% of men aged 30-50 have hair loss, with severity increasing with age.
research Evaluation and treatment of male and female pattern hair loss
Early diagnosis and treatment, using finasteride, minoxidil, or hair transplantation, improves hair loss outcomes.
research Androgenetic alopecia in men aged 40-69 years: prevalence and risk factors
Hair loss increases with age; alcohol raises risk, more female partners lowers it.
research Hair density, hair diameter and the prevalence of female pattern hair loss
FPHL affects hair density and diameter, causing visible hair loss in older women.
research The psychosocial consequences of androgenetic alopecia: a review of the research literature
Hair loss affects self-esteem and quality of life; treatments can help.
research Finasteride in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia
Finasteride safely and effectively treats male pattern hair loss, but may cause reversible sexual issues and harm male fetuses.
research Topical minoxidil in male pattern baldness: Effects of discontinuation of treatment
Stopping minoxidil treatment resumes balding; continuous use needed for results.
research Use of Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Male Pattern Baldness
Minoxidil effectively regrows hair in male pattern baldness.
Related
research EFECTIVITY MINOXIDIL AS A TREATMENT OF ALOPECIA AREATA
research Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia and Alopecia Areata
Minoxidil and finasteride treat hair loss; more research needed for other options.
research Alopecia areata treated with topical minoxidil
Topical minoxidil can help hair regrowth in alopecia areata patients, but maintaining the growth after stopping treatment is inconsistent.
research Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata
Minoxidil helps hair regrowth in alopecia patients, with 16 having good results and no side effects.