Topical Antiandrogen Therapies for Androgenetic Alopecia and Acne Vulgaris
April 2020
in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”
TLDR Topical therapies show promise for hair loss and acne treatment with minimal side effects.
The article explores the effectiveness and safety of using topical antiandrogen therapies to treat androgenetic alopecia and acne vulgaris. The therapies include finasteride, ketoconazole shampoo, and cortexolone 17a-propionate (C17P). The authors found that these therapies are promising treatments for male pattern hair loss, especially when used with topical minoxidil. C17P also has potential in treating acne vulgaris in both males and females. Clinical trials have reported minimal adverse effects for all topical therapies. However, more research is needed to determine their effectiveness and safety, particularly in women.
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Cited in this study
research The efficacy and use of finasteride in women: a systematic review
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research Efficacy of Topical Combination of 0.25% Finasteride and 3% Minoxidil Versus 3% Minoxidil Solution in Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Study
Combination of 0.25% finasteride and 3% minoxidil works better than just 3% minoxidil for increasing hair thickness in women.
research A randomized, double-blind controlled study of the efficacy and safety of topical solution of 0.25% finasteride admixed with 3% minoxidil vs. 3% minoxidil solution in the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia
Finasteride and minoxidil mix works better for hair growth than minoxidil alone, with similar safety.
research Female pattern hair loss: A clinical, pathophysiologic, and therapeutic review
No cure for female pattern hair loss, but various effective treatments exist.
research The effectiveness of treatments for androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Minoxidil, finasteride, and low-level laser light therapy effectively treat hair loss.
research Effects of a novel finasteride 0.25% topical solution on scalp and serum dihydrotestosterone in healthy men with androgenetic alopecia
The 0.25% finasteride solution, when applied once a day, effectively reduces scalp DHT, potentially minimizing sexual side-effects linked to a systemic DHT reduction.
research Topical minoxidil fortified with finasteride: An account of maintenance of hair density after replacing oral finasteride
Minoxidil and finasteride combo maintains hair density effectively.
research A novel finasteride 0.25% topical solution for androgenetic alopecia: pharmacokinetics and effects on plasma androgen levels in healthy male volunteers
New finasteride solution effectively reduces baldness-causing hormone, potentially with fewer side effects.
research The role of androgen and androgen receptor in skin-related disorders
Targeting androgen receptors could be a promising way to treat skin disorders with fewer side effects.
research Role of genetics and sex steroid hormones in male androgenetic alopecia and female pattern hair loss: An update of what we now know
Genetics and hormones play a role in male and female hair loss, but more research is needed to fully understand it.
research Comparing the therapeutic effects of finasteride gel and tablet in treatment of the androgenetic alopecia
research Androgens and hair growth
Androgens can both increase and decrease hair growth in different parts of the body.
research Sexual Hormones in Human Skin
Human skin makes sexual hormones that affect hair growth, skin health, and healing; too much can cause acne and hair loss, while treatments can manage these conditions.
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 Androgen action on human skin – from basic research to clinical significance
Hormones like testosterone affect skin functions and can cause skin issues when in excess; treatments to manage these effects are only somewhat effective.
research Ketocazole as an adjunct to finasteride in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men
Ketoconazole shampoo with finasteride improves hair density in men with hair loss.
research Treatment of hyperandrogenic alopecia in women
Flutamide may slightly improve hair loss in women, but finasteride does not work.
research Lack of efficacy of finasteride in postmenopausal women with androgenetic alopecia
Finasteride doesn't effectively treat hair loss in postmenopausal women.
research Ketoconazole Shampoo: Effect of Long-Term Use in Androgenic Alopecia
Ketoconazole shampoo improves hair growth and reduces oil similarly to minoxidil in male pattern hair loss.
research Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia
People with hair loss have more androgen receptors and enzymes in certain follicles, with men and women showing different patterns.
research Topical finasteride in the treatment of androgenic alopecia. Preliminary evaluations after a 16-month therapy course
Topical finasteride helps regrow hair and reduce balding without side effects.
research Androgens and human hair growth
research Ketoconazole Therapy for Women with Acne and/or Hirsutism
Ketoconazole reduced hair growth and improved acne in women, but caused side effects needing careful monitoring.
Related
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Doctors are prescribing spironolactone more often to treat acne and skin conditions in teenagers, and it seems safe and well-tolerated.
research Topical Antiandrogen Therapies for Androgenetic Alopecia and Acne Vulgaris
Topical therapies show promise for hair loss and acne treatment with minimal side effects.
research Effect of finasteride 5 mg (Proscar) on acne and alopecia in female patients with normal serum levels of free testosterone
Finasteride improves acne and hair loss in women with normal testosterone.
research Current Aspects of Antiandrogen Therapy in Women
Antiandrogen therapy is effective and well tolerated for treating women's androgenic disorders like hirsutism, acne, and hair loss.
research Other Antiandrogens
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