TLDR Minoxidil 2% is more effective than tacrolimus 0.1% for hair regrowth in mild to moderate patchy hair loss, and combining both might give better results.
In a study conducted from December 2010 to November 2011, 75 patients with alopecia areata were treated with either tacrolimus 0.1% ointment or minoxidil 2% solution. By the end of the study, 69 patients had completed the treatment, with 35 in the minoxidil group and 34 in the tacrolimus group. The results showed that 65.71% of patients treated with minoxidil 2% had a regrowth score of 3 or more, compared to 44.12% of patients treated with tacrolimus 0.1%. The study concluded that minoxidil 2% was more effective in stimulating hair growth than tacrolimus 0.1% in treating mild to moderate patchy alopecia areata. Both treatments had minimal side effects, but the study suggested that a combination treatment might yield better results.
26 citations,
March 2007 in “Clinical and experimental dermatology” Pimecrolimus cream is not effective for treating alopecia areata.
219 citations,
March 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” 5% and 2% minoxidil solutions effectively promote hair growth and reduce hair loss, with 5% being slightly more effective but having more side effects.
19 citations,
September 2002 in “Acta dermato-venereologica” Topical tacrolimus did not regrow hair in alopecia universalis patients.
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June 2022 in “Pakistan Journal of Medical and Health Sciences” Topical clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment is more effective in promoting hair regrowth in patients with alopecia areata than topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment.
January 2014 in “DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals)” Minoxidil can effectively treat patchy hair loss by stimulating hair growth.
16 citations,
April 1984 in “Archives of Dermatology” Topical minoxidil can help hair regrowth in alopecia areata patients, but maintaining the growth after stopping treatment is inconsistent.
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80 citations,
October 1983 in “BMJ” Minoxidil helps hair regrowth in alopecia patients, with 16 having good results and no side effects.
