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
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March 2007 in “Clinical and experimental dermatology” Pimecrolimus cream is not effective for treating alopecia areata.
219 citations
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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
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September 2002 in “Acta dermato-venereologica” Topical tacrolimus did not regrow hair in alopecia universalis patients.
26 citations
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March 1987 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”
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.
1 citations
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March 2017 in “PubMed” Topical minoxidil did not significantly regrow hair in alopecia areata patients after 3 months.
July 2013 in “DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals)” Minoxidil can effectively treat patchy hair loss by stimulating hair growth.
16 citations
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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.
80 citations
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October 1983 in “BMJ” Minoxidil helps hair regrowth in alopecia patients, with 16 having good results and no side effects.
